Manatee County Public Safety Department

06/23/2026

Burn ban in effect

A countywide burn ban is now in effect due to ongoing hot and dry weather conditions and an elevated wildfire risk.

The burn ban includes fireworks, sparklers, flares, open burning, campfires and other products containing explosive or pyrotechnic materials.

Previously permitted public fireworks displays will continue as scheduled and remain subject to existing fire safety requirements.

What activities are allowed under the burn ban?

• Outdoor cookers or grills, as long as they are attended by a responsible adult while in use

• Liquefied petroleum gas devices such as grills, camp stoves and fire pits, as long as they are attended by a responsible adult while in use

• Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site

• Florida Forest Service authorized agricultural, silvicultural and land-clearing burns

• Flares discharged over the gulf

It only takes one spark to start a wildfire under these conditions. Please do your part to help keep our community safe.

06/23/2026

📢 Training Notice

On Tuesday (June 23), residents may notice an increased presence of law enforcement, fire rescue, EMS and other public safety personnel at Braden River Middle School and Bayside Community Church (SR 64).

This is part of a planned, multi-agency training exercise designed to help our teams prepare for emergencies and strengthen coordination among partner agencies.

There is no threat to the public.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as our local agencies train together to better serve our community.

06/22/2026

From responding to emergencies to stepping onto the mound. ⚾

Congratulations to EMS Paramedic of the Year, Chad Mower, who threw out the first pitch at Friday night's Bradenton Marauders game at LECOM Park during First Responders Appreciation Night.

We’re proud to see Chad represent Manatee County EMS and all of the first responders who work every day to serve our community.

And, of course, Sei made a special stop at the ballpark too. 🐾

Thank you to the Bradenton Marauders for recognizing the dedication and service of our first responders.

06/20/2026

Beach conditions can change quickly, and over the past few days, our Beach Patrol team has been keeping a close watch on our shoreline.

From Wednesday through Friday, lifeguards responded to 136 rescues, observed more than 125 rip currents and made 187 proactive safety interventions that helped prevent potential water rescues and medical emergencies before they happened.

Rip currents can develop quickly and are often difficult to spot, which is why it’s important to make safety part of your beach day.

Before heading into the water:

🏖️ Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.

🚩 Pay attention to beach warning flags and what they mean.

👀 If you’re with children, designate a Water Watcher and avoid distractions.

🌊 If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, conserve your energy and swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current.

☀️ Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen, seeking shade and staying hydrated throughout the day.

We’re grateful for the dedication, vigilance and quick actions of our Beach Patrol team, who help keep our community and visitors safe every day.

Find current conditions here: https://bit.ly/473DRdv

06/19/2026

On Wednesday alone, our Beach Patrol team responded to 18 rescues involving more than 30 beachgoers.

We're grateful for the quick actions and dedication of our lifeguards, who safely assisted swimmers throughout the day. Several of these rescues were related to rip currents, strong and fast-moving channels of water that can quickly pull swimmers away from shore.

If you get caught in a rip current:

✔️ Stay calm. Don't panic.
✔️ Don't try to swim directly against the current.
✔️ Float, breathe and conserve your energy.
✔️ Swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the current, then make your way back to shore.
✔️ Always swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.

Rip currents can happen at any time, even on beautiful beach days. Before heading into the water, check beach conditions and remember that swimming near a lifeguard adds an important layer of protection.

Find current conditions here: https://bit.ly/473DRdv

06/18/2026

Our Community Health Services team has been recognized with the 2026 Champions of Healthcare Award in Innovation by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

This award recognizes organizations making a meaningful impact on healthcare in Manatee County through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to serving the community.

We are incredibly proud of our team and the work they do every day to improve the lives of Manatee County residents. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

06/18/2026

A Heat Advisory is in effect according to the US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida. If you're spending time outdoors today, remember to stay hydrated, seek shade and stay indoors when possible. Take frequent breaks and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.

06/17/2026

Meet the dedicated lifeguards helping keep our community safe in and around the water.

Whether you're spending the day at a county beach this summer or visiting one of our pools year-round, take a moment to get to know the professionals who work every day to help keep our community safe.

Remember, lifeguards are one layer of protection. They're trained, always scanning the water and ready to respond, but they don't replace active supervision. Always swim near a lifeguard and, if you're with children, designate a Water Watcher and avoid distractions.

06/17/2026

From emergency responses to community health visits, our EMS crews remained dedicated to serving and protecting Manatee County every day. Check out our May 2026 snapshot, including activity from May 25-31, to see the impact they made across our community.

06/15/2026

High Tide Forecast

Higher-than-normal tide levels are expected around midday today (June 15) and tomorrow (June 16). Water levels could reach at or above 2 feet.

While significant flooding is not expected, minor tidal flooding may occur in low-lying coastal areas, including:
📍 Anna Maria Island
📍Longboat Key
📍Bradenton riverfront
📍Palmetto riverfront
📍Cortez Village
📍Palmetto Point
📍Rubonia
📍Terra Ceia Island

Please stay alert and use caution when traveling near the water. Avoid flooded areas, and never drive through flooded roadways.

Forecast map guide:
• Orange points: 0.1–1 foot of water