Manatee County Recovers from Helene

MANATEE COUNTY — Hurricane Helene stayed well offshore of Manatee County, but its tropical weather effects have left significant damage.

“We saw devastating damage along our beaches,” said Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. “We had significant flooding across the county.”

During the storm’s passage, peak storm surges of between five and a half and seven feet were recorded at various data points throughout the county. Overnight, emergency operators answered more than a thousand 9-1-1 calls. Manatee County emergency crews responded to more than 400 calls for service. First responders say they were able to rescue and safely evacuate more than 300 residents and visitors from locations in Anna Maria Island, Palmetto and unincorporated areas of the county. Overall, more than 4200 calls have come into the 3-1-1 information line since the response to Helene began.

At first light, First-In-Teams (FIT) were dispatched to begin damage assessment and recovery efforts. Their jobs will likely be complicated by debris covering roadways and curious citizens trying to get a look at the damages for themselves. Officials are urging the public’s help during this critical post-storm period.

“Do not go out and be a disaster tourist,” said Fiske. “Please stay safe and let our crews do their work today.”

Lake Manatee -- which was drawn down to a pre-storm level of 36.5 feet -- is currently at 37.03 feet with an inflow of 872.35 cubic feet per second (CFS) and no outflow. Due to a lack of rainfall during Helene’s passage, the lake level remains about one foot lower than normal for this time of the year.

Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key and Bradenton Beaches water supply remains suspended until first in teams have completed their damage assessments and we can assess our water and wastewater systems.

Utilities staff is currently coordinating support for the City of Bradenton to augment their water supply which was compromised due to the saltwater storm surge that affected their system. A series of interconnects have been completed to share water from the county’s supply. The Health Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 has verified that Blake Hospital currently has adequate water pressure, and they will continue to monitor the situation.

Out of 737 total lift stations in Manatee County, 662 are in full operation, 29 are on generator power, and 75 remain offline. Utilities staff are assisting FIT teams to assess damages.

Residents whose typical trash collection occurs on Thursday will have their refuse removed today (if the hauler has access to the property). Regularly scheduled Friday pick-ups will happen tomorrow. The Lena Rd. Landfill will be open today. The county’s contracted debris hauler is en route and will be commencing debris assessments today. Residents may begin separating their debris from trash immediately to prepare for removal.

“This is going to be an incredible long-term recovery operation,” said Director Fiske.” We are already working to get resources from the state. We are going to have points of distribution up throughout the county."

However, she was quick to caution citizens from thinking this will be a quick recovery.

“This is going to strain resources all the way from Lee County up to Georgia.”

Manatee County offices and facilities remain closed today. Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) buses will not be running today.

Residents and visitors should 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.