MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency in Manatee County due to Subtropical storm Alberto. The storm is forecast to bring up to six or eight inches of rain from today until Tuesday and could result in local flooding along low-lying areas.
"We’re primarily concerned with the amount of rain we’ve received over last two weeks on top of a forecast that is predicting between four and eight inches of rain and in some areas up to 12 inches of rain between tonight and Tuesday," said Public Safety Director Robert Smith. "We’re asking for declaration of emergency because the worst of rain is slated to hit in the middle of long holiday weekend."
Commissioners voted unanimously for the local state of emergency that will allow County staff to perform any emergency actions needed during the storm.
"I'm not the only one in here that we're freaking out, we're worried," said Michelle Leeson.
Lesson's garage is still full of home items salvaged from last year's August storm. Some parts of Manatee lost power while streets and homes were underwater.
Flooding from the 2017 storm forced Leeson and her family to move out for seven months.
"You have to uproot your whole family and try to figure out where you're going to live, how you're going to afford to live during this time," said Leeson. "You have a mortgage to pay, you got bills to pay and the insurance doesn't cover that part."
There are no plans for an evacuation or shelter openings, but County residents should monitor the news and the County's social media pages for updates.
"Name of the game is be prepared," said Mike Kenyan, a Sgt. with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. "Because if you're not prepared when the weather comes in, it's too late."
Manatee County Public Works will distribute sandbags Saturday, May 26 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Manatee County Transit & Fleet Facility, 2411 Tallevast Road.
The City of Bradenton will have sandbags available at their Public Works location, 705 13th Ave West. Limit of 10 bags per vehicle. Proof of City residency required.
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