- December 21, 2024
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The YMCA of Southwest Florida is offering support to members and non-members alike as the majority of its branches are now open, providing essential services and a welcoming space for those affected by the storm.
Open branches offer showers, charging stations and wifi access to the general pubic in need. Please bring a valid photo ID to help the YMCA ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Locally, the YMCA of Southwest Florida branches include the Bradenton YMCA, Englewood YMCA, Lakewood Ranch YMCA, Palmer Ranch YMCA, Sarasota City YMCA and Venice YMCA.
Operating branches are open daily. For specific branch locations and additional information, visit your local YMCA’s Facebook page or the YMCA of Southwest Florida’s mobile app.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Center suffered significant water intrusion damage from Hurricane Milton, the City of Sarasota said Monday.
“Our staff has a meeting this afternoon to discuss the extent of it and the plan moving forward,” said Muffy Lavens, the Van Wezel’s public relations director.
A photo provided by the center shows standing water in the grand foyer.
Also today, the Van Wezel announced the Billy Ocean concert scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15 has been canceled.
When access to St. Armands Key will be available to residents and business owners remains unknown, according to an email sent to the membership of the St. Armands Residents Association by its president, Chris Goglia.
A Thursday afternoon missive informed residents that the state is inspecting Little Ringling Bridge, or Coon Key Bridge, which sustained damage to the westbound span. The extent of that damage is still being assessed and, should it be closed to vehicle traffic, only the eastbound span will be available for the two-way traffic.
“I cannot get an answer about when this will happen, even after I've pointed out that people need to make airplane, hotel, and long road trip plans,” Goglia wrote.
Goglia reported most of the island does not have electricity and has no information about internet access or when FPL estimates power will be restored. He wrote that information has been passed along to him on when water and sewer would be restored and that Sarasota County has at least some pumps running and the storm surge is slowly receding.
"I'm a nomad like many of you,” he wrote. “In short: water in some places, dry in others; still piles of debris in some places, debris fields in others; some water craft still in the water, some water craft now on land! I've asked the deputy city manager and city engineer for information, even if it is their best guess. I will pass along whatever I find out.”
Although a live camera shows high water remaining at St. Armands, residents are not able to access the key to assess conditions. When access will be available is as yet unknown as the state inspects Coon Key Bridge for possible damage.
Additionally, vehicle access is not permitted onto Siesta Key either from the Stickney Point Road or Siesta Drive bridges, but the key is accessible across the bridges by foot, according to social media accounts.
The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has sustained damage at the passenger terminal and on buildings surrounding the airfield.
President and CEO Rick Piccolo, who spent the night at the airport, reports some serious damage including two sections of roof over the main concourse and several private hangars destroyed or severely damaged.
Because of the damage and a large amount of debris, Piccolo told the Observer that the airport might not open until Saturday.
Both campuses of Sarasota Memorial Hospital had little damage, if any, during the storm Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, according to Kim Savage, PIO for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
“We stayed busy before, during and after the storm,” Savage said. “Thankfully, our facilities fared well, despite heavy winds, rain and surges nearby. Both hospitals are on high ground — our Sarasota campus at 19 feet, and our Venice campus at 16.5 feet. We had an influx of patients as the storm headed our way and hospitals around us began closing and evacuating patients.”
Savage said the hospitals cared for as many as 4,000 patients, and they continue to help those injured or suffered serious medical conditions during the storm.
Savage said they will monitor Sarasota Memorial's off-campus sites for damage and determining whether they have electricity and services necessary so they can open them asap today or tomorrow. Those facilities include seven urgent care centers and a network of outpatient diagnostic lab/imaging centers and physician offices.
Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton and Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi addressed the public with another Facebook Live video via the Sarasota County Government Facebook page.
“It was a long night,” Tipton said.
The highest winds were estimated to be around 110 mph, but Hurricane Milton brought very little storm surge to the island, according to Tipton.
The town’s first-in team arrived on the island this morning and saw little damage to the island, including the town’s infrastructure.
Access to the island through the south over the Ringling Causeway still remains closed, and the island is without water, wastewater and power. Tipton said there is currently no estimated timeline for restoring the utilities.
Although access through the south is impossible at this time, Tipton said the first-in crew was able to access the island through the north end and Longboat Pass Bridge, a route that was left impassible after Hurricane Helene.
