Free sandbags available as Bradenton, Manatee brace for hurricane. Here are locations
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Hurricane Ian’s impact on Manatee County
Get the latest info on Hurricane Ian’s effects in in Bradenton, Manatee and Sarasota County.
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As Manatee County braces for the impact of an incoming hurricane, sandbags will be available for residents throughout the weekend.
As of Friday evening, Southwest Florida is in the middle of the cone of uncertainty for Tropical Depression Nine, which is expected to “rapidly intensify” into a Category 3 hurricane that makes landfall in Florida by Wednesday.
Local public safety officials urge residents to take every precaution possible to remain safe during a storm. Using sandbags at points of entry around your house can prevent flood waters from getting inside.
Public safety officials say recent rains have already saturated the ground, which could increase the chances of flooding in low-lying and coastal areas.
“Anyone who may be concerned about flooding or residents of flood-prone areas should start making plans to stay with family or friends outside of that area,” said Steve Litschauer, Manatee County’s public safety deputy director. “It is possible for Manatee County to also see further effects from this storm, so continue to monitor Tropical Depression Nine throughout the weekend.”
Where can I get sandbags in Manatee County?
Starting Saturday, Manatee County’s Public Works Department will make sandbags available for free at several locations throughout the area.
Pre-made sandbags will be available at the following locations:
Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (Northwest Parking Lot)
Bayfront Park, 310 North Bay Blvd., Anna Maria (North end by the recycling center)
Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach (South Bayside near the guardrail)
Buffalo Creek Park, 7550 69th St. E., Palmetto (northeast part of parking lot that borders golf course)
Also on Saturday, self-service sandbag centers, which require you to fill your own sandbags, will be available at the following locations:
Bennett Park, 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton
Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto
Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City
On Sunday, full-service sandbag distribution sites will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at two locations:
G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto
Between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, the city of Bradenton will provide residents with sandbags at the Public Works Annex, 1411 Ninth St. W.
Sandbags will be available to residents who live within city limits, according to a press release. Ten sandbags will be provided per car, with city staff reviewing a copy of ID to determine residency.
Between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, the city of Palmetto will provide residents with sandbags at the Palmetto Public Works Department, 601 17th Street W., Palmetto.
Residents must live within city limits and bring an ID and copy of city utility bill. There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
Local leaders also urge residents to sign up for emergency alerts by visiting www.MyManatee.org/AlertManatee and paying attention to the hurricane forecast over the weekend.
This story was originally published September 23, 2022 at 6:31 PM.
