Water Service Shut Down, Manatee Bridge Closures: Hurricane Milton

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County Utilities crews are shutting off water service to the barrier island communities Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Milton, which is forecast to make landfall on Florida’s west coast as at least a Category 3 storm on Wednesday.

With a significant storm surge expected along coastal parts of the county, the shut-off of potable water service and sanitary sewer service to the island cities of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and the town of Longboat Key will shut down, according to a county news release.

“This necessary interruption of service — in coordination with island cities — is happening today to best ensure the utility infrastructure remains intact and to save the sewer lift stations,” the county said.

• Also Read: ‘Worst-Case’ Scenario: Hurricane Milton Barrels Towards FL, Tampa Bay

During Hurricane Helene at the end of September, the water was substantially shut off, with a 20 percent flow maintained. During Milton, the water will be completely shut off.

Manatee County Area Transit is continuing shuttle service from the CVS at 611 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach, and from 101 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach to local shelters through 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

The following locations are open now for evacuees:

• Virgil Mills Elementary School (7200 69th St. E., Palmetto)
• Jessie P. Miller Elementary School (601 43rd St. W., Bradenton)
• Myakka Elementary School (37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City)
• W D Sugg Middle School (5602 38th Ave. W., Bradenton)
• Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School (8610 115th Ave. E., Parrish)
• B D Gullett Elementary School (12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton)
• Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School (6325 Lorraine Rd., Lakewood Ranch)
• Dr. Mona Jain Middle School (12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton)

A special needs shelter is also open for those who have pre-registered.

At 8 p.m., Manatee County Public Works staff will barricade and close the following bridges:

• Jim Davis Road at Gamble Creek
• Golf Course Road at Gamble Creek
• Verna Bethany at the Manatee River

“These preemptive closures are a safety measure to protect infrastructure that recently experienced minor flooding damage during Hurricane Debby,” the county said.

These bridges will be closed until Milton passes and the inspection staff has had a chance to evaluate them for potential damage.