Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene ripped through Manatee County, government leaders are urging residents to prepare for another major hurricane with potentially stronger local impacts.
Milton strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said. The center’s latest tropical weather forecast predicts that Milton will strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane before making a direct landfall near Bradenton on Wednesday.
Manatee County officials warned Sunday that Milton is forecast to bring even higher storm surge amounts than Hurricane Helene’s record-breaking local surge of over 6 feet.
“I’m going to say that again. We are expecting more storm surge than we saw with Hurricane Helene,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said at a press conference Sunday afternoon.
Mandatory evacuation orders for residents in Level A and Level B will go into effect Monday at 2 p.m., county officials said.
“We cannot say it strongly enough,” Fiske said. “If you are in an A or a B, please evacuate.”
The developing storm comes as Manatee County’s recovery from Helene is still underway. That hurricane devastated Manatee County with record-breaking storm surge, flooding and property damage — especially in coastal areas. While residents, businesses and government crews continue cleanup efforts, another strong storm is on the way.
“We understand that you are still trying to recover from Helene,” Fiske said. “Unfortunately, we are actively monitoring Tropical Storm Milton as it continues to develop and make its way towards the western coast of Florida.”
Manatee County residents should prepare now for Milton
Fiske urged residents to sign up for Manatee County emergency alerts , double-check evacuation zones and get hurricane gear together as soon as possible.
Officials also urged residents not to put out any additional storm debris from Hurricane Helene for pickup at this time.
“We’ve been working closely with the State of Florida to add additional debris haulers and will be assisting with debris removal in anticipation of Milton’s arrival,” Fiske said. “Any debris that’s left on the roadside as Milton comes through can clog drains or can become a projectile during high winds.”
Hurricane Milton forms
Tropical Storm Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. By Sunday afternoon, it was a Category hurricane with 80 mph winds. the NHC said. The forecast cone shows the storm headed east toward Anna Maria Island, which could take direct landfall from the storm, meteorologists say.
The city of Anna Maria plans to issue a mandatory evacuation order at noon Monday, according to a social media post from the Bradenton Police Department.
Milton is expected to become a powerful Category 3 hurricane Monday before striking Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay region should be prepared for life-threatening storm surge. Storm surge watches and estimates could be issued as soon as Sunday, the NHC said.
Rainfall could also produce threats for the region.
“Rainfall amounts of 5 to 8 inches, with localized totals up to 12 inches, are expected across portions of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys through Wednesday night,” the NHC said Sunday afternoon.
Find sandbags in Manatee County
County officials say crews are working to replenish sandbag sites at the following locations:
Bennett Park, 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton
Blackstone Park, 2112 14th Ave., Palmetto
Buffalo Creek Park, 7550 69th St. E., Palmetto
Centre Lake, 65th Ave. Circle E. Sarasota
Dam Road, 1505 Dam Road
Greenbrook Park, 6655 Greenbrook Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach
Lakewood Ranch Park, 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
Manatee County Fleet Building, 4700 66th St. W., Bradenton
Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City
Ola Mae Sims, Park, 11800 Erie Road, Parrish
Palma Sola Park, 7915 40th Ave. W., Bradenton
Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto
Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish
Stormwater Facility, 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton
Sylvan Oaks Park, 715 17th St. E., Palmetto
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