MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County is utilizing a new technological system during hurricanes that integrates all data into a single place. 

What You Need To Know

  • Hurricane Milton made landfall near Manatee County, and Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in the same area

  • Manatee County leaders used to run separate programs with all their hurricane data, what some called "siloed systems" 

  • They are now utilizing a system that integrates all relevant hurricane data into one place 

  • Emergency management officials say the change will make their hurricane response more informed and more efficient 

Previously, Manatee County had to switch between different programs — what some call “siloed systems” — to access data on:

  • Rain totals
  • Wind speed
  • Forecasts
  • Lift station metrics
  • Shelter occupancy
  • Power outages
  • Road closures
  • Evacuation routes
  • Damage totals

Now, using a program run by a company called Peregrine, Manatee County can click through all of that data in a single place.

“We make our decisions based on the most current information we have at the time,” said Jodie Fiske, Manatee County’s Director of Public Safety. “At no point are we making a decision on evacuations or opening shelters without looking at the most up-to-date data we have.”

Fiske said having real-time damage estimates – which even show which areas of Manatee County have received the most damage – will be most valuable. She said this will help the county offer the most-detailed damage estimate when asking for state or federal aid.

Manatee County set up what they call the "GIS Room," with six monitors showing all the information in real time.

The Peregrine system also logs historical data, allowing emergency management leaders the ability to compare current storms to past storms. 

"Manatee County’s deployment of Peregrine last year demonstrated the power of real-time data integration and historical analysis in managing complex storm response operations," said Peregrine CEO Nick Noone. "Together, we’re ensuring Manatee County has the tools and capabilities to protect lives and safeguard critical infrastructure when it matters most."