Manatee Evacuations, School Closures, Shelters Opening: TS Idalia

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — With Tropical Storm Idalia forecast to hit Florida’s Nature Coast — which runs from Pasco County to the Panhandle — Tuesday as a Category 3 storm, Manatee County officials have declared a local state of emergency.

A mandatory Level A evacuation order, which includes all mobile home parks, and a voluntary Level B evacuation goes into effect Monday at 2 p.m., according to a Manatee County news release.

"We’re expecting significant storm surge along the barrier islands and coastal communities for Idalia, with the earliest arrival predicted for Tuesday,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. “This is a very dangerous track that we all need to be aware of.”

• Also Read: Tropical Storm Idalia: Tampa Bay Braces For 4-7 Foot Storm Surge

County Shelter Locations

• Virgil Mills Elementary School, 7200 69th Street E., Palmetto
• Jesse P. Miller Elementary School, 601 43rd Street W., Bradenton
• Freedom Elementary School, 9515 FL 64, Bradenton

Citizens with special needs who aren’t registered with the county for this storm are encouraged to contact Manatee 3-1-1.

Citizens’ Information Center

Manatee County’s 3-1-1 call center will be open and fully staffed 24/7 to field calls from citizens about sandbag locations, storm preparedness, evacuation levels and more.

County Closures

• Normal operations and duties will be suspended for county employees Monday at noon.
• There will be no yard waste or recycling collection Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Manatee County Parks and Preserves will be closed until further notice.
• Manatee County Public Libraries will be closed until further notice.
• Manatee County Animal Welfare facilities will be closed until further notice.
• Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center will move to a Level One activation Monday at noon.

Sandbags

Manatee County Public Works and Property Management Departments are providing sandbags (limit 10 per household) at numerous locations around Manatee County.

Each self-service site opened at 9 a.m. today and will continue to operate as weather permits. Residents must show ID or Manatee County Utilities Department water bill.

Visit mymanatee.org/sandbags for more information.

Schools

• Nolan Middle School
• Freedom Elementary School
• Miller Elementary School
• Mills Elementary School

These schools are being prepared to serve as shelters ahead of the storm

Transit

All Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route Bus and Trolley service will be suspended Tuesday, August 29 once winds reach tropical-storm force