Manatee County Makes Sandbags Available as Hurricane Matthew Nears

BRADENTON, FL — As Hurricane Matthew makes its approach toward Florida, Manatee County has announced the opening of five sandbag locations through Thursday.

As of the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. Oct. 5 report, Matthew was packing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph on a projected path that puts Florida's east coast in its sights. While Matthew isn’t anticipated to reach Manatee County, tropical storm conditions are possible in the region Thursday and Friday. The county was not, however, under a tropical storm or hurricane watch as of early Wednesday afternoon.

“We’re encouraging everyone to stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service for changes to Hurricane Matthew’s track and changes to our local expected weather impacts,” Sherilyn Burris, Emergency Management Chief, said in a Wednesday statement. “We also want to encourage everyone to sign up for the county’s Code Red notification service, and to check on their family, friends and neighbors.”

See also: Hurricane Matthew Strengthens on Path Toward Florida

Manatee County officials are closely monitoring Matthew’s progress and are urging residents to do the same. Sandbags are being made available “out of an abundance of caution for possible rains from Hurricane Matthew,” a county media release said.

Sandbag locations will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. They can be picked up at:

• Buffalo Creek Preserve, 7550 69th St. E., Palmetto
• G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
• Lakewood Ranch Park, 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton
• Stormwater Ops, 551 39th St. E., Bradenton
• Rubonia Community Center, 1308 72nd St. E., Palmetto

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