PARRISH, Fla. — Officials will strategically release water from Lake Manatee after record-breaking rainfall from Hurricane Debby.
The decision was made to protect public safety and maintain the structural integrity of the Manatee Dam to prevent any damage from high water levels, the county said in a news release. Radar estimates show at least a foot of rain fell across the area.
Roads near the lake, including parts of State Route 64, which runs parallel to the lake, and Verna Bethany Road, which runs across the lake, are closed because of flooding and a roadway collapse.
High water vehicles and water transport units are positioned at key locations downstream of the Manatee Dam as road closures from flooding increase, according to a news release.
"The strategic release of water from Lake Manatee is a precautionary measure to mitigate the impact of the recent heavy rainfall and to ensure the Manatee Dam remains in good structural condition," Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said in a statement. "Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. We urge everyone to follow these alerts to stay safe."
Residents of the area that received a public safety alert are encouraged to leave and go to a nearby shelter. For information on transport sites, call 311.
Additional strategic water releases may be necessary as the effects of Hurricane Debby are navigated, the county said in a news release.
For further updates and information, please check mymanatee.org/storm.