Sarasota County Public Utilities will interrupt potable water service to the barrier islands in anticipation of the storm surge impacts of Hurricane Helene.

The shutoffs affect the following islands: 

• Siesta Key
• Bird Key
• St. Armands Key
• Lido Key
• Casey Key

Because of potential storm surge, the water shut-off is a proactive measure to protect the community’s infrastructure from saltwater. 

Water service will be restored with a boil water advisory as soon as possible.

In Manatee County, water shutoff has been announced for these locations: 

• Anna Maria Island
• Holmes Beach
• Bradenton Beach
• Town of Longboat Key

According to Manatee County Utilities, water will be restored to the islands as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Turning off the water supply is a serious decision,” says City of Sarasota utilities director Verne Hall. “With the National Weather Service forecasting 4 to 7 feet of storm surge, we have to take proactive measures to protect the community’s infrastructure. Saltwater inundating the water system could have costly, even catastrophic, impacts. We’re monitoring the storm and will keep customers informed if it’s determined water service can continue to the barrier islands throughout the storm.”

Sarasota County leadership says its Public Utilities staff is prepared to deploy as soon as conditions are safe and will restore water services to those who have been impacted.

For the most up-to-date info on the storm and the county's preparation, visit scgov.net or call 311 or (941) 861-5000.