$359M Damage, Where To Get Food, Storm Debris Pickup: Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — As Manatee County continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, here’s the latest news and resources in the area:

Damage

The following residential damage has been reported:

• Destroyed: 542
• Major: 553
• Minor: 1635
• Affected: 314

The estimated residential damage total is nearly $354 million, the county said in a news release.

The following commercial damage has been reported:

• Destroyed: 52
• Major: 5
• Minor: 173
• Affected: 15

The estimated commercial damage total is more than $4.6 million.

Needs Assessment Teams

Needs assessment teams are out in the hardest-hit areas of the county, including the beach communities, Rubonia, Perico Bay and trailer parks.

They’re helping “residents with immediate human needs and recovery concerns,” the county said.

Supplies for Residents

Points of distribution for water, meals ready to eat and tarps are set up at the following locations, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• GT Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton
• Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave. Holmes Beach
• Blackstone Park, 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto
• Wakeland Support Center, E 1812 27th Street E., Bradenton
• City of Bradenton Parking Garage, 3rd Ave W & 10th St W

Meals on Wheels is distributing food and cleaning supplies starting Monday at 4 p.m. in Rubonia.

A Red Cross Shelter is open at First Baptist Church, 1306 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, for those displaced by the storm. 15 persons were housed there overnight as staff works to provide more permanent housing for them.
A Helene Disaster Recovery Center opened Monday, 1 p.m., at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 6410 Rangeland Pkwy., co-located with the existing Debby DRC. After Monday, that center will be open daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Preparations for a DRC location on Anna Maria Island are currently underway.

Support for Businesses

The Florida Small Business Development Center Network has mobilized to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. A SBDC Mobile Assistance Center will be at the State College of Florida, 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, Monday until 5 p.m. Future dates and times to be determined.

Storm Debris Pick-Up

Debris haulers began their initial collections in Palma Sola, Cortez, Terra Ceia, Ellenton and Rubonia on Monday.

Residents are asked to keep storm debris separated from regular trash to ensure it’s disposed of properly.

The Lena Road Landfill will be open for those who wish to dispose of their own hurricane debris.

Manatee County residents will need to show proof of residency to waive tipping fees for hurricane-related debris only.

Volunteers

Manatee County is organizing a community-wide volunteer effort to help neighbors with their needs on Oct 1-3, 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

Three hundred volunteers are needed each day.

Volunteers will meet at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Transportation to locations will be provided.

Training will be provided. Volunteers working in pairs will survey residents using digital devices and paper forms. Sign up as a volunteer online here.