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Repairs to Manatee County library are still underway following Hurricane Milton

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Published  January 1, 2025 4:44pm EST
Manatee County
FOX 13 News

Manatee County library still under after Milton

FOX 13's Kim Kuizon reports on Manatee County's Central Library being closed since Hurricane Milton and how repairs to the library are still ongoing months after the storm.

The Brief

    • Manatee County’s Central Library has been closed since Hurricane Milton.
    • The Manatee River entered the downstairs part of the library, causing the flooding.
    • Repairs are ongoing on the library’s walls, carpet, and roof, and the county is working towards reopening the library.

BRADENTON, Fla. - The effects of Hurricane Milton are still being felt throughout the Bay Area, and Manatee County’s public buildings are no exception.

Since Hurricane Milton passed, the doors to Central Library have remained closed.

Damage to the library from Hurricane Milton.

Damage to the library from Hurricane Milton.


"What we are looking at here is the result of high winds and wind-driven rain," said Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott. 

Water from the Manatee River entered the downstairs part of the library.

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The major damage came from Hurricane Milton’s relentless winds.

Repairs are ongoing to the library’s walls, carpet, and roof. 

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Damage to the library from Hurricane Milton.

"We experienced rain coming in; you can see where the sheetrock has been pulled down because of the dampness, the carpet has been pulled up," said Parrott. "Even behind you, you can see where the study rooms are a little worse for wear. We don’t want to rush and not repair correctly." 

Parrott said crews are working as quickly as possible to reopen the library.

While their doors are closed, patrons can still pick up and drop off reading materials. 

"People are anxious to be back in the building. We are offering curbside service for people to pick up their holds because library services go on," said Parrott. "We have our online presence, people do want to pick up the print materials, and we are still doing reference over the phone," she said."

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Parrott said she understands some are anxious to return to the library, but a reopening date has not yet been set.

Manatee County Central Library.

Manatee County Central Library.

Crews are working not only to repair the library but also to harden it for the next storm. 

"I think what people are missing is right now is being in the building," she said. 

For updates on the library’s status and information about alternative services, please visit the Manatee County Library website here.

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