Helene Impacts Manatee County

BRADENTON — Manatee County Emergency Management and staff have made final preparations to face the brunt of Hurricane Helene. So too have citizens.

A total of 2,919 calls have come into 3-1-1 asking for help in finding evacuation levels, sandbag locations and in some cases, even getting a ride to the shelter. As the storm makes its effects felt across the county, residents and visitors are encouraged to reach out to 3-1-1 to report any damage or outages. A record total of more than 118,000 users logged onto mymanatee.org/storm on Wednesday alone.

A total of 680 tons of sand were bagged up for residents to help protect their homes and properties.

More than 50 animals in the care of Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) found fosters to help them ride out Hurricane Helene safe and sound after MCAW sent out a plea for volunteers on social media.

As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the lake level at the Manatee Dam was at 36.26’. Crews are continuing to monitor inflow to the reservoir and will adjust any outflow as appropriate. The county is also monitoring the network of 737 lift stations in real time, to help pinpoint any potential outages and initiate appropriate response, including dispatching generators for emergency power. Other staff members are keeping close watch on river levels, roads… and the 200+ traffic signals across the county.

While some storm surge reports of up to three feet have been detected at county monitoring stations already, potential storm surge of 5-8 feet is expected along coastal parts of the county. Because of that threat, Manatee County Utilities Department has interrupted potable water service to the island cities of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the Town of Longboat Key. This precautionary measure is being implemented to maintain the integrity of the water infrastructure.

Manatee County Utilities will work diligently to restore water to the islands as soon as it is safe to do so. Please understand this a necessary safety precaution to ensure that water line stays intact. We will continue to post updates on our social media platforms and local news.

Evacuations for Level A and for all persons living in mobile or manufactured homes and RVs were initiated yesterday. Level B evacuations are recommended. Public shelters remain open at Lee Middle School (4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34210) and Buffalo Creek Middle School (7320 69th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221) as well as a special needs shelter for those who have pre-registered.

Residents and visitors should continue to monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County's social media accounts for updates on Helene. Follow official storm information from Manatee County at mymanatee.org/storm.