Sandbags Available To Bradenton, Manatee County Residents

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — With all eyes on Tropical Storm Ian, as Floridians wait to see exactly where it might land in the Sunshine State, the city of Bradenton and Manatee County governments are making sandbags available to residents.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency for 24 counties in the path of the storm.

Early reports show that it could develop into a major Category 3 hurricane, according to a Bradenton news release.

• Also read: State Of Emergency For 24 Counties, Prepare For Major Storm: DeSantis

Starting Saturday, sandbags are available through Manatee County Public Works at the following self-serve locations:

• Bennett Park, 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton
• Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd Street E., Palmetto
• Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City

Pallets of pre-made bags will also be available at the following locations Saturday, the county said:

• Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (northwest parking lot)
• Bayfront Park, 310 North Bay Blvd., Anna Maria (north end by the recycling center)
• Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach (south bayside near the guardrail)

On Sunday, additional full-service sandbag distribution through the county will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:

• G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton
• Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto

In the city of Bradenton, sandbag distribution begins Monday morning.

Public Works & Utilities staff will distribute sandbags from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and possible Tuesday, as well, at the city’s Public Works Annex at 1411 9th Street W. in Bradenton. Residents should use 13th Avenue W. to enter the area behind the Annex.

Sandbag distribution will be limited to 10 bags per car and a valid ID to show city residency.