After a night of hurricane-watching that wound up being—thankfully—anti-climactic, life is getting back to normal in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Government offices and services have resumed operations.

Sarasota County

Moveable bridges operated by the Florida Department of Transportation and Sarasota County will be fully operational by 1 p.m. Lifeguard towers are being returned today and lifeguards will be on duty.

All trash, recycling, and yard waste collection services for residents in the unincorporated portions of Sarasota County has resumed. All schedules for the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day. The Solid Waste department is also asking residents to properly assemble storm debris in 40-lb, 4 foot bundles.All summer camps and reservations will be reinstated Thursday, July 7.

Manatee County

All Manatee County offices and park facilities re-opened to the public at noon on July 7; however, libraries remain closed until Thursday.

Extensive rain and roadway flooding in East Manatee County resulted in the closure of Wachula Road at Long Creek. Motorists should detour via Verna Bethany Road. The closure is expected to last through the day on Wednesday while water continues to drain from the watershed.

Manatee County’s 311 call center will be open today until 5 p.m. to field calls from the public about any post-damage questions related to Elsa. Damage assessment crews will continue to canvass Manatee County today as residents call the Citizens Information Center (311) line to report damages. 311 operators will request a homeowner's name, number and address that will allow assessment crews to assist, and track all Elsa-related damages.

Manatee County will not collect recycling this week; garbage will be collected Thursday and Friday as usual. All collections will return to normal on Monday, July 12.