Community Manatee County Briefs Public on Tropical Storm Debby

BRADENTON -- Manatee County Officials attended an ”information only“ briefing in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to discuss the status of TS Debby and potential needs in the following days. The EOC remains in Level 3 monitoring status. Government offices remain open for business. 

Sunshine Skyway bridge remains closed to all traffic. The Manatee and Cortez bridges are open for vehicles, however closed to large boat traffic.

Three gates at the County Dam are open as Lake Manatee continues to rise. Lift stations are operational, yet experiencing high water alarms. Local flooding has been limited. No roads are closed.

Island officials indicated widespread beach erosion and potentially dangerous situations near jetties, piers, and bridges. Expected rainfall for the remainder of the week is estimated at 5-6 inches for Manatee County.

Officials advise residents and visitors to monitor weather conditions and prepare to utilize their family disaster plan if needed.  Residents and visitors are asked to limit traffic to the barrier islands when possible.  No evacuations have been recommended at this time.  

For more information, visit www.mymanatee.org or call 941-749-3507.