Sandbags Available In Manatee County Ahead Of Strong FL Storms

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — With a strong low-pressure system moving across Florida starting Monday, Manatee County is offering sandbags to residents.

The worst of the weather will affect the greater Tampa Bay area Tuesday afternoon into the evening and overnight.

There’s already a Coastal Flood Watch and Gale Watch along the coast, according to the National Weather Service’s Tampa Bay office. A severe thunderstorm risk is in effect for the area, as well.

• Also Read: Tornadoes, Flooding Expected As Strong Thunderstorms Hit FL

In addition to flooding downpours, the biggest threats from the storms are damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and large hail, the agency said.

Self-service sandbag locations are open in some of the region’s more flood-prone areas. Service stations include:

• Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
• Coquina Beach, 1465 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
• Manatee County Utilities Building, 4700 66th Street W., Bradenton.

Residents must bring their own shovels.

Manatee County Code Enforcement Department staff is also making sandbags available to Rubonia homes by going door-to-door.

If you or someone you know has physical limitations and lives in an area that was affected by either Tropical Storm Idalia or last month’s flooding, reach out to Manatee 3-1-1 for assistance.

For a map of sandbag locations visit mymanatee.org/sandbags.