Manatee Commissioners Set to Declare State of Emergency

Manatee County Commissioners are set to declare a state of emergency this afternoon in preparation for Tropical Storm Issac.

The Manatee County Commission is expected to convene today at 3:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center in order to declare a state of local emergency. The declaration will allow for the implementation of emergency plans and procedures.

The Manatee Emergency Operations Center is at a partial activation
with Emergency Management officials closely monitoring the path of the
storm. 

At 2 p.m. today Tropical Storm Isaac was 40 miles north of Guantanamo, Cuba and was moving northwest at 17 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph.  Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Florida Keys and the Southwest Florida coast.  

Hurricane watches are in effect along the Southeast Florida coast. Tropical Storm watches and warnings are also in effect for portions of the Florida’s east
coast.

Emergency Management Chief Laurie Feagans continued to urge Manatee residents to prepare for strong winds, rain and flooding expected on Monday as Isaac passes the Gulf coast. The storm is projected to become a hurricane Sunday and Manatee is within a Tropical Storm warning area according to the National Hurricane Center.

“We need to take this storm seriously, so Manatee residents need to have their family disaster plans in order,” Feagans said. “Remember, hurricanes can be unpredictable. Errors can occur in the forecast track from the National Hurricane Center. Don’t focus on the precise forecasted track. Be sure to have a Disaster Supply Kit prepared. Purchase any items you don’t already have.”

Feagns also warned residents to clear lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles, trash cans and other items that could become airborne in strong winds. Leave swimming pools filled and chlorinated. Cover the filtration system.

 If your house has a pool, ensure that it is prepared for the storm by
lowering the water level to accommodate heavy rains, but do not drain completely.

A list of preparedness tips is available at www.mymanatee.org/hurricane