Charlotte County doesn’t conduct mandatory or voluntary evacuations. “We just do evacuations, and we hope that people take them seriously,” said Brian Gleason, Charlotte County’s Public Information Officer.
Evacuations have been ordered for barrier islands, low-lying and flood-prone areas, manufactured homes, and any homes that may not withstand high winds, such as those that may have been compromised by previous storms.
One of those barrier islands is Manasota Key, where neighbors know the strength of storms all too well, with the collapse of Manasota Key Road during Idalia fresh in their memories.
Englewood Water District’s decision to shut off water on the barrier islands at 7 p.m. Wednesday to help protect the water and wastewater system is one thing motivating neighbors to leave…