Manatee County, Florida Government

07/07/2021

Our 311 call center will be open today until 5 p.m. to field calls from the public about any post-damage questions related to Elsa. Damage assessment crews will continue to canvass Manatee County today as residents call the Citizens Information Center (311) line to report damages. 311 operators will request a homeowner's name, number and address that will allow assessment crews to assist, and track all Elsa-related damages. #HurricaneElsa

07/07/2021

Our damage assessment team continues to assess impact from Hurricane Elsa.

All Manatee County offices and park facilities will re-open to the public at noon today, but our libraries will remain closed until Thursday.

Extensive rain and roadway flooding in East county has resulted in the closure of Wachula Road at Long Creek. Motorists should detour via Verna Bethany Road. The closure is expected to last through the day on Wednesday while water continues to drain from the watershed.

Manatee County’s 311 call center will be open today until 5 p.m. to field calls from the public about any post-damage questions related to Elsa. Damage assessment crews will continue to canvass Manatee County today as residents call the Citizens Information Center (311) line to report damages. 311 operators will request a homeowner's name, number and address that will allow assessment crews to assist, and track all Elsa-related damages.

There will be no recycling collected this week. Only yard waste will be collected on Wednesday. Garbage will be collected Thursday and Friday as usual. All collections will return to normal on Monday, July 12.

Manatee County homeowners should call their homeowners insurance company to file a claim for property damages. Residents may also call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to report damage at 1-800-621-FEMA. Residents with damage can also register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Read full update: https://www.mymanatee.org/news___events/what_s_new/elsa_response_effort

07/07/2021

Extensive rain and roadway flooding in East county has resulted in the closure of Wachula Road at Long Creek. Motorists should detour via Verna Bethany Road. The closure is expected to last through the day on Wednesday while water continues to drain from the watershed.

07/07/2021

We're still experiencing rip currents and dangerous conditions at our beaches. Be careful and pay attention to the flags. Double red flags mean stay out of the water!

07/07/2021

Another reminder to "Turn Around, Don't Drown!" if you have to get out on the road today. You can't always tell how deep the water is, and the road could be washed out below. Drive safely!

07/07/2021

Power outages could affect traffic today. If a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection like a four-way stop. You must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to other drivers. #ManateeReady

07/07/2021

Just a friendly reminder NOT to fill your bathtub with water with the expectation of using it as drinking water. Lead could leak from the glaze in the bathub.

07/06/2021

Some reminders for staying safe and up to date during a storm:
📲 Stay tuned to local news and official social media channels for updates.
🚪 Close interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
📻 If power goes out, use your radio for alerts.
🔦 Use flashlights, lanterns or chemical light sticks. Avoid burning candles and don't run a generator inside.
🏠 Stay indoors and most importantly, stay calm.
💨 Don't be fooled by a lull; it could be the eye of the storm and winds may pick up again.

07/06/2021

Report downed wires and power outages to your electricity provider:

- Florida Power & Light (FPL): Call 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) or view outages at www.fplmaps.com
- Peace River Electric Cooperative, Inc. :Call or text 1-800-282-3824 or view outages at outage.preco.coop

If you lose power, the nearest lift station may also be without power. You should limit toilet flushing to avoid sewage backups into your home.

07/06/2021

PREPARATION TIP: Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer.

Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored. #ManateeReady

07/06/2021

All Manatee County sandbag distribution sites will close today at 5 p.m. Find their locations at www.mymanatee.org/sandbags #TropicalStormElsa #ManateeReady

07/06/2021

Manatee County Emergency Operations Center

July 6, 2021 - 2 p.m. Update

07/06/2021

Do you know what to do if you experience flooding in or around your home? With heavy rains expected due to Tropical Storm Elsa, it's a good idea to be prepared for possible flooding.

Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. Be careful of possible wires or electrical appliances making contact with the water.

Get more flood safety information: www.ready.gov/floods

07/06/2021

We're here to help you prepare for Tropical Storm Elsa. Our Manatee 311 call center will be open Tuesday, July 6 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

07/06/2021

There’s no trash collection today, so please bring in your trash cans and recycling bins! With tropical force winds expected later today, these can become dangerous projectiles in a storm.

07/06/2021

There’s no trash collection today, so please bring in your trash cans and recycling bins! With tropical force winds expected later today, these can become dangerous projectiles in a storm.

07/05/2021

We can expect plenty of rain as #TropicalStormElsa approaches. Remember to "Turn Around, Don't Drown!" You can't always tell how deep the water is, and the road could be washed out below. Drive safely, and stay off the roads once the storm is in the area.

07/05/2021

ICYMI: All County offices and parks facilities will close to the public at noon on Tuesday, July 6 due to #TropicalStormElsa. County operations will not be suspended.

07/05/2021

REMINDER: Now is the time to get #ManateeReady and take steps to protect your home:

🌳 Trim up trees and shrubs near your home.
🗑 Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, garden tools, toys, trash cans and other loose objects.
🍃 Clean gutters and downpours, bundle any debris.
💧 Lower your pool's water level, add extra chlorine, and turn off electrical power to pool equipment.
📲 Review your emergency preparedness plan and sign up for Alert Manatee to receive updates

Get the latest #TropicalStormElsa updates at www.mymanatee.org/manateeready

07/05/2021

ICYMI: There will be no garbage or recycling collected on Tuesday in unincorporated Manatee County. All cans, carts, and outside lawn and patio furnishings should be secured so they don’t become dangerous projectiles in high winds.

There will be no recycling collected this week. Yard waste and garbage will be collected Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as usual. All collections will return to normal on Monday, July 12.

07/05/2021

Following the updated forecast of Tropical Storm Elsa, public safety officials are announcing the opening of shelters, additional sandbag locations and the closure of county buildings on Tuesday.

- An emergency shelter will open at Manatee High School on Tuesday at 8 a.m. for those who live in mobile homes, low lying areas or areas prone to flooding. This is a non-mandatory evacuation, and the shelter is pet-friendly.

- Beginning Tuesday morning, Manatee County Public Works Department will be providing sandbags (limit 10 per household) at three locations around Manatee County. Each site will open at 8 a.m. and will continue to operate as long as the weather permits. Visit www.mymanatee.org/sandbags for more information.

- The Lena Road Landfill will be closed Tuesday and reopen Wednesday regular hours or as soon as weather permits.

- There will be no garbage or recycling collected on Tuesday in unincorporated Manatee County. All cans, carts, and outside lawn and patio furnishings should be secured so they don’t become dangerous projectiles in high winds. There will be no recycling collected this week. Yard waste and garbage will be collected Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as usual. All collections will return to normal on Monday.

- All MCAT Fixed-route Bus and Trolley service will be suspended at noon on Tuesday and will resume service at noon on Wednesday, July 7. MCAT Handy Bus service on Tuesday will be restricted to riders traveling to and from medical appointments only.

- All Manatee County offices and park facilities will close to the public at noon on Tuesday, July 6, but county operations will not be suspended.

- Although County offices are closed in observance of Independence Day, Manatee County’s 311 call center will be open today until 5 p.m. to field calls from the public about sandbag locations or storm preparedness questions. It will re-open on Tuesday, July 6 at 8 a.m. and will remain open throughout the evening.

Read more: https://www.mymanatee.org/news___events/what_s_new/elsa_update_2