Hurricane Elsa Floods Parts Of East Manatee, Anna Maria Island

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County Emergency Operations Center remains at a partial activation Wednesday as the county’s damage assessment team continues to assess the impact from Hurricane Elsa.

Extensive rain and roadway flooding in the eastern part of the county has resulted in the closure of Wachula Road at Long Creek in Myakka City, the county said in a news release. Motorists should detour via Verna Bethany Road.

The closure is expected to last through Wednesday while water continues to drain from the watershed.

Portions of Anna Maria Island are under water as well Wednesday, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office shared on Facebook. Impacts from the storm could be felt throughout the day in Manatee, the agency added.

"In addition to localized flooding throughout the county, we are still experiencing rip currents on our beaches. Please avoid walking or driving in standing water, and be mindful of the electrocution dangers associated with standing water," MCSO wrote.

About 10,400 Florida Power & Light customers lost power because of the storm, according to FPL’s Power Tracker. As of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, all but 70 have had their power restored.

“Manatee County fared very well, and I’m pleased to see our residents took the necessary steps to prepare for this storm,” Public Safety Director Jacob Saur said in a statement. “No matter what category the hurricane is, all residents need to take these storms seriously.”

Manatee County’s 311 call center will be open until 5 p.m. Wednesday to field calls from the public about any post-damage questions related to Elsa, the county said.

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Damage assessment crews will continue to canvass Manatee County today as residents call the Citizens Information Center’s 311 line to report damages. 311 operators will request a homeowner's name, phone number and address so assessment crews to assist and track all Elsa-related damages, the county said.

Manatee County homeowners should call their homeowners insurance company to file a claim for property damages. Residents may also call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to report damage at 1-800-621-FEMA. Residents with damage can also register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov

All Manatee County offices and park facilities reopened at noon Wednesday, but county libraries will remain closed until Thursday.

There will be no recycling collected this week. Only yard waste will be collected on Wednesday. Garbage will be collected Thursday and Friday, as usual. All collections will return to normal on Monday.