Manatee County announces plans for shelter opening, additional sandbag locations, County building closures
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 5, 2021) – Following the updated forecast of Tropical Storm Elsa, public safety officials are announcing the opening of shelters, additional sandbag locations and the closure of county buildings on Tuesday."Now's the time for Manatee County residents to finalize their disaster plan," said Public Safety Director Jake Saur. "We’re expecting sustained tropical winds to our barrier islands and coastal communities. Please expect tornado watches and be careful of strong rip currents at our beaches.”
Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center is now at a level two activation. This is an activation that does not require the response of every branch of Emergency Support Functions.
COUNTY BUILDING CLOSURES
All Manatee County offices and park facilities will close to the public at noon on Tuesday, July 6, but county operations will not be suspended.
SHELTER INFORMATION
An emergency shelter will open at Manatee High School on Tuesday, July 6 at 8 a.m. for those who live in mobile homes, low lying areas or areas prone to flooding. This is a non-mandatory evacuation, and the shelter is pet-friendly.
Residents on the Special Needs Registry are currently being contacted to set up arrangements for evacuation to the County’s special needs shelter, which is designated for those who are oxygen or electricity dependent to survive.
Manatee County shelters will conduct temperature checks and screen visitors by asking if they’re displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. Shelters will have increased spacing as demand allows for social distancing, masks are encouraged and will be provided and if people feel ill they will be separated into other rooms.
SANDBAGS
Beginning Tuesday morning, Manatee County Public Works Department will be providing sandbags (limit 10 per household) at three locations around Manatee County. Each site will open at 8 a.m. and will continue to operate as long as the weather permits. Residents should plan to show an ID or Manatee County Utilities Department water bill indicating they are a resident of Manatee County. Visit www.mymanatee.org/sandbags for more information.
- Self-Serve Distribution Site (Bags and sand provided)
Public Works Department Stormwater Facility
5511 39th St E Bradenton FL 34203
- Full-Service Distribution Site
GT Bray Park (Parking Lot)
5502 33rd Ave Drive W Bradenton, FL 34209
- Pre-made Sandbag Distribution Site
Manatee Beach Parking Lot
4000 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217
TRANSIT
All MCAT Fixed-route Bus and Trolley service will be suspended at noon on Tuesday and will resume service at noon on Wednesday, July 7. MCAT Handy Bus service on Tuesday will be restricted to riders traveling to and from medical appointments only.
RECYCLING, TRASH
The Lena Road Landfill will be closed Tuesday and reopen Wednesday regular hours or as soon as weather permits.
There will be no garbage or recycling collected on Tuesday in unincorporated Manatee County. All cans, carts, and outside lawn and patio furnishings should be secured so they don’t become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
There will be no recycling collected this week. Yard waste and garbage will be collected Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as usual. All collections will return to normal on Monday, July 12.
CITIZEN’S INFORMATION CENTER (311)
Although County offices are closed in observance of Independence Day, Manatee County’s 311 call center will be open today until 5 p.m. to field calls from the public about sandbag locations or storm preparedness questions. It will re-open on Tuesday, July 6 at 8 a.m. and will remain open throughout the evening.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter @ManateeGov.