According to the National Weather Service, Sarasota and the surrounding areas should expect 2 to 4 feet of storm surge over the next few hours as we approach high tide and rains continue from Hurricane Debby. (Yes, that's in addition to yesterday's rainfall and storm surge.)

Manatee County Is Performing a Strategic Release of Water From Lake Manatee

Following record-breaking rainfall, Manatee County officials have determined that it's necessary to perform a strategic release of water from Lake Manatee in order to manage water levels and ensure public safety. "This is a precautionary measure to mitigate the impact of the recent heavy rainfall and to ensure the Manatee Dam remains in good structural condition," says Manatee County public safety director Jodie Fiske. "Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. We urge everyone to follow these alerts to stay safe."

Manatee County residents who receive a targeted IPAWS alert are encouraged to leave for a nearby shelter. In the event of a life-threatening situation, individuals should dial 911 immediately. For information on transport sites, residents can call 311. Additional strategic releases may be necessary to maintain safe water levels in Lake Manatee as storm surge and rising tides continue to pose challenges.

Water Rescues Happening Across Both Counties

As of this morning there have been a total of 32 adults, 12 children and 13 pets rescued from 14 homes in high-water rescues from the Center Lake area and Villa Del Sol MHP on 15^th Street East, with county officials anticipating that more will take place throughout the day as waters continue to rise. In Sarasota, rescues were underway in the Pinecraft area near Bahia Vista and Tuttle roads. The Sarasota Police Department is coordinating with Sarasota County Emergency Services and other agencies to deploy high water rescue vehicles and help safely relocate displaced residents; a social media post from the police department says that more than 500 people in Sarasota have been rescued.

In Manatee County, two shelters are now open at Miller Elementary School and Nolan Middle School; other locations may be opened as needed. In Sarasota County, an evacuation center has been opened at Woodmere Park, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, for residents who have left their homes due to flooding or have been directly affected by flooding. Those requiring transportation assistance to the evacuation center can call 311 to arrange pickup; county officials urge people not to walk or drive through flooded waters. 

Garbage Collection and Other Public Services

Because of the flooding, the Manatee County Landfill on Lena Road will be closed, and trash collection has been canceled for Monday. Trash collection days will shift one day later this week.

Similarly, Sarasota County is delaying curbside collection services for garbage, recycling and yard waste through the remainder of the week. This week's schedule will be as follows:

• Monday, Aug. 5 – no collection
• Tuesday, Aug. 6 – collection for Monday customers
• Wednesday, Aug. 7 – collection for Tuesday customers
• Thursday, Aug. 8 – collection for Wednesday customers
• Friday, Aug. 9 – collection for Thursday customers
• Saturday, Aug. 10 – collection for Friday customers

Breeze Transit is suspended until further notice and all indoor and outdoor camps have been cancelled until further notice, and Sarasota County Public Utilities staff are currently working on emergency calls only. 

Despite the  increase in wastewater flow from the storm, all water and wastewater plants within Sarasota County are currently operating within regulation.  However, if you encounter floodwaters, county officials advise limiting contact with accumulated surface waters, as they may be contaminated with untreated sewage, animal waste, decomposing plants and animals and unknown chemicals from manufacturing plants, transportation activities, and agricultural or lawn applications."