Manatee County Ian Recovery Update

Manatee County Ian Recovery Update
Posted on 10/01/2022
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 1, 2022) – Water service is back for all county customers as of this afternoon. Manatee County Utilities workers have also been able to provide more water for Sarasota’s needs during this recovery period.

Customers in mobile home parks and those on the island who’ve recently had water service restored are still under a boil water advisory through Sunday. We will alert customers when that order is rescinded.

The Southeast Water Reclamation facility is also back on grid power and is operating as normal, processing wastewater. Every hour, more of the Manatee County’s lift stations are coming back online as power is restored. Although conditions are improving, residents and visitors are still being asked to limit showers, toilet flushes and laundry to reduce wastewater system impacts.

As the stations come back into energized service, more of the temporary generators that have been powering them are being moved to other out-of-service locations. While this is helping return the system to normal, it’s still not there… yet. Utilities staff insist that until all lift stations return to reliable grid power, customers should continue to “refrain from the drain.” It may take days, but we will confirm when the wastewater system is back to normal.

Customers experiencing sewage issues are asked to call 3-1-1 so that crews can identify problem areas and make necessary repairs. Manatee County Animal Welfare staff has transferred dozens of adoptable animals to rescue groups across the state, which will help free space to care for animals lost or wandering after the storm.

Manatee County leaders have been on hand in Myakka City throughout the day on Saturday, tending to immediate needs for residents surrounded by rising flood waters. In addition to providing tarps and water and ice today, the county is mobilizing additional assets to help feed folks through a mobile kitchen (starting with dinner tonight and continuing until no longer needed). Showers are also available. Residents should bring their own soap and towels for now.