There are 27 schools within the district that can serve as shelters during hurricanes, and the district works closely with Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center to determine how many shelters should open and which schools will be turned into shelters. The Emergency Operations Center ultimately decides what, how many and when shelters open.

Hurricane Milton's extreme winds left of mess of debris all around. On top of homes and businesses throughout much of Manatee County. Many residents braved long lines at any available gas stations to refuel for recovery efforts on Friday.

More than $223 million in residential damage is estimated so far in unincorporated Manatee County, with more than 75% of assessments completed. Staff members in Manatee County have completed more than 75% of initial “windshield assessments” of Hurricane Milton damage and estimated nearly $245 million in damage so far.