ANNA MARIA, Fla. — Two days after Hurricane Helene brought heavy storm surge and flooding to the Tampa Bay area, a boil water advisory has been issued for drinking water on Anna Maria Island.
In a news release, Manatee County leaders said the decision was made after surveying the damage caused by the Category 4 storm. While leaders say the advisory doesn't mean the water is contaminated, they say there's a possibility it could be.
"Because the water quality is unknown, customers should assume the water is unsafe to drink and take the appropriate precautions," officials said. "Issuance of the notice, under these circumstances, is required by the Florida Department of Health."
Bottled water in Anna Maria Island will be available at a distribution site from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. daily at GT Bray Park at 5502 Avenue Drive West in Bradenton, officials said.
For more Helene-related information in Manatee County, click here.
