Manatee County Braces for Milton

MANATEE COUNTY — Manatee County is buttoning up for Milton’s arrival later today. Citizens are urged to rush their final preparations to completion and be ready to shelter by this afternoon, when the initial arrival of Tropical Storm winds are expected. Evacuations have been ordered in Levels A, B, and C, including all Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes and RVs.
 
In advance of the storm, the bridges to the barrier islands have been closed to through traffic. Manatee Avenue westbound across the causeway and bridge is closed at the end of Perico Island. Cortez Road westbound bridge traffic is stopped at 127^th St. W. The bridges are open for Emergency Access Only Westbound. Manatee County Public Works staff is also prepared to barricade and close the following bridges as conditions warrant:

• Jim Davis Rd at Gamble Creek
• Golf Course Road at Gamble Creek
• Verna Bethany at the Manatee River

• Freedom Elementary School (9515 SR64, Bradenton)
• Robert Willis Elementary School (14705 The Masters Ave., Lakewood Ranch)
• Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School (3404 Fort Hamer Rd., Parrish)
• Gene Witt Elementary School (200 Rye Rd. E., Bradenton)
• Blanche H. Daughtrey Elementary School (515 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton)

• Virgil Mills Elementary School (7200 69th St. E., Palmetto)
• Buffalo Creek Middle School (7320 69th St. E., Palmetto)
• Jessie P. Miller Elementary School (601 43rd St. W., Bradenton)
• Myakka Elementary School (37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City)
• W D Sugg Middle School (5602 38th Ave. W., Bradenton)
• Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School (8610 115th Ave. E., Parrish)
• B D Gullett Elementary School (12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton)
• Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School (6325 Lorraine Rd., Lakewood Ranch)
• Dr. Mona Jain Middle School (12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton)
• Robert H. Prine Elementary (3801 Southern Pkwy. W., Bradenton)

A special needs shelter is also open for those who have pre-registered.
 
Lake Manatee Dam levels have been lowered to 35.9 feet allowing staff to moderate flows through the dam. However, projected rainfall amounts from Hurricane Milton may require flows from the dam to increase to match inflow rates. Should this happen, residents in potentially impacted areas will be notified in advance.
 
Debris collection has been halted in Manatee County following a flurry of activity to collect more than 5000 tons of debris since Helene. The Manatee County Landfill at Lena Rd. has closed until after the storm. Trash haulers assisted in the final sweeps yesterday. Trash and recycling pickups are suspended through Friday.
 
Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly through the day and into the overnight periods when the potential landfall of Milton is anticipated. Heavy winds and rains are expected for most of the evening and into Thursday.  Storm surge impact is expected to be the greatest along our coastal communities from 6 a.m. – 8a.m. Thursday. While rainfall amounts and storm surge will fluctuate greatly depending on exactly where the storm comes ashore, citizens are advised to be patient and not venture out until it is safe to do so.
 
Please continue to monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County's social media accounts for updates. Official storm information from Manatee County at is always updated at mymanatee.org/storm.