Lose access to running water

Parts of the Tampa Bay area will lose access to running water starting today

From CNN’s Holly Yan and Artemis Moshtaghian

For anyone needing another reason to evacuate, officials in the Tampa Bay area say they are shutting off water service ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival.

In Manatee County: “With a significant storm surge expected along coastal parts of the county, the Manatee County Utilities Department scheduled the shut-off of potable water service and sanitary sewer service to the island cities of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the Town of Longboat Key,” county officials said Tuesday.

“This necessary interruption of service — in coordination with Island cities — is happening today to best ensure the utility infrastructure remains intact and to save the sewer lift stations,” they added.

Trash pickup has also been suspended in Manatee County through Friday.

In Sarasota County: Faucets and even fire hydrants will go dry in Venice starting Tuesday evening.

“Water service, including water for fire protection, will remain off for the duration of the storm and until any repairs are completed,” city officials said. “Wastewater service and power are also expected to be unavailable during this time.”

The water outage could last several days. “Once service is restored, you will be under a boil water advisory until you receive a notification stating the water is safe for consumption,” Venice officials said.

Elsewhere in Sarasota County, potable water and lift stations for wastewater services have been turned off for residents on Siesta Key and Casey Key, the county’s emergency services department said.

“This precautionary measure protects the community’s infrastructure, which may be inundated by storm surge and high winds,” Sarasota County Emergency Services said.