Here’s where to get sandbags in Manatee County before Hurricane Dorian hits Florida
With Hurricane Dorian knocking on Florida’s door prepared to dump several inches of rain on already saturated ground, local governments are taking steps to help residents ward off flooding.
The National Weather Service is calling for scattered showers and storms through Monday, with tropical storm conditions possible by Sunday. Temperatures will peak around 80 degrees with lows in the mid-70s through Sunday. Monday is expected to see a high of 88 degrees, according to meteorologists.
Manatee County leaders are expected to officially declare a local state of emergency at a Board of County Commissioners meeting at 9 a.m. Friday. That declaration will allow county staff the flexibility to make special purchases for storm-related purchases, according to a statement from county spokesman Nick Azzara.
City commissions in Bradenton and Palmetto are also set to meet Friday so they can issue their own declarations.
In the meantime, officials are urging residents to take get a hurricane preparedness plan together.
“Now’s the time for Manatee County residents to get their plan in place. Dorian will be a wind and rain event that will impact folks in mobile homes and low lying areas most,” acting Public Safety Director Jake Saur said. “Our residents should plan to shelter in place at home and prepare to possibly be without power or water for a couple of days after the storm.”
On Anna Maria Island, where construction on the Anna Maria City Pier continues, precautions are being taken to ensure safety and the preservation of work already completed.
Around noon Friday, i+icon crews working on the pier will take steps to secure the site, according to an email from the project manager to Mayor Dan Murphy. This includes removing floats, plywood and other loose items on the pier, stacking it elsewhere and securing it with straps. Crews will also secure a dumpster, portolet and construction trailer.
Construction tool trailers will be removed and stored off the island, along with the skid steer and UTV rental.
Murphy said he met with city public works officials who have an emergency pump in place to help with water expected from high tide times and they have identified low points in the city that are prone to flooding.
“They’re the first line of defense,” Murphy said of the public works employees. “We have a good storm plan in place.”
City of Anna Maria commissioners also recently passed an emergency declaration resolution allowing the mayor to establish curfews, prohibit sale or distribution of alcohol, declare certain areas “off limits,” establish shelters, make available temporary emergency housing, among other responsibilities during a state of emergency.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said they are working to ensure catch basins are free and clear of debris ahead of the expected storm.
Public works and the police department will have extra employees and officers on call to help if needed.
Chappie asked those driving in the city to slow down and use caution during rain and periods of high tide when flooding is more likely.
Sandbags for Bradenton Beach residents are distributed by Manatee County.
Manatee County
Four locations will offer sandbags to residents from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
They are as follows:
- G.T. Bray Park at 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
- Tom Bennet Park at 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton
- Lakewood Ranch Park at 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
- Bradenton Area Convention Center at 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto
Residents are required to show proof of residence with an ID, and there is a limit of 10 bags per household.
The county’s Citizen Information Center will also accept questions from public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the hotline at (941) 749-3547.
City of Bradenton
Sandbags are being distributed from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the city’s Public Works annex, located on 13th Avenue West and east of Ninth Street West. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle.
Residents must show a driver’s license with proof of current address within the City of Bradenton limits.
City officials ask residents enter the distribution line from Ninth Street West into the Public Works parking lot just north of LECOM Park.
There will be signs and personnel to direct vehicles.
City of Palmetto
Sandbags will be available Friday morning at Public Works, 601 17th Street W., Palmetto.
City of of Anna Maria
Sandbags will be available at Bayfront Park on North Bay Boulevard near North Shore Drive from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
There is a limit of 10 bags per person.
Sandbag locations for Manatee County residents are expected to be announced at noon Thursday.
City of Holmes Beach
Sandbags will be available at the City Clerk’s office, 5801 Marina Dr,. The sand to fill the bags is in the parking lot outside the office.
The city will be posting updates and important information to the Holmes Beach Police Department Facebook page.
