MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County officials announced they are shutting off potable water service and sanitary sewer service to multiple island cities starting Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Milton.
The cities include Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and the Town of Longboat Key starting at 10 a.m., according to a news release.
Officials said this will ensure the infrastructure remains intact and will help salvage the sewer lift stations. They warn that the water will be completely shut off and there will not be residual pressure or flow that some residents may have experienced during Hurricane Helene.
Manatee County emergency managers have called for evacuations of all persons in Levels A, B and C. All residents or visitors in RVs or mobile homes also should evacuate beginning at 2 p.m. Monday.
The towns that will have no access to water and sewer services are in Level A.
The major hurricane is expected to make landfall Wednesday, and Manatee County will feel its impacts from about 8 a.m. through 2 a.m. Thursday.
The area is expected to experience winds from 90 to 110 mph with rain amounts of 6 to 10 inches and a surge of 8 to 12 feet or more.