Holmes Beach Implements 45-Day Vacation Rental Moratorium in Hurricane Aftermath
In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact, Holmes Beach city commissioners voted on Wednesday to enact a 45-day moratorium on vacation rentals. This temporary measure aims to prioritize the safety of residents and allow the town time to recover from the extensive damage caused by the storm. The vacation rental moratorium restricts properties from being rented to visitors during the recovery period.
Holmes Beach, located on Anna Maria Island, suffered severe destruction, with two-lane roads buried under three feet of sand, resorts heavily damaged, pools filled with debris, and beachside cottages left in ruins. Recovery efforts are in full swing, with city officials focusing on clearing debris from homes and public spaces, including the beach. However, the area remains closed to tourists, and access is restricted to residents and business owners.
Police Chief William Tokajer has also instituted a curfew, prohibiting entry to the island after 7 p.m., as the community works to stabilize and rebuild. While Holmes Beach is a popular vacation destination, officials have emphasized the need to focus on recovery rather than reopening to visitors prematurely. The moratorium ensures that the town can rebuild safely without the added pressures of vacationers returning too soon.