Curfew lifted in Manatee County

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office lifted its curfew at 8:30 a.m. Monday as Hurricane Irma spared the area its worst fury on Sunday night.

Sheriff Rick Wells said as of 9:30 a.m., his department had no significant rescue calls. "We are very fortunate," he said. "We are seeing minor damage. Overall, we're very lucky. We're not going to see those storm surges that were predicted."

Wells, speaking at the county's press briefing at the Emergency Operations Center, said his department received only one call of possible looting. He said more than 100 deputies were patrolling Manatee County Monday morning looking for damage and hazards and to protect homes.

The once Category 5 hurricane deteriorated after making landfall with 130 miles per hour winds at Marco Island about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, then tore through Naples before shifting to a more northern course.

By the time it reached Manatee County late Sunday, it had been downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane. The county reported early Monday morning that it had been spared serious damage.

Florida Power and Light reported more than 100,000 of its customers were without power in Manatee County Monday morning. The Sheriff's Office urged residents to stay off the roads if possible and warned that many stop lights were out with plenty of road debris, including downed trees and power lines.

Storm surges remained a threat on Monday as the Irma continued to head north as a tropical storm. Lights rains were forecast for Manatee County Monday morning.

Manatee County Commissioner Robin DiSabatino, speaking at the press briefing, complimented the Manatee County school board after its schools hosted more than 20,000 residents who evacuated their residences.

"They are free to leave the shelters," DiSabatino said. "Take care and diligence. Be kind and courteous when you are driving."

Manatee County government offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday.