Hurricane Helene Evacuations Underway In Manatee County: Officials

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — As Hurricane Helene churns in the Gulf, making its way to Florida, a mandatory evacuation was ordered Wednesday starting at 10 .m. for everyone in Evacuation Zone A and all mobile homes throughout Manatee County, officials said in a news release.

It’s also recommended that those in Evacuation Zone B evacuate, as well.

A storm surge warning, hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are in effect for Manatee County.

Though Helene’s current forecast has it passing offshore of the county, it is expected to bring tropical storm force winds, life-threatening storm surge flooding of 4 to 7 feet and flash flooding to the area on Thursday.

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• Electa Arcotte Lee Middle School, 4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton
• Buffalo Creek Middle School, 7320 69th St. E., Palmetto

A special needs shelter is also open for those who have pre-registered.

“We do not issue evacuation orders lightly,” Jodie Fiske, the county’s public safety director, said. “If you feel that you need to evacuate, please do so.”

More information about evacuation zones and emergency shelters can be found here.

Sandbags

The following sandbag locations are open throughout the county:

• 66th Street W. Fleet Building, 4700 66th Street W., Bradenton
• Bennett Park, 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton
• Blackstone Park, 2112 14th Ave., Palmetto
• Buffalo Creek Park, 7550 69th Street E., Palmetto
• Dakin Dairy, 30771 Betts Road, Myakka City
• Dam Road, 1505 Dam Road, Bradenton
• Greenbrook Park, 6655 Greenbrook Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
• Kingfish Boat Ramp, 700 Manatee Ave. W., Holmes Beach
• Lakewood Ranch Park, 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton
• Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City
• Palmetto Youth Center, 501 1th Street W., Palmetto
• Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd Street E., Palmetto
• Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish
• Stormwater Facility, 5511 39th Street E., Bradenton

Additional sites may open in at-risk areas.

Manatee County Closures

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach, and the Little Discovery Center, 321 165th St. W, Bradenton, will close Wednesday ahead of the storm. All other Manatee County Library branches will close Thursday along with all other Manatee County facilities.

Manatee County Parks and Preserves will close Wednesday evening. Beaches and pools closed Tuesday night and will remain closed until further notice.

G.T. Bray Park will close at noon Wednesday to allow for the staging of emergency responders.

Manatee County’s contracted waste haulers will work Wednesday to complete their regular collection routes while also addressing debris cleanup.

Trash pickups for Thursday are canceled, with Thursday pickups shifting to Friday and Friday pickups moving to Saturday. The Lena Road Landfill will be closed Thursday.

Pet Fosters Sought

Manatee County Animal Welfare is seeking fosters who may be able to care for pets at their homes during the storm. Those interested can email taunia.ireland@mymanatee.org or stop by the Palmetto shelter, which is open noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Public Transportation

There will be no Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route service on Thursday. Trolley and transit service will end at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The Gulf Island Ferry Service is suspended through the weekend.