Manatee County's local state of emergency has been extended another seven days to April 7. An emergency burn ban during the current drought was also extended today until April 7.  Manatee County Commission Chairman Betsy Benac extended the County's two local states of emergency today, as authorized under actions the County Commissioners took last week when they approved Resolution R-20-045 declaring a State of Local Emergency related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019.

The County's tennis and pickle ball courts will be closed temporarily tomorrow since crowds continue to gather without practicing social distancing as recommended by the Governor in Executive Order 20-83, and the Florida Department of Health Office of the Surgeon General. Areas that cannot be closed will be monitored by safety guards and law enforcement agencies. The City of Bradenton will temporarily close its Riverwalk Skate Park this afternoon. Manatee County will post closed signs on the skateparks at G.T. Bray and Blackstone parks this afternoon. 

The Lena Road Landfill, normally open on Saturdays, temporarily will be closed on Saturdays. It will remain open weekdays.

Manatee County Animal Services will give out free pet food, kitty litter and pet treats tomorrow, March 31 at 10 a.m. at Manatee County Cat Town, 216 6th Ave E, Bradenton. The freebies, donated by Florida State Animal Response Coalition, Chewy.com and the Greater Good, will be given out while supplies last.

More Manatee County updates.