Historic Bradenton Beach Home Lost to Hurricane Helene’s Destruction
BRADENTON BEACH – A nearly century-old family vacation home on Gulf Drive, filled with cherished memories and a legacy spanning generations, was demolished on October 23 due to severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The 739-square-foot bungalow, built in 1930, had stood as a testament to Anna Maria Island's enduring charm, nestled at 1201 Gulf Drive S.
Hurricane Helene’s powerful storm surge dislodged the historic structure from its concrete foundation, sending it drifting down 12th Street South. When the bungalow finally came to rest, it bore the heavy scars of its journey, sustaining irreparable damage. Bev Liddle, 87, traveled from North Carolina with her son, Bob, to retrieve a few personal items and bid farewell to the home that had been a family haven since her childhood.
This modest yet beloved home, originally owned by Bev's great-great-grandparents, has been a nostalgic gathering place, where generations enjoyed beach walks, fishing off the pier, and quiet moments by the Gulf. For Bob, the house symbolized the heart of Anna Maria Island, a representation of the simple, historic beauty that has long attracted families to its shores.
With its demolition, Bradenton Beach loses a piece of its architectural history, one that stood resilient for nearly a century. The Liddle family, like many others, is now left to reflect on the preservation of Anna Maria Island's unique heritage amid challenges posed by storms and modern development.