According to Tipton, he spoke with Mayor John Chappie of the city of Bradenton Beach, who said his number one priority is opening the road for the Longboat community.
“As soon as Mayor Chappie and FDOR gives us the green light, we will move forward with reentry,” Tipton said.
Tipton added that, this time, there will be no phased reentry as there has been in the past. When it’s safe to do so, entry to the island will be open to everyone.
According to the town of Longboat Key’s social media pages, access through the south end of Longboat Key was not possible due to bridge damage to the west of the Ringling Bridge. The island is still without water, wastewater and power, according to the post.
Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis posted on social media that FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue team is on Lido Key for rescue operations and to assess the structural integrity of buildings.
.@FLTF2USAR is operational in Lido Key in the Sarasota area. They’ll go house to house for rescue operations and assess structural integrity of buildings. pic.twitter.com/JQQz64OxOS
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) October 10, 2024
Sarasota County officials report that access to the barrier islands, including Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key and Longboat Key, remains closed as the post-storm search-and-rescue mission is completed.
Uniformed personnel are posted at the following intersections to ensure access is closed:
Sarasota County is also asking residents to limit water usage as nearly 75% of the county's lift stations lost power.
The Stickney Point Road Bridge did not collapse during Hurricane Milton, despite rumors stating otherwise.
Sarasota County officials are asking residents to stay off the roads Thursday morning while personnel assesses damage and first responders clear some 500 emergency calls that came in overnight.
“The roads are still have some debris on them, and so we have teams that are clearing those,” said Sarasota Chief of Emergency Management Sandra Tapfumaneyi. “The roads still have some debris on them so we are working on clearing those. We have outages at our traffic lights, so we're asking everyone to just stay put for a little while.”
Tapfumaneyi said power outages cover approximately 75% of the county, but there is a silver lining.
“Overall it does appear that the storm surge that was predicted at that high amount may not be as high as they thought, so that is great news,” she said.
Hurricane Milton has passed over the Florida peninsula and reached the Atlantic Ocean.
The city of Sarasota urges residents to conserve water as there are multiple water main breaks.
Sarasota County asks residents to remain inside as tactical teams begin assessing damages. Flooded roads, downed power lines and trees in roadways have been reported so far.
The storm surge on Longboat Key was not as high as experienced during Helene, the town posted on X (formerly Twitter). Bridges are being assessed before the Tactical First In Team proceeds.
Update: Oct. 10 - 7:30 a.m.
— City of Sarasota (@CityofSarasota) October 10, 2024
Our T-FIT (Tactical First-in Response Teams) headed out before sunrise and are in the community clearing primary north-south and east-west roads and beginning the damage assessment process. 🧵 #sarasota #cityofsarasota #milton #hurricanemilton pic.twitter.com/QKh2sCDFvx
Hurricane, storm surge and flash flood warnings and the flood watch have expired in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
As of 11 p.m., 226,890 FPL customers are without power in Sarasota County, which is 76% of all county customers; 27,310 have been restored. There are 163,650 FPL customers without power in Manatee County, which is 76% of all county customers; 5,520 have been restored.
Coastal Manatee and coastal Sarasota remain under hurricane and storm surge warnings through 7:15 a.m. Thursday. The flood watch remains through 8 p.m. Thursday. A flash flood warning is in effect in Manatee County through 2:45 a.m. Thursday.
Wind peaked at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport at 9:36 p.m. at 69 mph with 102 mph gusts. Rain totaled 7.6 inches.
We'd love to share your Hurricane Milton photos to keep our community updated. Click here to share your photos and stories.
Now 5 miles north of Sarasota, Hurricane Milton has 115 mph sustained winds and is moving east-northeast at 15 mph. Life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding continue. Coastal Manatee and coastal Sarasota remain under hurricane and storm surge warnings through 1:15 a.m. Thursday.
Hurricane Milton has made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm. Coordinates provided by the NHC put landfall at Lido Key. Sustained winds remain at 120 mph.
Hurricane Milton is 20 miles from Sarasota. Landfall is expected in the next hour or two, the NHC says. Maximum sustained winds are 120 mph.
At the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, sustained wind speeds are 53 mph with 93 mph gusts.
The expected storm surge in Sarasota and Manatee counties remains at 9-13 feet.
The NHC says to take shelter in an interior room, away from windows, as the core of Hurricane Milton moves across central Florida.
