Manatee County encourages residents to avoid heat exposure during Fourth of July weekend

Manatee County encourages residents to avoid heat exposure during Fourth of July weekend
Posted on 07/01/2020

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 30, 2020) – With local temperatures consistently in the 90s and heat indices above 100 degrees, Manatee County leaders are encouraging Manatee County residents and visitors to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and humidity, especially during the Fourth of July weekend.

Extreme temperatures combined with the Florida Surgeon General's advisory to wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 could be a dangerous mix for anyone who's outdoors for long stretches and not hydrating regularly. Extreme heat — a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days — is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Find air conditioning and try to stay there," said County Administrator Cheri Coryea. "If you’re outside, find shade, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion can happen quickly, so know the signs of heat-related illness."

Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and vomiting are all signs of heat exhaustion. If you're experiencing those symptoms, cool off quickly indoors or with a cool shower. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Manatee County's public beaches will remain open for the Independence Day weekend and there will be additional law enforcement on Anna Maria Island to assist with the influx of residents and visitors to the island during the busy holiday weekend. The County will place many more public port-a-lets near the public beaches and have them serviced daily during the holiday weekend. Trash will be removed more frequently from public beach areas during the weekend. 

 County Government offices will be closed Friday, July 3 to observe Independence Day. MCAT's regular fixed route, para-transit service and Longboat Key Shuttle service will be suspended on July 4 but will resume July 5. 

 All trash, recycling and yard waste collections will take place as planned this week.

 Manatee County parks and beaches will be open to the public. Manatee County-owned golf courses will be open. G.T. Bray Recreation Center will be closed. Blackstone Skate Park and G.T. Bray Skate Park will be open.

 Manatee County’s publicly owned natural preserves will remain open.

 Manatee County’s public libraries will be closed on Friday, July 3 and will resume the normal weekly schedule on Monday, July 6.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.