Virtual Hurricane Prep Town Hall Series Planned In Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — For the second year in a row, Manatee County residents can receive hurricane preparation information from county commissioners and public safety experts ahead of the 2021 hurricane season.

Each of Manatee County's seven commissioners will host a video conference with Emergency Management Chief Steve Litschauer and Public Safety Director Jacob Saur beginning May 24, according to a county news release.

In addition to the seven town halls, three Manatee County cities will host similar town halls with Litschauer and Saur. After officials relay preparation tips, lines will be open for questions from the public.

During the virtual town hall sessions, the following will be covered:

• Learning the strength of your home and whether it's in an evacuation zone using Manatee County's online tools for help.
• Making an evacuation plan now. If you're in an evacuation zone or mobile home, scout out several options where you can stay when severe weather approaches. Go tens of miles — not hundreds — to find a safer location to ride out the storm, the county said.
• In normal conditions public shelters can be crowded, noisy, cold and uncomfortable. If evacuation orders are given and public shelters open, they will keep you safe from the elements, but there is no guarantee against the spread of germs and sickness. Public shelters must be your last resort, the county said.

The Commissioner-hosted virtual town hall series is scheduled as follows:

• District 5 Commissioner and Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh: May 24, 6:30 p.m.
• District 1 Commissioner James Satcher: June 1, 6:30 p.m.
• District 2 Commissioner Reggie Bellamy: June 2, 6:30 p.m.
• District 4 Commissioner Misty Servia: June 7, 6:30 p.m.
• At-large Commissioner Carol Whitmore: June 10, 6:30 p.m.
• At-large Commissioner George Kruse: June 14, 6:30 p.m.
• District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge: June 15, 11 a.m.

Three additional hurricane prep virtual town halls will be hosted by municipal partners:

• City of Bradenton: May 19, 5:30 p.m.
• City of Holmes Beach: May 24, 3 p.m.
• City of Anna Maria: June 9, 10 a.m.

The video link for each meeting will be announced one day before each meeting at www.mymanatee.org/townhall.

Each town hall meeting also will be available for on-demand viewing on the county website within two days of the event.