As Hurricane Milton heads our way, we'd love to share your photos to keep our community updated. Click here to share your photos and stories.
With sustained winds over 50 mph, Manatee County Emergency Management has informed residents that all emergency services have been suspended to keep emergency personnel safe.
The county will log all 911 emergency calls and will que them based on priority. Emergency management will respond to those calls as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Hurricane Milton is approaching Manatee County’s west coast as a Category 3 hurricane. With wind gusts expected to be more than 100 mph in Manatee County, residents are asked to shelter in place.
Hurricane Milton's northern eyewall is starting to move onshore of Florida's Gulf Coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg, the National Hurricane Center says in its 7 p.m. update. The Category 3 storm is 35 miles west-southwest from Sarasota.
Hurricane Milton is now 50 miles west-southwest of Sarasota with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. Heavy rainfall continues over central Florida, the NHC says in its latest update. Hurricane-force wind gusts are beginning to occur along the coast.
There have been 6.86 inches of rain at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport on Wednesday through 5:53 p.m. Wind at the airport is 26 mph with 60 mph gusts.
Milton is approaching the west coast of Florida with 120 mph sustained winds. The Category 3 hurricane is 60 miles from Sarasota.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 255 miles from the center.
As of 5 p.m., graphics from the National Hurricane Center forecast Hurricane Milton to make landfall on or near Longboat Key.
As Hurricane Milton heads our way, we'd love to share your photos to keep our community updated. Click here to share your photos and stories.
In a virtual announcement via Sarasota County Government’s Facebook Live, Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton updated the community about Hurricane Milton’s projected impact on the island.
“This is unprecedented for us,” Tipton said. “This is the largest storm we’ve seen since we were incorporated in 1955.”
With Hurricane Milton reaching Florida’s west coast, Tipton advised the public that the worst is yet to come. The highest waters from the storm surge are anticipated to come between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Thursday.
“While we don’t know yet the damage this storm will bring, we know it will be significant,” Tipton said in the update. It will “far exceed” the damage of Hurricane Helene, he added.
According to estimates from the town staff, about 98% of Longboat Key evacuated for Hurricane Milton.
Tipton said he also wanted to “manage expectations” about returning to the island after Hurricane Milton passes. He said returning to the island requires multiple bridge inspections, and the town’s “first in team” of first responders will likely travel to the island by boat.
The team will get out there as soon as it is safe to do so, Tipton said, and expect to find significant infrastructure damage, water line breaks and more sand on the island than was left from Hurricane Helene.
Addressing these issues will be important before people are allowed to return to the island, and Tipton said the team will work to solve those as quickly as possible.
“It’s a process, and so we ask for your patience throughout this process. Safety is our number one concern,” Tipton said.
Hurricane Milton is now 100 miles southwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. Heavy rainfall and tropical-storm-force winds are spreading across Florida, the NHC says in its latest update.
Coast Sarasota and coastal Manatee remain in a hurricane warning, storm surge warning and flood watch. Sarasota and Manatee remain in a tornado watch through 9 p.m. Wednesday.
At the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, sustained wind speeds are 28 mph with 46 mph gusts.
Sustained winds have slowed to 130 mph as Hurricane Milton grows in size. The storm is 150 miles southwest of Tampa. A turn northeast and a decrease in speed is expected Wednesday evening and night.
"Life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and flooding rains" are expected across Central and Southwestern Florida, the NHC states.
At the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, sustained wind speeds are at approximately 22 mph with 43 mph gusts. In the past six hours, there has been 3.07 inches of rain.
A tornado watch is in effect for Sarasota and Manatee counties.
As Hurricane Milton heads our way, we'd love to share your photos to keep our community updated. Click here to share your photos and stories.
Jodie Fiske, the Public Safety director for Manatee County, and Matt Myers, the county’s Emergency Management chief, told residents that wherever they are at this time should be where they remain through Hurricane Milton.
“You need to stay sheltered in place,” Fiske said at a press conference from the Manatee County Public Safety Center on 47th Terrace East in Bradenton.
Myers said, “I advise you not to go anywhere. The weather conditions have deteriorated rapidly and more road closures are expected.”
Fiske said the greatest surge threats to Manatee County’s shoreline are expected from 6-8 a.m. on Thursday. She also advised everyone to make sure their devices are charged while they still have power. She said widespread power outages are expected.
She said multiple confirmed tornadoes have been spotted to the south so residents should continue to monitor media outlets for potential threats.
