Manatee County Issues Evacuation Orders

Manatee County Issues Evacuation Orders

Manatee County Issues Evacuation Orders

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (September 26, 2022) – Following the updated forecast of Hurricane Ian, public safety officials are announcing plans for evacuations, beginning with a MANDATORY Zone A evacuation and VOLUNTARY Zone B evacuation, effective at 8 a.m., Tuesday, September 27.

"We’re expecting sustained tropical or hurricane winds to our barrier islands and coastal communities for as long as 48 hours, with the earliest arrival predicted for 8 p.m. Tuesday,” said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes. “This is a worst-case scenario with a very strong slow-moving storm just to the west of us.”

Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center will also move to a Level One activation at 8 a.m., Tuesday.

COUNTY CLOSURES

The approach of the storm will change County operations beginning Tuesday. 

At the close of business Monday, September 27, Manatee County Parks and Preserves will be closed until further notice. 

Manatee County Public Libraries will be closed Tuesday, September 27, until further notice.

Manatee County Animal Welfare facilities will be closed Tuesday, September 27, until further notice.

Building and Construction inspection services will be suspended Tuesday, September 27, until further notice.

Normal operations and duties will be suspended for County Employees to be reassigned during the emergency.

SANDBAGS

Manatee County Public Works and Property Management Departments will be providing sandbags (limit 10 per household) at numerous locations around Manatee County. Each site will be open at 8 a.m. and will continue to operate as long as the weather permits. Residents should plan to show an ID or Manatee County Utilities Department water bill indicating they are a resident of Manatee County. Visit mymanatee.org/sandbags for more information.

TRANSIT

All Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route Bus and Trolley service will be suspended Tuesday afternoon (once winds reach tropical-storm force). MCAT Handy Bus service on Monday and Tuesday will be restricted to riders traveling to and from dialysis and chemotherapy appointments only.

RECYCLING, TRASH

The Lena Road Landfill will be open extended hours until 6 p.m. on both Monday and Tuesday to accommodate the haulers and any residents wishing to bring their refuse for disposal.

If any materials are not collected by sunset on Tuesday, residents should remove them from the curb and safely secure them so there isn’t a potential of them becoming projectiles.

Due to the probability of tropical-force winds on Wednesday, there will be no yard waste or recycling collection that day. Residents should monitor local media, the County's Website and social media for updates.

CITIZEN’S INFORMATION CENTER (311)

Manatee County’s 311 call center will be open and fully staffed 24/7 beginning Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. to field calls from the public about sandbag locations, storm preparedness and more.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @manateegov.