Manatee County Sheriff — 'Looters won't be tolerated'

During a press briefing Sunday morning from the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center, Sheriff Rick Wells said his department would do everything possible to protect homes evacuated due to Hurricane Irma.

"After this storm passes, there will be downed trees and power lines," Wells said. "Conditions will be unsafe and we want to protect citizens from a situation they cannot control. We will not tolerate sightseers wanting to take a look at the damage and ride into neighborhoods to see what the storm has done to the community. Until 3 p.m. tomorrow, stay off of the roads.

"We will not tolerate looters," Wells said. "They will go to jail. We want to protect citizens and their property." 

Wells also issued a 24-hour manadatory curfew on local roads beginning at 3 p.m.

Commissioner Robin DiSabatino noted that Lakewood Ranch High School is now open as a shelter and is pet friendly. She also offered a safety tip.

"Designate a safe room without any windows and have supplies in there," DiSabatino said. 

Also on Sunday, U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan said federal resources will be available for Irma assistance.

"We'll get through this and come out successful on the other side," Buchanan said in a release. "Our goal will be to get people back in their homes and get businesses online as quickly as possible enough."

The county shut off potable water to Anna Maria Island Saturday night to protect against a storm-surge related water line break. Bob Smith, the Manatee County Public Safety Director, said the move was done to protect the entire county's water system.