The county’s 311 line will be manned throughout the storm.
Fiske said Sheriff’s Office, National Guard, and federal search and rescue personnel are standing by to help.
Some Sarasota County shelters have begun filling up. Fruitville Elementary, Gulf Gate Elementary and Taylor Ranch Elementary schools are no longer options for evacuation. The next closest evacuation center in north Sarasota County is Philippi Shores Elementary at 4747 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. In south Sarasota County, the next closest is Heron Creek Middle School at 6501 W. Price Blvd in North Port.
A complete list of open evacuation centers at SCGov.net.
More shelters open in Manatee, with Hurricane Milton expected to hit the west coast of Manatee and Sarasota counties late Wednesday night, final preparations were being made.
Manatee County is pleading that all residents finish their final preps by this afternoon and then shelter in place if they haven’t already evacuated. Evacuations have been ordered in Levels A, B, and C, including all mobile homes, manufactured homes and RVs.
The barrier island bridges remain closed along with S.R. 64 across the causeway. Cortez Road westbound bridge traffic is stopped at 127th St. W. According to a county release, the Manatee County Public Works staff is also prepared to barricade and close Jim Davis Road at Gamble Creek, Golf Course Road at Gamble Creek, and Verna Bethany at the Manatee River.
According to the release, “the closures are to protect infrastructure that experienced flooding damage during Hurricane Debby. Motorists should expect these closures to be in place until Hurricane Milton passes, and the inspection staff has had a chance to evaluate potential damage. Other roadways may also be impacted due to flooding and storm surge. For info on road closures before, during, and after Hurricane Milton, visit MyManatee.org/storm.
Manatee County opened six additional shelters at 10 a.m. They are:
This is in addition to the other shelters, that hosted almost 6,000 persons Tuesday night. There is still space available at the already opened locations:
A special needs shelter is also open for those who have pre-registered.
Also, the release notes: “Lake Manatee Dam levels have been lowered to 35.9 feet allowing staff to moderate flows through the dam. However, projected rainfall amounts from Hurricane Milton may require flows from the dam to increase to match inflow rates. Should this happen, residents in potentially impacted areas will be notified in advance.
Debris collection has been halted in Manatee County following a flurry of activity to collect more than 5,000 tons of debris since Helene. The Manatee County Landfill at Lena Road has closed until after the storm. Trash and recycling pickups are suspended through Friday.
Manatee County notes that storm surge impact is expected to be the greatest along coastal communities from 6-8 a.m. Thursday. While rainfall amounts and storm surge will fluctuate greatly depending on exactly where the storm comes ashore, citizens are advised to be patient and not venture out until it is safe to do so.
Official storm information from Manatee County is available at MyManatee.org/storm .
Hurricane Milton remains a Category 5 storm Wednesday morning, with Sarasota still in its crosshairs.
"The center line comes into Sarasota but we look at this entire cone as a possible point at which the center could come ashore," from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor, said National Weather Service meteorologist Ross Giarratana.
"As we progress throughout the day, looking at some of the modeling of this, it's going to continue to move to the northeast as multiple rain bands pivot through the state."
In a social media video post Wednesday morning, he said the area will start feeling the effects on Milton in a few hours.
"Some pretty nasty weather is going to be moving in throughout the late morning and early afternoon. Heavy downpours, strong winds. There could be tornadoes embedded in these rain bands as well."
City and county officials are urging people to get ready. In a video message Wednesday morning, Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi implored residents to prepare for the worst.
"This is going to be an intense disaster for Sarasota County. This is the time to take action. And we ask you to do so in the couple of hours. You still have time," she said.
At 7 a.m. Milton's maximum sustained winds were near 160 mph with higher gusts.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles, the National Hurricane Center said in its 7 a.m. update.
Both wind fields are expected to expand as the storm is forecast to weaken slightly before making landfall.
In Manatee County, more bridges have closed:
Thousands of people in Sarasota and Manatee counties have taken refuge in evacuation shelters as Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast.
There are more than 4,600 residents signed in to shelters in Sarasota County as of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. In a social media post, the county says there is still room in every shelter for more evacuees.
If you need a shelter of last resort, you can locate the center nearest you by visiting the county's website.
In Manatee County, since utility crews shut off water service to the barrier island communities Tuesday morning, the nine available shelters have been filling up. By midday, more than 2,500 residents had registered to stay the night.
