County closes portion of Upper Manatee River Road

Manatee County officials closed a section of Upper Manatee River Road west of Rye Road Monday night because of flooding.

The road closure remains in effect, as needed, likely until Thursday.

Chad Butzow, deputy director of Manatee County Public Works, said water was flowing over the roadway because authorities are watching water levels at Lake Manatee and opening the dam, as needed.

"This is somewhat routine," he said. "They are balancing the lake. It goes hand in hand with the flood stage of the river."

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].