Where are the low-lying areas of Manatee County? Here’s where flooding has happened
In the event of a heavy rain event, tropical storm or a hurricane, Manatee County residents and visitors may experience some flooding.
How much depends on the neighborhood, elevation and adequacy of drainage facilities.
The National Weather Service often sends warnings and advisories that only apply to people living in low-lying areas.
To determine your flood zone, visit the online Manatee County Flood Zone tool and enter your address.
Anna Maria Island
Residents and visitors on low-lying Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, along with other coastal areas, always need to be aware of the threat of flood, as well as storm surge during periods of heavy wind and rain.
The City of Holmes Beach advises: “During hurricane season from June to November, the chances for flooding increase. Heavy rainfall combined with a high tide cause saltwater to back up into storm drains, flooding streets and yards.
“In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused flooding and high winds which damaged roofs, carports and other minor structures. Quite a few trees were uprooted and branches were broken due to rain and wind. Holmes Beach was fortunate not to have taken a direct hit but it is important to be prepared for the worst storm damage a storm can inflict,” the City advises.
But it’s not just the coastal areas that are at risk.
Bradenton-Palmetto
Tropical Storm Gabrielle in September 2001 brought high winds and more than 10 inches of rain, flooding Bradenton and Palmetto streets and leaving thousands without power.
In Palmetto, flood waters were hood high on cars stranded on some streets, and hip high on residents who had to evacuate their apartments along 14th Street West.
In Bradenton, Florida Highway Patrol troopers blocked off parts of Manatee Avenue West near Wares Creek because of flooding.
Parrish
In 2017, Tropical Storm Emily delayed the opening of the recently completed Fort Hamer Bridge in East Manatee. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport recorded a total of 21 inches of rain in June and July of 2017.
In 2012, Tropical Storm Debby forced Manatee County Government to open the flood gates of the Lake Manatee Dam, releasing 4,000-cubic feet of water a second to manage the deluge.
Tropical Storm Debby also forced officials to close Upper Manatee River Road at Rye Road, County Road 675 at Jim Davis Road and Jim Davis Road between C.R. 675 and Golf Course Road.
Myakka City
In 2003, heavy rains burst a levy near Myakka River near Myakka State Park. The resulting flood swept into Hidden River subdivision in eastern Sarasota County. The continuous rains in June caused the river to crest, which aggravated the flooding conditions at Hidden River, and flooded homes upstream along Singletary and River Roads in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Old Miakka United Methodist Church became the center of relief efforts in the area as Manatee Religious Services, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross provided service to the community.
“Inconvenience and pettiness doesn’t even register on the priority scale anymore. Everybody’s lives have been changed,” one relief worker said.
Rubonia
In 2020, Tropical Storm Eta dropped inches of rain on Rubonia, near Terra Ceia Bay in northwest Manatee County, causing widespread flooding.
The county subsequently launched a $4 million project to help alleviate drainage problems there in the future.
“We cross our fingers and pray,” one resident said prior to the improvements being made.
What to do if it floods
The National Weather Service recommends:
▪ If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
▪ Practice electrical safety. Don’t go into any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises — get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
▪ Avoid flood waters. Don’t walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
▪ Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Turn around, don’t drown. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires and chemicals. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds, 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV, 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.
This story was originally published June 3, 2022 at 1:50 PM.
