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On April 22, the Charlotte County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) officially kicked off the 2025 hurricane season with an energizing in-person gathering at the Family Services Center. With 85 members in attendance, the event served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community unites to prepare, respond, and recover—together.
Opening remarks were delivered by key partners including Charlotte County Emergency Management, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the American Red Cross, and Gulf Coast Partnership's CEO, Angela Hogan, each reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening Charlotte County’s resilience. Attendees included representatives from faith-based groups, nonprofits, government agencies, and volunteer organizations—all working together to ensure no need goes unmet during times of crisis.
A Mission with Momentum
COAD’s mission is clear: to unite community organizations to communicate, coordinate services, and address unmet needs by providing training, financial assistance, critical supplies, and resources before, during, and after disasters. What sets Charlotte County COAD apart is its relentless focus on both preparedness and long-term recovery—a full-spectrum approach essential for today’s increasingly complex disaster landscape.
A Legacy of Action
Formed after Hurricane Irma in 2017, Charlotte County COAD has remained steadfast in its mission through some of the most trying years in recent memory. From leading a two-year pandemic response beginning in March 2020, to mobilizing aid for the Englewood tornadoes in 2022, to remaining active through Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Milton, and Helene, COAD has been on the ground—deploying hundreds of volunteers and delivering vital assistance to those in need.
A Bold Step Forward
Until now, COAD has been facilitated by the Gulf Coast Partnership, but as our community’s needs grow, so must our capacity. COAD is now taking the critical next step—filing for its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This transition will allow the organization to plan and build during blue skies, not just react during emergencies. It marks a pivotal evolution toward a dedicated, independent organization focused solely on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for Charlotte County.
New Structure, Renewed Purpose
The kickoff meeting also marked the unveiling of the Charlotte County COAD Manual and the introduction of the new Board of Directors. Eight essential committees were formed, each representing a key area of disaster response.
- Food & Shelter
- Crisis Response
- Volunteer Management
- Donations Management
- Long-Term Recovery
- Health Care
- Communications
- Spiritual Care
Attendees were invited to join the committee that best aligned with their expertise and passion. Each group held a breakout session, culminating in brief reports that set the stage for ongoing collaboration, planning, and resource-sharing.
Looking Ahead
The Charlotte County COAD is more than a response mechanism—it is a movement toward community-wide readiness and resilience. As the organization strengthens its infrastructure and formalizes its identity, it invites all willing partners to join in this important work.
To learn more or get involved, please contact info@coadfl.org.
