Sarasota extends big helping hand; Charlotte and DeSoto counties are getting lots of local assistance.(B SECTION)

Byline: JEREMY WALLACE jeremy.wallace@heraldtribune.com

So many Sarasota County workers are pouring into Charlotte County to help with recovery efforts that some have begun to refer to Charlotte as "Sarasota South."

Sarasota County emergency personnel were already prepped to deal with disaster had it hit Sarasota directly, so mobilizing to help neighboring Charlotte and DeSoto was natural.

"Right after the storm hit, our crews were heading into Charlotte County," said Tom Maroney of the Sarasota County public works department.

The Sarasota County health department alone has had as much as 65 percent of its staff -- more than 180 people -- …