Officals say more shelters will be opened as the demand increases.
Haulers have removed more than 10 million pounds of debris from Manatee County rights-of-way in advance of the storm. The work to remove any remaining debris will continue as long as it is safe to do so early Wednesday.
Manatee 311 has been busy as well, fielding more than 5,000 calls over the past two days, with questions about sandbag locations, to shelter availability and the very latest on evacuation orders.
The information number remains staffed round-the-clock to help residents and visitors with any information on Milton.
For more information, visit the county's website.
Milton continues its march toward Florida, about 440 miles southwest of Tampa at 8 p.m.
It remains a Category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. It is moving east-northeast at 10 mph.
Fluctuations in intensity are likely while Milton moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but it is expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the west-central coast of Florida Wednesday night.
Hurricane Milton has returned to Category 5 status, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 165 mph with higher gusts, the National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. update said.
Hurricane conditions are expected across Florida beginning late Wednesday through early Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin around midday Wednesday, spreading across the peninsula and reaching the east coast Wednesday evening.
A few tornadoes are possible over central and southern Florida beginning late tonight and continuing through early Thursday morning, forecasters said.
Ahead of expected storm surge, high winds, and rainfall, the city of Sarasota has extended the local state of emergency declared Sept. 24.
The local state of emergency provides more flexibility regarding expenditures and resource allocations required due to impacts from the storm.
The Centennial Park Boat Ramp is open and will remain open to allow boats to be removed and secured in advance of Hurricane Milton.
City of Sarasota administrative offices, recreational facilities and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will be closed starting Tuesday, Oct. 8 and will remain closed indefinitely. Regular solid waste/recycling/yard waste collection will continue Tuesday.
Many public meetings have been canceled. For a comprehensive list of cancelled public meetings, visit SarasotaFL.gov/Alerts.
In other news:
Due to anticipated impacts from Hurricane Milton, parking enforcement is suspended citywide. However, individuals must still abide by parking rules and regulations.
Debris on St. Armands is likely to remain a hazard, a homeowners associated reported Tuesday afternoon.
St. Armands Residents Association President Chris Goglia relayed a message from Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson regarding debris remaining on St. Armands Key and in St. Armands Circle in advance of Hurricane Milton making landfall.
According to an email Goglia distributed to residents, Robinson wrote: "I am very aware of the level of debris that’s left behind from the last storm a little less than 2 weeks ago.. Unfortunately, that level of debris is running from Fort Myers all the way to North Carolina.
"We’re doing our best with the crews that we have working today and tomorrow to remove the debris, but we have multiple contractors fleeing the area due to the severity of the storm. Unlike the contractors, our staff will be stationed here during and after the storm to continue to clean up. They do not have the luxury of leaving to go somewhere else.
"Thus the definition of essential employee. Rest assured we are on it as aggressively as possible."
Access to the barrier islands, including Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, will be closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8. After 7 p.m., community members will continue to be able to get off the barrier islands, but no entry will be allowed back on until the storm passes and rescue missions have been completed.
When you leave the barrier islands, be sure to take everything that you and your family need for evacuation. Take enough supplies to last you and your family several days.
Law enforcement will be posted at the following intersections to ensure access is closed:
Manatee County Director of Public Safety Jodie Fiske made a plea to residents on barrier islands on a social media video to evacuate. "If you rode it out on the island during Helene and were OK, do not expect the same results with Milton," she said.
"We are looking at twice the surge with Milton. If you are on the island, get off now."
The School District of Manatee County has announced schools will remain closed through Friday. All extracurriculars and athletic events are canceled through Friday.
The school district will announce when classes will resume once the hurricane passes and school sites can be assessed.
Ten Manatee district schools are opened to serve as shelters, and additional schools are on standby to serve as shelters as needed.
Meanwhile, aircraft reconnaissance data and satellite images indicate that Milton's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 155 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.
Although Milton has been wobbling during the past few hours, its longer-term motion is toward the east-northeast near 8 mph. A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected to begin later today and continue through Thursday.
On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west-central coast of Florida through Wednesday.
The center is likely to make landfall Wednesday night, and move east-northeastward across central Florida through Thursday.
Rainfall amounts of 5 to 12 inches, with localized totals up to 18 inches, are expected across central to northern portions of the Florida Peninsula through Thursday.
Sarasota County has extended its evacuation order to Level C. Evacuation centers are now open. See the list of shelters on SCGov.net.
Riverview High School is no longer an evacuation center.
The county reminded residents that evacuation centers should be the last resort. If possible, stay with friends or family outside evacuation zones.
When heading to an evacuation center, prepare a checklist of items. All evacuation centers are pet-friendly, but you must bring all supplies, including a crate. Evacuation centers cannot provide chairs, bedding, cots, blankets or pet supplies.
In Manatee County, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, the following bridges will be barricaded and closed:
Officials say the closures are a safety measure to protect infrastructure that recently experienced minor flooding damage during Hurricane Debby. Motorists should expect these closures to be in place until Hurricane Milton passes, and the inspection staff has had a chance to evaluate potential damage.
Manatee County Area Transit is continuing shuttle service from the CVS at 611 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach, and at 101 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach to local shelters through 8 p.m. You should be to a shelter or ready to shelter in place by nightfall.
Utilities staff continues to watch the lake level at the Manatee Dam. At 10 a.m. the level was at 36.9 feet with inflow and outflow continuously monitored and available on the dashboard at MyManatee.org/storm.
Sarasota and Manatee counties remain under the following warnings:
Storm surge warning: There is a danger of life-threatening inundation between 10-15 feet from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours.
Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions are expected. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
At 11 a.m., the National Hurricane Center says Milton was 520 miles southwest of Tampa, moving east-northeast at 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph with higher gusts.
A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected to begin later today and continue through Thursday.
On the forecast track, the center is likely to make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night, and move east-northeastward across central Florida through Thursday.
Sarasota County has extended its evacuation order to Level C.
Evacuation centers will open Tuesday at 10 a.m. See the list of shelters on SCGov.net.
Self-service sandbags are available to Sarasota County residents today until noon at the following locations:
Hurricane Milton has weakened slightly. At 8 a.m. Tuesday, maximum sustained winds were estimated at 145 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Sarasota and Manatee counties are, along with a large section of Florida's Gulf Coast, under a hurricane warning, meaning hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.
The center of the storm was about 545 miles southwest of Tampa and moving east-northeast at 12 mph.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to arrive early Wednesday and spread northward throughout the day, forecasters say. Hurricane conditions are expected as early as Wednesday afternoon. Landfall is expected Wednesday night.
The National Hurricane Center is predicting 10-15 feet of storm surge in this area. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the south of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.
Rainfall total of anywhere from 4-8 inches are also forecast.
On Tuesday, Sarasota County Public Utilities began shutting off potable water services and lift stations for wastewater services to Siesta Key and Casey Key. Service will be restored when conditions allow. When potable water services return, these areas will be under a boil water notice.
Potable water service will also be shut off to Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and the town of Longboat Key at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport plans to close at 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo.
Tampa International Airport suspended operations at 9 a.m. Tuesday. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport terminal will close Tuesday afternoon following the last flight departure.
Hurricane Milton poses an "extremely serious threat to Florida," the National Hurricane Center says in its latest advisory.
The storm is about 650 miles southwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph. If the peak surge occurs at high tide, water could reach 10-15 feet in the Sarasota-Manatee area.
The NHC expects Milton to grow in size when it approaches Florida on Wednesday, and "potentially devastating hurricane-force winds" are predicted.
Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen and churn closer to the Gulf Coast.
Data from NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 175 mph with higher gusts.
Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches, with localized totals up to 15 inches, are expected across portions of Florida through Wednesday night.
Manatee County has called for additional evacuations, with residents living in evacuation level C, to evacuate as of 2 p.m. Monday, officials said.
The county earlier ordered people living in levels A and B to evacuate immediately.
Potable water service will be shut off to Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and the town of Longboat Key at 10 a.m. Tuesday. "The water will be completely shut off; there will not be a 20% flow as was maintained during Hurricane Helene," said Jodie Fiske, director of public safety.
At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Matt Myers chief of emergency management for Manatee County, urged residents to act immediately. "Evacuate. Don't wait. Do it now," he said.
No garbage or recycling will be picked up Tuesday or Wednesday, Fiske said, in order to focus on debris pickup.
Trucks will continue to remove debris from Hurricane Helene as long as conditions allow, Fiske said.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is planned to close at 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo. This will allow several flights to operate and get people out ahead of the storm.
