Hurricane Helene: Manatee County updates & information

BRADENTON, Fla. - As Tropical Storm Helene works its way toward Florida, here's what people in Manatee County need to know.

Manatee County Evacuations:

Manatee County has issued an evacuation notice for any residents living in the Level A evacuation zone and anyone living in mobile or manufactured homes in Manatee County beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Officials are encouraging evacuees to stay with friends or relatives. However, community shelters are opening at Electa Arcotte Lee Middle School in Bradenton and Buffalo Creek Middle School Palmetto.

Manatee County Closings:

Manatee County Parks and Preserves will be closed, beginning Wednesday evening. Beaches and pools will be closing tonight and remain closed until further notice. G.T. Bray Park will be closing at noon Wednesday to allow for staging of emergency responders. There will be no Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route service on Thursday. Trolley and Transit service will end at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The Gulf Island Ferry Service is suspended through the weekend.

Manatee County Government will be closing on Thursday.