Manatee County Post Milton Update

October 16, 2024 | Bradenton

Manatee County has finished the initial assessment of damages from Milton. These figures represent unincorporated Manatee County only: Residential PropertiesDestroyed – 70Major Damage – 3480Minor Damage – 2760Affected – 5610Dollar Loss – $323,268,713Commercial PropertiesDestroyed – 2Major Damage – 223Minor Damage – 78Affected – 193Dollar Loss – $28,143,776A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has been established at GT Bray Park gymnasium (5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton). Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The DRC is a one-stop location, designed to help answer residents’ questions about disaster recovery and give referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance and status of application(s) being processed by FEMA or other agencies.  Officials are seeking to add location(s) in the coming days. Because of high volume at the Bray DRC, FEMA reps are asking those who are able to use one of several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has established a Business Recovery Center (BRC) at the Rocky Bluff Branch Library (6750 US-301, Ellenton) open Monday-Saturday 9a-6p.  Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) is continuing to operate on a modified schedule:Route 99 will operate on a round-trip to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.Routes 6 (Cortez) and 3 (Manatee Avenue) will end their route at 75th Street on the western end.Route 1 (Palmetto) and 12 (Desoto Station east to Lakewood Ranch Walmart) will run their regular route (on the hour).  An aggressive debris removal program with additional haulers and trucks is actively removing debris left behind by Milton. Beginning in Cortez, Palma Sola, Palmetto Point and Rubonia, crews hauled away 507 cubic yards Monday.  Another 4519 tons of debris was brought into the now open from 6 a.m. – midnight Lena Rd. Landfill (3333 Lena Rd., Bradenton) where tipping fees have been waived for Manatee County residents.   Manatee County Lift Station crews have been working tirelessly since Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall, ensuring the continuous flow of wastewater to our treatment facilities. Those workers have transported pumps, generators, and other essential equipment to overcome the significant challenges posed by these storms, working around the clock to restore the remaining lift stations to normal operations as quickly as possible. Residents are urged to continue conserving water until all systems are fully restored. While Manatee County’s Preserves are opening for visitors today, the beaches remain closed. Manatee County Parks are opening as conditions allow after thorough inspections for safety and security. Park visitors are asked to please wait to ensure the facilities are safe to use.     Currently the Palmetto Animal Shelter and Cat Town are not open to the public. However, the Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 5718 21st Avenue West (Bradenton), is open for adoptions and reclaims. If you lost your furry friend due to Hurricane Milton or would like to welcome home a new family member, please visit mymanatee.org/pets for more information.   There are two Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) locations where drivers can get 10 gallons of unleaded gas today: Tropicana Rail Yard 1706 9th St E Bradenton, FL 34208 Bradenton Motorsports Park. 10 am – 7 pm 21000 E. State Road 64 Bradenton Fl, 34212