Manatee County Expands Evacuation

Manatee County Expands Evacuation
Posted on 09/27/2022
Manatee County Expands EvacuationMANATEE COUNTY, FL (September 27, 2022) – With the latest forecasts of Hurricane Ian showing what will be a significant impact along the Manatee County coastline, 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.

“This is worst-case scenario,” said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes. “Those along the coast and prone to flooding need to take this seriously and evacuate.”

As of noon Tuesday, an additional two storm shelters will open in Manatee County. Buffalo Creek Middle School will open as a pet friendly shelter, along with Haile Middle School.

Signs along Cortez Blvd. and Manatee Ave. will begin instructing motorists that there is “no Westbound access” to the gulf islands beginning at 4 p.m. 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.

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, then remain closed through Friday.

Solid waste collections has been taking place as scheduled today. However, garbage and recycling pick-ups are cancelled through the rest of the week.

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

A news briefing is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center, 2102 47th Terr. E., Bradenton.

Go to Severe Weather Information Tool Hub for up-to-date information about evacuation levels, shelters and sandbag locations.