MANATEE COUNTY — Day two of post-Milton clean-up and recovery begins in Manatee County with a focus on debris and downed tree removal.
With most of the damage from Milton related to the 100+ mph winds that buffeted the county, residents are continuing the arduous task of clearing and cutting limbs, picking up fencing and piling debris. Fortunately, Manatee County is resuming a robust response to debris removal.
Residents are reminded to separate debris from garbage and further separate debris into the following three categories: vegetative (tree branches), construction/demolition (building materials, fencing, furniture/mattresses) and appliances/white goods. Haulers will make multiple passes through impacted areas. The Lena Rd. Landfill (3333 Lena Rd., Bradenton) will be open today and tomorrow from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Starting Monday, hours will be from 6 a.m. – midnight Monday through Saturday. All tipping fees will be waived for Manatee County residents for debris. Keep your debris at least three feet from all structures and appliances, including backflow preventer assemblies, mailboxes, and vehicles.
Normal waste collection is also resuming for Manatee County, with scheduled Thursday pick-ups today. Friday’s scheduled pick-ups will occur Saturday. Next week’s schedule will return to normal.
Water service is being restored on the Islands of Anna Maria. A precautionary boil water advisory is in effect for the Island cities. Please boil all water for drinking, cooking, and teeth brushing until further notice. Island water users may notice lower water pressure for a period of time due to flushing and potential breaks.
With over 60% of the county without power Friday afternoon, Emergency Managers are urging residents to be wary of downed power lines and remain “power patient” as the FPL and PRECO crews work to restore service. Residents can follow power restoration – and even check gas availability (remember gas pumps require electricity) – on the County storm information site at mymanateee.org/storm.
As of Friday morning, just 208 persons remained in Manatee County Emergency Evacuation Shelters. This figure comes just one night after the county hosted over 11,000 evacuees in 16 shelters. Staff is working with the American Red Cross to establish emergency housing with details to be announced as they are confirmed.
After a severe storm, pets can become lost and disoriented. Manatee Count Animal Welfare (MCAW) is asking residents to avoid approaching any stray animal. Call 3-1-1 or animal welfare dispatch at 941-742-5933 ext. 8301 and inform them of the last known location of the animal and any injuries the animal may have sustained. 3-1-1 will be able to pass along this information to our animal protection officers or dispatch will get to it as soon as possible.
Points of Distribution (PODs) for Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE), water and tarps are being established throughout the county at the following locations:
Additional POD locations and comfort stations are being established, and further details on those will be release as they are fully stocked and staffed.
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.
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ivangroo
For our first time we evacuated, to Freedom Elementary, about noon Thursday; it opened only that day and nearby.
It was almost vacation-like. All the County staff on site who volunteer, were so kind and helpful. Checking in so simple, with little information needed. Schools Hosts county evacuation sites, and volunteer school staff provided wrap-around support to the county. The principal kept everyone up to date by clearly audible PA messaging (and clearly well in command and control of us as her elementararians).
An outstanding, mostly Hispanic, cafeteria staff provided 3 square hot meals on trays, milk, juice, and coffee a day to 3 wristband groups. I'm told by a neighbor who is one that they're paid minimum wage only, and are also volunteering. That's not ok.
Custodial staff kept multiple facilities generously stocked and 24 hour power. The entire school was immaculate, welcoming, lots of space, and importantly, it was nice to feel safe.
MSO was present, laid back, helpful, protective and unintrusive. The Deputies were there for the duration. Also volunteering.
Our maybe 300 co-evacues were a big mix of our county residents; most were stoic and prepared, some were crying, some maybe were homeless and glad for the 'opportunity', some in wheelchair, some diabetics needing and getting juice, some seemed un or under prepared, like us. Some seemed pissed off to have this happen to them, there were coughing and farts; but not that many. Some infants, not audible, and only a few kids. Everyone seemed on best behavior possible under the circumstances.
Most everyone, I think, was afraid of their fate, and stoic. Sht happens and you can't always duck it. A tiny few were
maybe unaware of when it's proper to STFU.
Can't say that it was anyone else's experience, but I think it may have been, ours was made overall fully competent and worryfree thanks to the staff, officers and the Volunteers.
Won't say can't wait til next time, but it's what we'll do. But, did I mention there was a movie, POPCORN, no politicians, and, it was pet friendly!!
Great job Manatee.
Meanwhile, back home yesterday without damage and after having gathered a ton of yard debris for 2 days, the Bradenton city solid waste truck teams made 2 manual collections, and 2 more with their claw picker for the big stuff, and said its a process and they'llbeback til its gone. And we have 24hr city water and sewer service.
Nice work Bradenton!
PS, Hoping for FPL soon.
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