Manatee Co. officials give update on Helene recovery efforts

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Manatee County officials updated the public about recovery efforts following the storm on Friday.

Officials called it “a very serious situation” in the aftermath of Helene.

“Don’t be a disaster tourist,” officials warned residents, noting the area has seen “historic storm surge dating back to 1980.”

“This is not going to be a quick recovery,” Commissioner Mike Rahn, District Four, said.

Early Friday morning, the county announced that emergency services resumed for Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Longboat Key island cities.

Evacuation orders have been lifted, but officials said residents must exercise “extreme caution” when navigating the islands.

Additionally, a sundown to sunup curfew has been set for the islands. Residents should remain inside after the sun sets at night until the sun rises the next morning.

You can watch the full news conference in the live video player above.

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