MANATEE CO., FL (WWSB) – The Manatee County Government will be distributing sandbags in preparation for Hurricane Irma.
"We strongly urge residents and visitors to implement their personal plans," Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Sherilyn Burris said. "Now is the time. The storm still has a lot of forecast uncertainty, so don't wait until it's too late to make a plan."
Sandbags are now available for city residents at Bradenton Public Works & Utilities: Tuesday until 4 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Limit of 10 with proof of city residency at 701 13th Avenue West, Bradenton.
Today, Sept. 5, Big Earth Landscape Supply will offer free sand at its two locations: 6001 15th St. E., Bradenton and 1010 10th St. E., Palmetto.
Also, the Palmetto Police Department is handing out sandbags from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. today and on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 818 10th Avenue W. City residents (ID required) are allowed an allotment of ten bags each.
Crews will distribute sandbags from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at the following locations:
- Buffalo Creek Park – 7550 69th St. E., Palmetto
- G.T. Bray Park – 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
- Lakewood Ranch Park – 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton
- Stormwater Ops – 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton
- Rubonia Community Center – 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto
