Longboat Key issues immediate evacuation order for Hurricane Milton

The town of Longboat Key issued an immediate evacuation order via Alert Longboat Key at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7 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. 

Evacuation shelters are available in both Manatee and Sarasota Counties.  

The message from Alert Longboat Key advises that the storm surge is estimated to reach up to 12 feet, with up to 15 inches of rain on top of that. 

Manatee County is expected to shut off the island's water at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, and officials are urging all residents to leave the island. 

"There's no reason for you to stay here," Town Manager Howard Tipton said at a town commission meeting on Monday. "You need to leave." 

Debris contractors will be working from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it will be impossible to clean up everything on the island in this short amount of time, Tipton said. While the town is still recovering and cleaning up from Hurricane Helene, Tipton asked that residents stop bringing debris to the curb and secure anything possible before evacuating. 

This could mean placing a heavy, downed tree on top of a pile of furniture to prevent the furniture or other debris from flying around during this upcoming storm. 

Tipton also urged that this storm will include "life-threatening impacts" that will be worse than Helene. 

"We can replace anything that is built," Tipton said. "We cannot replace you."

Tipton asked residents to move cars to higher ground, especially electric vehicles. Other things like electric golf carts, e-bikes and scooters should be moved high enough to prevent saltwater interaction, which poses a fire risk. 

Sandbags are available again at the town's Public Works Office, located at 600 General Harris St. Call 941-316-1988 for assistance.