Following the updated forecast of Hurricane Ian, public safety officials are announcing plans for evacuations, beginning with a MANDATORY Zone A evacuation and VOLUNTARY Zone B evacuation, effective at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27.

“We’re expecting sustained tropical or hurricane winds to our barrier islands and coastal communities for as long as 48 hours, with the earliest arrival predicted for 8 PM Tuesday” said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes. “This is a worst-case scenario with a very strong slow-moving storm just to the west of us.”

Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center will also move to a level One activation at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday.

COUNTY CLOSURES

All Manatee County offices and park facilities will close to the public at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 27, but county operations will not be suspended.

The approach of the storm will change county operations beginning Tuesday.

At the close of business Monday, Sept. 27, Manatee County Parks and Preserves will be closed until further notice.

Manatee County Libraries will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 27 until further notice.

Manatee County Animal Welfare facilities will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 27-28.

Building and Construction inspection services will be suspended Tuesday Sept 27 TFN

Normal operations and duties will be suspended for County Employees to be reassigned during the emergency.

Residents on the Special Needs Registry are currently being contacted to set up arrangements for evacuation to the County’s special needs shelter, which is designated for those who are oxygen or electricity dependent to survive. Details on the 15 locations (including one special needs shelter) will follow with a 1:00 news conference at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center 2101 47^th Terr. E., Bradenton.

SANDBAGS

Manatee County Public Works and Property Management Departments will be providing sandbags (limit 10 per household) at numerous locations around Manatee County. Each site will be open at 8 a.m. and will continue to operate as long as the weather permits. Residents should plan to show an ID or Manatee County Utilities Department water bill indicating they are a resident of Manatee County. Visit www.mymanatee.org/sandbags for more information.

TRANSIT

All Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route Bus and Trolley service will be suspended Tuesday afternoon (once winds reach tropical-storm force). MCAT Handy Bus service on Monday and Tuesday will be restricted to riders traveling to and from dialysis and chemotherapy appointments only.

RECYCLING, TRASH

The Lena Road Landfill will be open extended hours until 6:00 pm on both Monday and Tuesday to accommodate the haulers and any residents wishing to bring their refuse for disposal.

Should any materials not have been collected by sunset on Tuesday, residents should remove them from the curb and safely secure them so there isn’t a potential of them becoming projectiles in the wind.

Due to the probability of tropical force winds on Wednesday, there will be no yard waste or recycling collection. Residents should monitor local media and other official avenues of communication for when collections will resume.

James Nicholson

Strategic Affairs Manager

Manatee County Government | Public Safety Department

Office: (941) 749-3500 ext. 7814

Cell: (941)725-1642