Live updates: Hurricane Debby forces road closures, water rescues in Manatee County
Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane with 80 mph sustained winds and a major flooding threat.
Bradenton and Manatee County woke up to flooded and closed roads after a record of nearly 12 inches of daily rainfall on Sunday, according to readings at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
Local flooding and flash flood warnings were extended on Monday morning, and county officials urged residents to “stay home and stay safe.”
“Assets are in place to perform any necessary rescues, but they will need room to work,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said in an update Monday morning. “We are urging everyone to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. We do not need disaster tourists.”
Residents can call 311 to report flooding to the county.
County officials said 44 people had been rescued from flood waters as of Monday morning.
1 p.m. Monday: Emergency water release from Lake Manatee
Manatee County officials announced they are preparing for an emergency release of water from Lake Manatee on Monday to prevent damage to the Lake Manatee Dam.
The county said roads have been closed in the area, and residents are being asked to evacuate.
The county said it is using the IPAWS emergency alert system to contact residents who should leave their homes.
“The strategic release of water from Lake Manatee is a precautionary measure to mitigate the impact of the recent heavy rainfall and to ensure the Manatee Dam remains in good structural condition,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said in a news release. “We urge everyone to follow these alerts to stay safe.”
The county said additional water releases may be necessary as rain and storm surge continue.
12:30 p.m. Monday: Manatee homes flooded
Jose Diaz, a rental property manager at USA Rentals, said he expected flooding when he went to check on his Rubonia property Monday morning after the storm.
As expected, standing water greeted Diaz at the house, which is in the area of 71st St. E. and 17th Ave. Dr. E.
”We’re right on the water, so I don’t think there’s anything you can do about the flooding. It gets really bad sometimes,” Diaz said.
In Bradenton’s Villa Del Sol Mobile Home Park, Roger Huffman’s home was without power and surrounded by water.
Residents of the park were among the 32 adults, 12 children and 13 pets rescued from flooding, according to Manatee County.
12 p.m. Monday: Government offices closed, garbage delayed
Manatee County Government offices and facilities are closed Monday with the exception of the Supervisor of Elections Office, Clerk of Court’s Office, the Judicial Center and the Property Appraiser’s Office.
Bradenton government offices and City Hall are also closed on Monday.
The Lena Road Landfill is closed Monday, and trash pickups will be delayed by one day this week for Manatee County and Palmetto residents. Bradenton trash pickups scheduled for Monday and Tuesday will be delayed by one day.
Storm debris should be placed by the curbside for collection, the City of Bradenton said in a news release.
Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach are closed until further notice. MCAT fixed-route buses will not run on Monday.
11 a.m. Monday: Over 4,000 without power in Manatee
As of 11 a.m. Monday, 3,610 Florida Power & Light customers were without power, the company reported.
“Crews are restoring power in between weather bands as conditions allow. Remember to stay far away from flooding, downed power lines and debris,” FPL said in a storm update.
Peace River Electric Cooperative reported 709 customers without power.
9 a.m. Monday: Manatee under flood watches
On Monday morning, winds were beginning to subside in Manatee County, but a Tropical Storm Warning was still in effect.
Rain and wind gusts approaching 40 mph were forecast to continue throughout the day.
The National Weather Service also extended other hazard warnings in the storm’s aftermath.
Coastal Manatee County remained under a Storm Surge Warning, with 3 to 5 feet of surge predicted.
The Manatee River is also flooding in East Manatee County. A Flood Warning has been issued for the river near the Rye Bridge and near Myakka Head at State Road 64.
“The river is expected to rise to a crest of 18.3 feet this afternoon,” the National Weather Service said. “It will then fall below flood stage early Wednesday morning.”
A Tornado Watch is in effect until 4 p.m. Monday. A watch means that tornadoes could form.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge remained closed Monday morning. The bridges to Anna Maria Island are also closed.
Evacuation shelters remained open for residents escaping flooding at Miller Elementary School, 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton and Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Bradenton.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 11:05 AM.