Helene has grown from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane. Manatee and Sarasota counties continue to prepare for the potential of oncoming storm surge and dangerous flooding by calling for evacuations of potentially thousands of people and opening evacuation centers for affected residents.
The hurricane is expected to intensify rapidly and become a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida Thursday evening. Due to storm surge expected along the entire west coast of Florida, officials advise residents to heed all evacuation orders.
Sarasota County has called an evacuation order for Level A areas, as well as manufactured communities and those in Forked Creek in Englewood and Curry Creek and Hatchett Creek in Venice.
Manatee County announced a call for evacuation for residents who live in Level A, which includes all of Anna Maria Island and Manatee portions of Longboat Key, as well as coastal mainland areas. The evacuation applies to all low-lying and flood-prone areas as well as all mobile and manufactured homes. Residents who live in Level B evacuation levels are asked to pay attention to storm surge projections and to evacuate voluntarily if prudent.
Keep up with hurricane updates: Now Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen as it heads to Florida
Sarasota County evacuation centers opened noon Wednesday. Manatee County has opened two shelters on Wednesday for those evacuating at Electa Arcotte Lee Middle School 4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 34210 and Buffalo Creek Middle School, 7320 69th St. E., Palmetto, 34221. Register with Mantee County if you require evacuation transportation to a shelter or special needs shelter.
Evacuations in Manatee County due to Hurricane Helene
Manatee County announced a call for evacuation for residents who live in Level A flood zones starting Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. in preparation for Hurricane Helene. The county said in a news release the storm surge of 5 to 8 feet along the coast, “and inundation is expected in low-lying areas.”
Evacuation Level A includes all of Anna Maria Island and Manatee portions of Longboat Key, as well as coastal mainland areas. The evacuation also applies to all low-lying and flood-prone areas as well as all mobile and manufactured homes. Residents who live in Level B evacuation levels are asked to pay attention to storm surge projections and to evacuate voluntarily if prudent.
The number of people expected to evacuate in Level A, Level B and mobile homes is approximately 120,000, said Bill Logan, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager.
“Evacuations are along coastal and low-lying areas due to the threat of storm surge, but there is still risk of tropical storm winds and flooding from rain,” Logan said.
Residents can visit mymanatee.org/storm for information on evacuation levels and shelters.
Evacuations in Sarasota County due to Hurricane Helene
Sarasota County has called an evacuation order for Level A areas, as well as manufactured communities and those in Forked Creek in Englewood, Curry Creek and Hatchett Creek in Venice.
Sarasota County Emergency Services estimates that 67,775 residents in Zone A and 22,000 units of mobile homes were included in the evacuation call.
Sarasota County Level A: Sarasota County Level A map
Sandra Tapfumaneyi, the Sarasota County emergency management chief, reiterated Wednesday afternoon which residents are ordered to evacuate: Residents in Flood Zone A, such as those on the barrier islands, along Phillippi Creek, or along the Myakka River; those who live in manufactured or mobile homes, or on boats; and residents of Englewood’s Forked Creek as well as Venice’s Curry Creek and Hatchett Creek.
“It is safer for you to evacuate out of these areas because of this risk we have of storm surge from this storm, and the high winds that will potentially ensue, versus staying in your home,” Tapfumaneyi said.
All Sarasota County evacuation centers are open and pet friendly. Tapfumaneyi asked residents to bring their own supplies as needed. Those who need assistance to get to a shelter can call the county for help at 311.
Evacuation centers in Sarasota County opened at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
Community members can identify their evacuation level and find the nearest evacuation center at scgov.net.
Where to find sandbags in Sarasota and Manatee counties?
Manatee County sandbag stations
City of Bradenton sandbag stations
Sarasota County sandbag stations: Wednesday, Sept. 24-25, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations: Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road; Ed Smith Stadium (parking lot), 2700 12th St.; and South County Fleet Services, 4571 State Road 776/Englewood Road.
City of North Port sandbag stations: A self-serve sandbag station is now available at the Larry Thoennissen Athletic Fields behind the George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way. Bags and sand will be available while supplies last, with a limit of 10 bags per vehicle. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.
Town of Longboat Key sandbag stations: There will be a manned sandbag operation at the Broadway Beach Access today, Tuesday, September 24 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. After, sandbags can be picked up at the Town of Longboat Key Public Works Office, 600 General Harris Street (7 a.m. – 4 p.m.) with sand available at the Broadway Beach Access.
The Town’s sandbag station is to serve Longboat Key residents, property owners, and our commercial interests only to help address potential flooding issues. Please bring proof of residency; driver’s license, utility bill, etc. to obtain bags at Public Works. Please note, there is a limit of 10 bags per household. Residents may bring their own bags if more are needed.
City of Venice sandbag stations: The City of Venice is offering a self-service sand station Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 24 and 25, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 252 Seaboard Avenue. Sand is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shovels will be provided. BAGS ARE NOT AT THE SEABOARD LOCATION. Residents can either bring their own bags, or pick up bags starting at 8 a.m. Sept. 24 and 25 at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., or Venice Public Works, 1350 Ridgewood Ave. Limit 10 bags per vehicle.
How to prepare for flooding?
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If you live in a flood prone area, elevate any electric features on your floor.
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Know your hurricane evacuation level and evacuation routes.
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Keep a go-bag with all essential medications and toiletries.
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Make sure you have battery-operated flashlights, radios, and televisions.
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If you know your home will be flooded, turn off your water, gas, and electricity.
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Make a plan to keep your pets safe whether it’s having a friend keep them for a while or taking them to a kennel.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Hurricane Helene: Evacuation centers open in Sarasota, Manatee
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