Inaugural CERT Summit to Unite Four-County Region Around Disaster Preparedness
Community leaders, volunteers, and emergency management professionals from across Southwest Florida will gather later this month for the inaugural 2026 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Summit: Rising Resilience – Ready Together. Hosted by The Patterson Foundation, the free, day-long event will take place Thursday, January 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Ora in Sarasota.
The summit is designed to strengthen collaboration and coordination among CERT members, county emergency management leaders, Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COADs), Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs), and other community partners serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Organizers say the goal is to deepen regional connections and build a more resilient network before disasters strike.
Participants will take part in plenary sessions and smaller breakout workshops focused on practical preparedness strategies, skill development, and shared learning. The agenda emphasizes real-world insights and opportunities to connect with others who are actively engaged in disaster readiness, response, and long-term recovery efforts.
An exhibit and vendor hall will also be featured, offering attendees the chance to learn more about programs, services, and organizations that support disaster preparedness and community resilience throughout the region.
The summit is open to a wide audience, including active CERT volunteers, individuals interested in starting or joining a CERT team, and community members who want to play a role in helping their neighborhoods prepare for and recover from emergencies.
Registration is free, and attendees are encouraged to share the invitation with others who may be interested in participating in a day focused on learning, collaboration, and collective impact to create a safer, better-prepared region.
