MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Oct. 6, 2024) – Manatee County Emergency Managers have called for evacuations of all persons in Level A and B
—and all residents or visitors in RVs or Mobile Homes
—ahead of Hurricane Milton beginning at 2 p.m., Monday October 7. If you haven’t done so, learn your evacuation level at
mymanatee.org/storm.
“We do not issue evacuation orders lightly,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. “Milton is anticipated to cause more storm surge than Helene. So, if you stayed during Helene, and got lucky, I would not press my luck with this particular system.”
The following locations will be opening emergency shelters Monday afternoon:
- Mills Elementary School (7200 69th St. E., Palmetto)
- Miller Elementary School (601 43rd St. W., Bradenton)
- Myakka Elementary School (37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City)
A special needs shelter will also be opening for those who have pre-registered. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so at mymanatee.org/needs.
Debris pick up from Helene has shifted into high gear. Extra collection vehicles are being dispatched to Manatee County to speed Helene clean-up to completion. These crews will work as long as conditions allow to safely remove and dispose of this debris. It’s very important that once the debris has been picked up in your area, you do NOT put any additional debris at the roadside. Any debris left near the curb as Milton comes through can clog drain or become a projectile during high winds.
Residents are urged to lean forward ahead of Milton and make sure you have prepped your home and family. Self-serve sandbag locations will continue to be stocked. See all the sandbag sites at- mymanatee.org/storm.
“Please. Please. Please take this storm seriously,” said Emergency Management Chief Matt Myers. “Now is the time to prepare.”
Manatee County has updated the storm information page to include water level monitors for Lake Manatee, local streams, and rivers. You can track those levels at mymanatee.org/storm. This important resource will help you stay prepared and make informed decisions as the system approaches.
Expect further announcements as the storm moves closer to our area. Residents and visitors should monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County's social media accounts for updates. Follow official storm information from Manatee County at mymanatee.org/storm.