Live updates: Hurricane Ian on path to make landfall in Florida

In Manatee County, Florida, there are 2,528 people registered in the area’s 17 storm shelters, according to a Wednesday news release.

Manatee County, located just south of Tampa, has a two-level evacuation in place, and more than 100,000 residents were ordered to leave.

Category 4 Hurricane Ian is projected to make landfall south of the county, but “the potential danger to people and property remains high,” the county said. 

Manatee has stood up “first-in teams,” which are fully staffed and “are staged at strategic locations around the county so that once the winds subside, they can make initial assessments and rescues if necessary and then aid in recovery efforts.”

The seven teams each have a fire truck, a bulldozer, a bus and an EMS unit.

“We are committed to this response,” Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes said. “This is the best way to get the assets in place to assist our residents and visitors as soon as possible. This is what we have been preparing for.”