Thousands of Manatee County residents remain without power and Manatee County Emergency Operations Center remains at a partial activation today as hundreds of people continue to call the County with Irma-related questions. Power outages have complicated water-related issues around the County, as well. Wastewater pump stations are not working in areas without electricity and Manatee County Utility asked residents avoid flushing toilets, taking showers and doing laundry. Wastewater has nowhere to go and can back up inside the home until power is restored. A boil water notice remains in place untilThursday for Anna Maria Island residents. 

Damage assessment crews are canvassing Manatee County today as residents called the Citizens Information Center (CIC) line to report damages. The CIC line, (941) 749-3547, is the first number people should call to ask for non-emergency help from the County. CIC call takers will request a homeowner's name, number and address that will allow assessment crews to assist, and track all Irma-related damages. 

Irma-related damages were not as severe in Manatee County than in other Florida communities, and local damages have been limited to private properties throughout Manatee County.

Manatee Utilities said hazardous waste/e-scrap collection scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled. Residents should plan to bring their household hazardous waste and e-scrap to the scheduled collection at the Lena Road Landfill on Saturday, Oct. 21. 

Household hazardous waste can also be taken to the Manatee County Fairgrounds or Manatee County Utilities Department on Sat., Oct. 21, between 9am and 3pm.