MANATEE COUNTY, FL (January 9, 2024) – Due to the rapidly intensifying nature of the winter storm system (and the current Tornado Watch in effect) Manatee County issued a local state of emergency earlier today and has closed for the remainder of the day (Tuesday, January 9). This means that all county services and programming for the remainder of the day are canceled.
The downtown Administration Building is closed. Parks and Preserves also are closed. Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) buses concluded their routes at 3 p.m. Recreation and fitness classes are canceled at GT Bray for this afternoon and evening. Manatee County Libraries closed as of 3 p.m.
A local state of emergency has been called for the county, which allows staff to perform any emergency actions needed during the storm.
Sandbag distribution will remain at the following locations as long as supplies last:
- Manatee Beach (4000 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach)
- Coquina Beach (1465 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach)
- Manatee Utilities offices (4700 66th Street W., Bradenton)
No shelters have been opened at this time, but any residents with special needs should
register here. Residents and visitors should monitor local news and the County's social media pages for updates.