Evacuations Continue as Ian Approaches

Evacuations Continue as Ian Approaches
Posted on 09/27/2022
Ian UpdateMANATEE COUNTY, FL (September 27, 2022) – While the most recent forecast paths of Hurricane Ian are meandering a bit, this storm still shows what will be a significant impact throughout Manatee County.

Emergency Management officials have EXPANDED the MANDATORY evacuation order to include both Level A and Level B in Manatee County. Additionally, residents living in evacuation Level C are encouraged to find shelter further inland.

“The time to act is now,” said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes, addressing an afternoon news conference at the Emergency Operations Center. “If you decide to stay in an evacuation zone, we cannot come get you when the storm rolls in.”

An estimated 120 thousand residents and visitors are being asked to leave the barrier islands, low-lying areas of the county and any manufactured or mobile home or RV. Most are complying with the orders.

“I cannot stress this enough,” said Deputy Director of Public Safety. “Evacuation orders cannot be ignored.”

To accommodate the extra evacuees, an additional two storm shelters opened today at noon. This brings the total number of shelters (including special needs) to 16.

Utilities crews will be shutting off the potable water service to the barrier islands by sunset tonight to help maintain the integrity of the infrastructure during Ian’s passage. Sewage force mains will also be shut down on the island to help maintain the integrity of the islands’ wastewater system.

Residents are urged to bring their storm preparations to completion today, and the County landfill will be open extended hours (through 6 p.m.) with no fees but will be closed starting Wednesday.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) will suspend all fixed routes as of 6 p.m.

Click here for a link to today’s 2 p.m. Press Briefing with County Administrator Hopes, Deputy Director Litschauer and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan.