As Eta makes its way toward Southwest Florida, Manatee County Emergency officials have issued a voluntary evacuation notice for residents of Anna Maria Island and other low-lying, flood-prone areas.
Anna Maria Island is now in the southernmost edge of a Tropical Storm Warning and has been issued a storm surge warning by the National Weather Service.
The Sunshine Skyway has closed to traffic and All Manatee County area Transit operations were suspended as of 1 p.m.
Manatee County Public Schools have shifted to an e-learning schedule for the remainder of the week, and two schools are being opened for public shelters of last resort.
Manatee County commissioners declared a local state of emergency last night ahead of the storm's arrival.
Tropical storm winds are expected to begin in Manatee County by 2 p.m. and last into the night.
