Voluntary Evacuation For Island Residents, Low-Lying Areas

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — As Tropical Storm Eta approaches Florida’s west coast, Manatee County has issued a voluntary evacuation notice for residents of Anna Maria Island and other low-lying, flood-prone areas, the county said in a news release.

As of 11 a.m., Anna Maria Island was in the southernmost edge of a tropical storm warning and storm surge warning by the National Weather Service, alerts that have triggered local officials to take multiple steps to prepare the community.

Tropical storm-force winds are likely to affect the area starting around 2 p.m. on Wednesday and they’re expected to last into the night, according to the news release.

At a Wednesday morning news conference, the county’s Public Safety Director Jacob Saur and Emergency Management Chief Steve Litschauer said Manatee County's barrier islands are most vulnerable to flooding Wednesday night when rains of between 4 to 6 inches will arrive, accompanied by storm surge of 2 to 5 feet.

"This afternoon conditions will rapidly deteriorate and it’s going to be a rough night," Saur said. "Residents whose homes normally experience storm force winds should make alternate plans. Residents know their area best and they should make plans now. If they’re affected by surge or flooding, they need to go to the home of family or friends outside of those areas. They don’t have to leave the county, but they need to get outside of those areas that normally flood."

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Emergency Shelters

Two emergency shelters opened at noon. They’re intended for island residents, those in manufactured homes and residents in low-lying areas. The shelters are located at:

• Manatee High School: 902 33rd Street Court West, Bradenton
• Virgil Mills Elementary School: 7200 69th St E, Palmetto

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, masks will be mandatory in the shelters. Hand sanitizer will be available, but residents are encouraged to also bring their own.

Officials said the shelters are meant to be a refuge of last resort due to concerns about the possible spread of coronavirus. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place or stay with friends or family if possible.

"The biggest concern with a public shelter this year is the potential spread of COVID-19," Litschauer said. "Shelter capacity is diminished so we cannot stress enough that the shelters must be a refuge of last resort. Find somewhere else to go, if you can."

More info about these emergency shelters can be found online here.

Sandbag Locations

Manatee County made sandbags available to the public on Wednesday at the following locations:

• Coquina Beach North Boat Ramp: 1389 Gulf Drive S.
• Manatee Beach: 4000 Gulf Drive

Sandbags are also available to city residents at the following locations:

• Anna Maria: Bayfront Park, 316 North Bay Blvd. (self service)
• City of Bradenton: 1411 9th Street W (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; residents only; proof of residence required)
• Holmes Beach: City Hall, 5801Marina Drive (self service)
• Longboat Key: Broadway Beach Access, 100 Broadway Street (self service)

County residents can find a list of sandbag distribution sites and their status online here.

Storm Closings

Residents can expect the following schedule changes due to Hurricane Eta:

Manatee County Schools: Closed Wednesday in observance of Veterans Day. Students will shift to an e-learning schedule for Thursday and Friday.

Public beaches: All county beaches will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge closed to traffic when winds hit 50 mph Wednesday morning.

COVID-19 testing site at the Bradenton Area Convention Center: Closed temporarily Wednesday at 12 p.m.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT): All operations suspended by 1 p.m. on Wednesday

Island Branch Library: This location is already closed for Veterans Day. It will also be closed on Thursday.

Robinson and Emerson Point preserves: Closed Wednesday and Thursday

Manatee County Planning Commission meeting: Rescheduled from Thursday to Nov. 19

Trash collection: Expected to remain on schedule in unincorporated Manatee County

The World's Strongest Man Competition: Originally scheduled to take place on Anna Maria Island, this event will be moved to the Feld Entertainment Campus and will not be open to the public.

Preparing for a Storm

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm:

• Have a disaster kit and plan in place.
• Pick up loose items that could blow around from lawns, patios and lanais.
• Fill up gas their gas tanks.
• Learn their evacuation zone by contacting their local government/emergency management office or by checking this evacuation site website.
• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters.
• Review insurance policies to ensure that they have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
• Charge cell phones, laptops and other devices.

Stay Up-to-Date On the Latest County Information

For severe weather preparation information, visit www.mymanatee.org/manateeready.

Sign up for emergency alerts sent straight to your phone at mymanatee.org/AlertManatee. Residents can also call Manatee County's 311 Center to ask questions or receive information on all of the latest from the County.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter @ManateeGov.