Manatee Sheriff Rick Wells lifted the countywide curfew at 8:30am yesterday morning as county staff and officials from across the community staffed the Emergency Operations Center, offering several updates on the latest in Hurricane Irma news. The Citizens Information Center line, (941) 749-3547, will remain open today from 8am to 5pm and then close.

Bridges to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key opened at noon yesterday, but drivers should be cognizant of post-Irma hazards. "Roads around the county remain dangerous as traffic lights are out, and downed power lines and trees may be blocking some areas," said Emergency Management Chief Sherilyn Burris. "We urge you to use caution if you are on the roads."

Manatee Schools, County Government and City of Bradenton offices, the Clerk of Circuit Courts office and the Department of Health are still closed today, with city offices planning to reopen Wednesday. Manatee County Area Transit buses resume normal routes today. Para-transit will only deliver dialysis patients on Tuesday. They will reassess Wednesday. Port Manatee is reopens today.

In terms of utilities, residents in unincorporated areas without power are asked to limit water use as it may cause sewage back up. Manatee County Utilities has issued a Precautionary Boil Water notice for customers on the island. All water used for drinking or cooking should be boiled as a precaution. A notice will be issued once the water has been shown to be safe, likely within the next 24 hours. Utilities has also announced there will be no recycling this week. Trash will be collected on a modified schedule this week as long as the road is passable by the garbage trucks. Residents with Tuesday/Friday collection will have their trash collected on their normal days. Residents with Monday/Thursday collection will have their garbage collected on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Garbage collectors will only collect trash that fits inside the garbage can. Large items, debris and yard waste will not be collected this week. Utilities officials said residents can expect an update later this week on yard waste and debris pickup. 

With many local businesses still closed from the storm, Department of Health in Manatee Director Dr. Jennifer Bencie said people can find information on available pharmacies around town by visiting www.healthcareready.org. 

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org.