Hurricane Milton Prompts Manatee County To Issue Evacuation Orders

Photo byManatee County

Manatee County issues evacuation orders for vulnerable zones and mobile homes ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected impact on October 7.

MANATEE COUNTY, FL – In a critical move to protect residents from the looming threat of Hurricane Milton, Manatee County Emergency Managers have ordered evacuations for residents in Level A and B evacuation zones, as well as those living in RVs or mobile homes. The evacuation order will take effect at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 7, as the powerful storm approaches Florida's coast.

Emergency officials are urging residents not to underestimate the threat posed by Hurricane Milton, which is expected to generate a storm surge even more severe than Hurricane Helene. "If you stayed during Helene and got lucky, I would not press my luck with this particular system,” warned Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske.

Shelters Open and Debris Collection Ramps Up

To accommodate evacuees, several emergency shelters will open on Monday afternoon, including Mills Elementary School in Palmetto, Miller Elementary School in Bradenton, and Myakka Elementary School in Myakka City. A special needs shelter will also be available for those who have pre-registered. County officials strongly advise residents to check their evacuation zone at mymanatee.org/storm and prepare accordingly.

As the county braces for Milton, cleanup efforts from Hurricane Helene are continuing at full speed. Additional vehicles have been deployed to clear debris in the region. However, officials have stressed that debris collection must be completed before Milton’s arrival to prevent projectiles and clogged drains, which could worsen the storm’s impact.

“We’re urging residents to clear their properties and avoid placing any more debris at the curb once collections are done,” said a county spokesperson.

Urgent Preparations and Sandbag Stations

Manatee County residents are being urged to make final preparations as Milton bears down. Self-service sandbag stations are being restocked to help residents shore up their properties, with details available on the county’s storm preparedness website.

Emergency Management Chief Matt Myers emphasized the importance of taking immediate action, saying, "Now is the time to prepare. Please, please, please take this storm seriously."

Tracking Water Levels and Further Announcements

The county has enhanced its storm information portal to include water level monitors for Lake Manatee and other local streams and rivers, which can be crucial in tracking flood risks. Residents are encouraged to monitor these resources to stay informed and make timely decisions.

As the storm approaches, residents and visitors should stay tuned to local news and official channels for real-time updates. For the latest information, follow the county's updates at mymanatee.org/storm.

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