One shelter has opened as Manatee County continues to be hit with heavy rain.

St. George’s Episcopal Church, located at 912 63rd Avenue West in Bradenton, is now open to residents seeking temporary shelter, according to county officials.

Manatee County Area Transit is providing displaced residents with bus transportation to the shelter.

The county’s emergency management chief is urging those seeking shelter to use the church as a last resort.

“We always urge people to seek lodging where they’ll be most comfortable,” said Sherilyn Burris. “We’re assisting anyone who needs help to the emergency shelter, but your best bet is to stay in a more familiar place with family or friends.”

Storms in the area have also caused officials to closes roadways.

Four roads were closed due to flooding: Creekwood Boulevard at State Road 70, Tara Boulevard south of State Road 70, Morgan Johnson Road at State Road 64 and Orlando Avenue from 5th Street West to Orlando Circle. According to officials, all roads have reopened.

Officials warn drivers to not drive through flooded areas. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Manatee County is under a flood watch until Monday evening.

MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS

The school district of Manatee County has announced that schools will open on Monday.

However, officials want parents, students and staff to be aware of areas that are impacted by street flooding.

Parents are urged to remind students to be careful when driving or walking to school and to avoid areas of standing water.

School buses may be running a little later than usual, according to school officials.

If a bus stop is flooded, students should stand in a place that's not covered in water but where they are visible to bus drivers.

The district says will update everyone if anything changes.  

SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION

Sandbags will be available Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the following locations:

  • G.T. Bray Park - 5502 33rd Avenue Dr. West in Bradenton
  • Stormwater Ops - 5511 39th Street East in Bradenton