Manatee County Distributes Over 3,000 Sandbags in One-Day Storm Prep Event
More than 3,000 sandbags were picked up or delivered during last Friday’s “Operation Sandbag Support,” a coordinated community response aimed at helping vulnerable residents prepare for potential storms.
The initiative, led by Manatee County’s Public Safety and Community & Veterans Services departments, was made possible through a collaborative effort involving Manatee County’s Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), Department of Juvenile Justice youth volunteers, OWP Community Service Workers, and numerous County staff and volunteers.
The sandbags were distributed to residents who met specific criteria: individuals aged 60 or older, those without reliable transportation, and residents living in Evacuation Zones A or B. These targeted groups were prioritized to ensure those most at risk had essential storm protection.
While the one-day operation served a significant number of households, residents who still need sandbags can access self-serve stations located throughout the county. A complete list of these locations can be found on Manatee County’s official Storm website under the Sandbags page.
With hurricane season in full swing, officials continue to encourage residents to take proactive steps in storm preparedness and stay informed through official county updates.
