MANATEE COUNTY, FL (January 9, 2024) – The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has declared a local state of emergency in advance of forecasted severe weather this afternoon.
Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated at level two and will continue to add staff and resources in preparation for a higher-level activation as the storm progresses.
"It’s important for all of us to monitor this storm and prepare for possible impacts,” said Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. “Timing, direction and intensity forecasts are pointing to significant effects in our area."
Declaring a local state of emergency will allow County staff to perform any emergency actions needed during the storm.
“If your home or business sustains damage as a part of this afternoon's storms, please use the self-reporting residential tool at mymanatee.org/reportdamage,” said Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop. “The reporting allows Manatee residents and business owners to enter information, including images, into an online form which will help us to quickly assess and pinpoint areas of damage in real-time.”
Sandbag distribution has begun at the following locations:
- Manatee Beach (4000 Gulf Dr. in Holmes Beach)
- Coquina Beach (1465 Gulf Dr. S. in Bradenton Beach)
- Manatee Utilities offices (4700 66th Street W. in Bradenton)
Manatee County Code Enforcement Department staff is also making sandbags available to Rubonia citizens door-to-door. If you or someone you know has physical limitations and live in an area that was affected by either Tropical Storm Idalia or last month’s flooding, please feel free to reach out to Manatee 3-1-1 for assistance. For a map of sandbag locations visit mymanatee.org/sandbags
No shelters have been opened, 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. The County’s Emergency Planning page provides updated information on emergency response and severe weather information with real-time updates.