Amanda Ballard, Manatee County Commissioner, District 2

Ice available at some PODs today!

Ice, ice . . . to go at select Points of Distribution (POD) locations later today. Just bring your coolers. They’ll have the shovels. Click the Distribution Sites link on the mymanatee.org/storm site to see updates about when and where it is available.

Three Points of Distribution (POD) sites have been set up at Blackstone Park, GT Bray Park and Kingfish Boat Ramp until 8 p.m. today. Each has Meals Ready to Eat (MRE), water and tarps. Addresses are as follows:

➡ Blackstone Park: 2112 14th Avenue West (Palmetto)
➡ GT Bray Park: 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West (Bradenton)

Additional Points of Distribution may be added and will be posted here and on mymanatee.org/storm.

Now’s the time to shelter in place as conditions continue to deteriorate. Find a safe location indoors and stay there until you are given an all clear to leave. Go to mymanatee.org/storm for storm-related information.

Don't forget about your senior neighbors . . . Please check to make sure your elderly neighbors are aware of evacuation notices and the severity of Hurricane Milton. Many older citizens don’t have access to internet, social media or media-alert systems and find themselves in dangerous situations during weather-related events. Assist them if you can. If needed, please call 311 to arrange transit to a shelter.

Please sign up for alerts if you haven't already so that you receive more timely information during emergencies: mymanatee.org/alertmanatee.

If you need a ride to a shelter, Manatee County Transit can get you there today and tomorrow!

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) will continue to operate as normal through Monday night. Beginning Tuesday, October 8, MCAT will operate emergency transfers to shelters as long as they can. Specific pick-up locations will be announced.

Mandatory evacuations begin tomorrow for zones A & B. If you intend to evacuate it’s smart to do so tomorrow, BEFORE effects of Milton begin.

Ahead of Tropical Storm Milton, Manatee County has updated the storm information page to include water level monitors for Lake Manatee, local streams, and rivers. You can track those levels at mymanatee.org/storm. This important resource will help you stay prepared and make informed decisions as the system approaches.

Manatee County Emergency Management is currently monitoring the development in the Gulf, to stay prepared, take a moment to check your supplies and replenish them if needed. To stay informed and connected, make sure you are signed up for Alert Manatee notifications. If you are in need of sandbags, visit mymanatee.org/storm for the current list of sandbags locations.

Today's (Thursday, October 3) MCR Health bus will be setting up at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street West Cortez (not Palmetto Point). Staff will be providing medical visits, medication/prescription refills, mental health services and referral services from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.