MCAT busses will operate normally Monday. Beginning Tuesday, MCAT will operate emergency transfers to shelters as long as they can. Transport from the islands to shelters will start at 2 p.m. today and occur on the hour until nightfall at the CVS at 611 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach.
The following Manatee County locations will be opening emergency shelters Monday afternoon:
A special needs shelter will also be opening for those who have pre-registered. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so at mymanatee.org/needs.
All parks In Manatee County are closed until further notice.
"Unfortunately, this storm is coming right at us again. Make sure you're registered with FEMA," Fiske said. "Help is out there, but be safe. Above all else, be safe."
In Sarasota County, evacuation orders for residents living in levels A and B, as well as people living in manufactured homes and on boats, have been issued.
Residents in level C are being told to expect an evacuation order soon, Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi said at a news conference Monday morning. "Please listen," she said. "Your life is more important than your property."
She said the area is likely to get 8-12 feet of storm surge. "If you are on a barrier island, or anywhere near a coastline, you will not survive this storm surge. It is imperative that you evacuate."
Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Milton has strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane. The maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 160 mph.
The center of the storm is about 715 miles southwest of Tampa, moving east-southeast at 9 mph.
The town of Longboat Key issued an immediate evacuation order as Hurricane Milton's track eyes a near direct hit for the island.
Town officials ask that all residents evacuate by noon Tuesday, Oct. 8, or sooner if possible. The Longboat Pass Bridge through the north end is now open only for evacuation.
"We can replace anything that is built," Town Manager Howard Tipton said at a Town Commission meeting on Monday. "We cannot replace you."
Hurricane Milton is now a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 150 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The latest forecast predicts Milton will soon become a Category 5 hurricane, an 11 a.m. update said.
Sarasota and Manatee counties have issued evacuation orders for residents living in zones A and B, as well as people living in manufactured homes and on boats. The town of Longboat Key issued its own evacuation order Monday morning.
Residents in zone C should be prepared to leave also, Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi said at a news conference Monday morning. "Please listen," she said. "Your life is more important than your property."
She said the area is likely to get 8-12 feet of storm surge. "If you are on a barrier island, or anywhere near a coastline, you will not survive this storm surge. It is imperative that you evacuate."
Residents planning to leave the area should do so today, she said.
Evacuation centers at 14 schools in Sarasota County will be open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, District Superintendent Terry Connor said at the news conference.
Tapfumaneyi also said major power outages are expected as the storm makes landfall and that resources are still assisting Hurricane Helene victims. That may mean fewer resources may be available after Milton.
"We were very, very close to getting everyone back on line after the last one and now we're running right into this one. It might take a little longer than we've seen in the past."
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman said deputies will be deployed throughout the county and also warned people to evacuate. "All first responders can't help you if you're not helping yourself," he said. "Get out of those areas.
"We escaped Hurricane Helene without any deaths in this county. It think it's fair to say, this is a different storm."
Hoffman also warned anyone who may have ideas of looting or engaging in what he called "nefarious" activity. "We are extremely busy. But we'll take the time to put you in jail."
Hurricane Milton is now a Category 3 storm, with data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicating that Milton's maximum sustained winds are now estimated to be 120 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A hurricane watch is now in effect for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Chokoloskee northward to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Sarasota and Manatee counties and the Dry Tortugas.
A storm surge watch has also been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay. The forecast for storm surge in this area is from 8-12 feet.
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the south of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves, forecasters said. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
The center of the storm is now 750 miles west-southwest of Tampa and has picked up speed, heading east-southeast at 8 mph.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.
In both Sarasota and Manatee counties, evacuations are being ordered Monday, in Manatee for residents and visitors living in levels A and B, as well as those in RVs or manufactured homes.
In Sarasota, residents in level A and possibly in level B will be ordered to evacuate.
In all of Sarasota County, all regular garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk collections are suspended through Wednesday. Oct. 9. Do not put out curbside collection materials.
In Manatee County, three schools will open as emergency shelters at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7: Mills, 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto; Miller, 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton; and Myakka, 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City.
Sarasota County is providing the option for members in previously identified unincorporated county areas to take debris from properties to the county landfill without paying fees. All disposal areas at the Central County Landfill are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct 8.
Sarasota County is expected to close all normal operations on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in further preparation for the storm.
At 8 p.m., the center of Hurricane Milton was 780 miles west-southwest of Tampa.
Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. Milton is forecast to intensify rapidly during the next couple of days and become a major hurricane on Monday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.
Milton has officially become a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center says.
In a 2 p.m. update, the center of Hurricane Milton was located by an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft about 815 miles west-southwest of Tampa moving east at 6 mph.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 mph with higher gusts. Milton is forecast to rapidly intensify during the next couple of days and become a major hurricane — a Category 3 storm — on Monday.
Sarasota County will soon be calling for evacuations in Levels A and potentially level B ahead of Tropical Storm Milton, the county announced on social media.
"If you live in Level A or B, manufactured home or a mobile or boat home, NOW is the time to implement your plan," the county said on the social media platform X.
"If your plan is to leave the area, do so," the post said, predicting large numbers of people will be evacuating. "If you wait, you will get stuck in traffic."
Sarasota schools will be closed Monday, Oct. 7 through Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Self-service sandbags will be offered to Sarasota County residents from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 at the following locations:
Residents are limited to 10 bags per vehicle.
The city of Anna Maria says it will order a mandatory evacuation of the island at noon Monday, according to the Bradenton Police Department. There are no evacuation orders yet in Bradenton, however this will affect traffic.
Sarasota County is urging residents to start securing debris from Hurricane Helene. "Debris collection trucks are working as safely and quickly as possible to remove debris from our area," the county announced on social media.
The National Hurricane Center has predicted hurricane and storm surge watches will likely be required for portions of Florida later Sunday.
At 11 a.m. Sunday, the center of Tropical Storm Milton was located by NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft 835 miles west-northwest of Tampa, moving east at 6 mph. Maximum sustained winds are now at 65 mph.
Milton has been moving slowly eastward overnight, and an eastward to east-northeastward motion is forecast during the next couple of days, followed by a faster northeastward motion.
Milton is forecast to become a hurricane later today, and it could become a major hurricane while it moves across the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center.
The National Hurricane Center has predicted hurricane and storm surge watches will likely be required for portions of Florida later Sunday.
At 8 a.m. update, Tropical Storm Milton was 860 miles west-northwest of Tampa, moving east at 5 mph.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph with higher gusts. Steady to rapid strengthening is forecast, with Milton becoming a hurricane later today, and it could become a major hurricane while it moves across the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center.
Rainfall amounts of 5 to 8 inches, with localized totals up to 12 inches, are expected across portions of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys through Wednesday night.
In a televised news conference Sunday morning, Gov. Ron DeSantis warned resident to expect massive power outages.
“That is just something that I think people should prepare for. We already have a lot of crews coming into the state of Florida. They’re going to be staged in different parts of the state of Florida, and they are going to be going as soon as the storm passes," he said.
"But this is something that potentially would be greater power outages than what we just saw with Hurricane Helene,” he said. “So Floridians should just be prepared for that. Know if you’re anywhere near that cone, certainly, you should prepare to have power interruptions, that’s just the reality of what we’re dealing with.”
He said he had expanded his state of emergency declaration to 51 counties, up from the original 34 counties in his initial declaration.
The Gulf of Mexico system has become Tropical Storm Milton and is expected to intensify quickly as it moves east.
It is forecast to reach the west coast of Florida mid-week. Tropical-storm-force winds could reach Sarasota and Manatee counties by Wednesday morning.
Tropical Depression Fourteen has formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen to hurricane status by Monday, the National Hurricane Center said Saturday.
The system could become a major hurricane while it moves across the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters said in the hurricane center's 11 a.m. update.
Maximum sustained winds near the center of the depression are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Rapid strengthening is forecast during the next few days.
Most forecast tracks has the storm heading east and making landfall somewhere on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
"We are expecting very heavy rain to start later in the day on Sunday, throughout the day on Monday and into Tuesday," said Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi in a video message Saturday morning.
"We do have, at least, a couple of days to find out the more precise forecast," to be able to take protective measures if they are needed, she said.
Tapfumaneyi urged residents to begin making preparations now, even as the area is still reeling from the effects of flooding from Hurricane Debby in early August and devastating storm surge from Hurricane Helene a week ago.
Debris pickup in Sarasota County is continuing Saturday, in the hardest hit areas. "We have a lot of debris to pick up and they're working as fast as they can," Tapfumaneyi said.
The City of Sarasota announced on social media Saturday that parking continues to stay free on St. Armands and Lido Key until Oct. 17.
