Hurricane Ian Recovery: $15M In Damages, Manatee Schools Still Closed

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Here are the latest updates from Manatee County as the area recovers from Hurricane Ian.

Damage Assessment

Using its new Crisis Track Software, which provide real-time tracking, Manatee County determined that there’s about $10.5 million in residential damages and about $4.4 million in commercial damages reported so far, according to a news release.

Displaced Residents

As the county compiles community resources to assist residents in need of temporary housing, Manatee is asking its residents to step up and help.

“Until then and even after, we are asking residents to play as much of a role in their housing plan as possible. This can include connecting with family in unaffected areas, hotels, churches and coworkers,” the county said.

Those in need of housing assistance should contact the county’s 311 line.

• Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

Manatee County Schools

All School District of Manatee County Schools will be closed Monday as district maintenance and custodial crews work to restore them in Hurricane Ian’s aftermath.

As of Friday morning, 15 schools were without power, the district said in a news release. “While area power providers are working intently, clean-up efforts, damage repairs and restocking of food supplies at schools cannot begin until power is available. In addition, certain infrastructure needs such as working traffic signals, need to be fully restored to safely transport students to and from schools.”

Wastewater Repairs

Manatee County residents and visitors are being asked to limit wastewater system impacts. As of Friday morning, 205 of the county’s 738 lift stations, which move sewage from lower to higher elevation facilities and to wastewater treatment plants, were offline or without power.

Florida Power & Light crews are prioritizing the restoration of power to these sites, according to a county news release. The county utilities crews are also deploying generators to reestablish service.

Because these lift stations are located across the county, customers are being asked to conserve what they put down the drain. Customers experiencing sewage issues are asked to call 311 so that utilities crews can identify problem areas quickly and facilitate fixes for them.

In Bradenton, the city is also asking residents and businesses to conserve water “for a couple more days” as the wastewater treatment plant recovers. This means “anything that goes down a drain — laundry, flushing, showering or washing dishes,” the city said.

Utility Restoration

Utility crews have restored utility service to the barrier islands, the county said. Lift stations were powered up and then potable water was returned to customers early Friday morning.

Power Restoration

Energy partners are working to reestablish electric service, the county said. As of early Friday afternoon, 20,000 Florida Power & Light customers had their power restored, while 83,200 were still without power.

Traffic Lights

Generator power has been used to restore power to 33 major intersections throughout Manatee. As of Friday afternoon, 95 intersections were still damaged and 76 intersections were still without power, the county said.

Drivers are reminded to treat traffic signals with no power as a four-way stop.

Gas Availability

The county is sharing real-time updates on open gas stations on its website.

Roads Closures

Due to flooding, the following roads are closed as of Friday afternoon:

• Golf Course Road at Gamble Creek. As an alternate, use Rye, Ft. Hamer, 301, County Road 675 (Rutland) and 64 (only North/South).
• Jim Davis Road is closed at Gamble Creek. It will only be accessible from the south via Golf Course Road.
• Upper Manatee River Road is closed just west of Rye Road and it is expected to remain closed for another two to three days.
• County Road 675 eastbound (ear Jim Davis Road is down to one lane due to water on eastbound lane.
• Canal Road (16th Avenue E) at 16th Street in Palmetto.

County, City Operations

Normal Manatee County operations, including trash collection, landfill operations and inspection services, are expected to resume Monday

Repairs to County Administration Building have begun after flooding issues. The roof on the northwest corner of building was compromised and water affected all floors.

The county landfill at Lena Road is open now and will be open this weekend for residents to dispose of debris. All tipping fees for residents will be waived.

In Bradenton, the city won’t pick up residential garbage until Monday. Two debris hauler vendors will begin working with the city by Monday morning.

By Monday, debris should be out by the road to be collected. Yard waste should be stacked separate from building debris.

The city is waiving some permit requirements for minor roof repairs.

Bradenton Public Market

The Bradenton Public Market is postponing the start of its new season, which was supposed to launch Saturday. Now, it will kick off Oct. 8.

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• What’s Open, Closed In Manatee County After Hurricane Ian
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• Restaurants, Bars Open In Manatee County After Hurricane Ian