MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Sept. 24, 2024) – Manatee County has declared a Local State of Emergency (LSE) in advance of anticipated severe weather over the next several days.
The declaration of this LSE allows County staff to perform any emergency actions required during the storm. It also allows the County the ability to get resources from the state as needed. This declaration is in addition to the still-in-effect LSE from Tropical Storm/Hurricane Debby.
Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center will continue to add staff and resources as needed as the storm progresses through the Gulf of Mexico. Current forecast(s) for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine (which would be named Helene) are predicting significant rainfall and storm surge across Florida and Manatee County.
"Currently we have 11 sandbag stations that are open and operational,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske.
Residents are encouraged to take any necessary precautions to protect their property against possible flooding. Sandbag locations, which have remained open, are being augmented with additional sites in at-risk areas. Open locations can be found at mymanatee.org/sandbags.
Manatee County staff has completed maintenance work on the Lake Manatee Dam. All three mechanical gates are operational, and the earthen gates have been restored to normal levels. Crews have also lowered the lake level in advance of the potential rainfall. The level was at 36.9 feet at 8 a.m. this morning. This will allow for more capacity as needed. Other preparations are being made county-wide.
“Our Utilities and Public Works crews are going throughout the county to make sure that the debris is out of the way to allow water to flow freely,” said Director Fiske. “Residents are encouraged to call Manatee 3-1-1 to report any drainage issues, backups, or concerns.”
Manatee County Animal Welfare is seeking fosters who may be able to care for pets during this severe weather event at their home. Those interested can email [email protected] or stop by the Palmetto shelter, which is open 12 to 6 PM today and tomorrow (Wednesday).
Manatee County Parks and Preserves will be closed, beginning Wednesday evening. Beaches and pools will be closing tonight and remain closed until further notice. G.T. Bray Park will be closing at noon Wednesday to allow for staging of emergency responders. There will be no Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route service on Thursday. Trolley and Transit service will end at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The Gulf Island Ferry Service is suspended through the weekend.
Manatee County’s contracted waste haulers are actively working today (Tuesday, Sept. 24) and tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 25) to complete their regular collection routes while also addressing debris cleanup. Trash pickups for Thursday are canceled, with Thursday pickups shifting to Friday and Friday pickups moving to Saturday. The Lena Rd. Landfill will be closed Thursday.
Other closings and postponements may be announced as the storm moves closer to our area. Residents and visitors should monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County's social media accounts for updates. Follow official storm information from Manatee County at mymanatee.org/storm.