Water To Be Released From Lake Manatee After TS Debby: County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Following record-breaking rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby, officials will strategically release water from Lake Manatee, according to a Manatee County news release.

The storm dropped historic rainfalls across the west coast of Florida Sunday into Monday before making landfall in the Big Bend area as a Category 1 hurricane.

High water vehicles and transport units are positioned at key locations downstream of the Manatee Dam during the release, the county said.

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Road closures are in effect and will remain until conditions are safe for travel. Residents are urged to relocate from the area for their safety, the county said.

"The strategic release of water from Lake Manatee is a precautionary measure to mitigate the impact of the recent heavy rainfall and to ensure the Manatee Dam remains in good structural condition,” Jodie Fiske, public safety director, said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. We urge everyone to follow these alerts to stay safe."

Residents who receive a targeted alert from the county are encouraged to leave for a nearby shelter.

Individuals should dial 911 if there's a life-threatening situation. For information on transport sites, residents can call 311.