Manatee County leaders are issuing a voluntary evacuation order for those living in coastal areas in evacuation zone A. About a hundred thousand people live in the voluntary evacuation area.
“Because of the size of the storm and the possible storm surge, Manatee County has issued a voluntary evacuation for zone A,” said Emergency Chief Sherilyn Burris.
Burris said shelters will open on Friday for those living in zone A.
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Hundreds of people living in Trailer Estates in Bradenton are under the voluntary order. Mike McMall said he is leaving the state and heading to Michigan.
“We gotta get out of here before it gets really bad, the evacuation route is going to be really packed so we are going to try to leave in the middle of the night,” said Mike McMall.
Mike’s sister said she plans to stay during the storm.
“This is my home and I’m fully confident that this is going to pass,” said Nancy McMall.
Schools in Manatee County will be closed on Friday.
Manatee County has established an information line for citizens, 941-749-3547.
