State Of Emergency Declared In Manatee Ahead Of Tropical Storm Ian

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County commissioners declared a local state of emergency for the county Saturday afternoon, as Tropical Storm Ian strengthens over the Caribbean and makes its trek toward Florida.

The storm is expected to develop into a major hurricane, though it’s still uncertain how strong it will be and where it will make landfall.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a statewide state of emergency Saturday, as well. Prior to this, the governor’s state of emergency covered just 24 counties on Florida’s west coast.

Related Stories:

• FL Statewide Emergency As Tropical Storm Ian Expected To Strengthen
• Sandbags Available To Bradenton, Manatee County Residents

Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center — which has been activated at level two since Friday — will continue to add staff and resources in preparation for a higher-level activation as the storm progresses, according to a county news release.

"It’s important for the public to monitor the storm and prepare for a possible tropical storm impacting our area,” Public Safety Deputy Director Steve Litschauer said. “Timing, direction and intensity forecasts are pointing to significant impacts in our area."

Following recommendations from local and state officials, Scott Hopes, the Manatee County administrator, said that declaring a local state of emergency will allow county staff to perform any emergency actions needed during the storm.

“Our crews are getting ready to help support our residents and visitors through this storm’s impact,” he said. “Now is not the time to panic. But it is time to finalize your storm preparations.”

Sandbag distribution has begun at the following locations:

• Bennett Park, 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton
• Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd Street E., Palmetto
• Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City
• 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)
• G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton
• Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto
• Buffalo Creek Park, 7550 69th Street E., Palmetto

No shelters have been opened, but any residents with special needs should register here.

Residents and visitors should monitor local news and the county's social media pages — on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @manateegov — for updates.

The County’s Emergency Planning page offers updated information on emergency response and severe weather information with real-time updates.