Manatee Public Beach Reopens After Hurricane Helene and Milton Devastate Anna Maria Island
After enduring substantial damage from back-to-back hurricanes, Anna Maria Island’s Manatee Public Beach is once again open to the public. The reopening, announced by the Manatee County Government, marks a significant milestone in the island’s recovery process following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These hurricanes caused widespread destruction, leading county officials to close all beaches on Anna Maria Island for over a month.
Manatee Public Beach, now accessible to visitors, is the only county beach currently open on the island. Parking at the beach remains limited, reflecting ongoing infrastructure challenges. The much-anticipated reopening drew eager visitors early Friday morning, with the Anna Maria Island Beach Café also resuming operations, adding a sense of normalcy to the beloved community spot.
The hurricanes’ impact on Anna Maria Island has been severe, with high winds and powerful storm surges destroying sand dunes, dismantling lifeguard towers, and displacing up to five feet of sand into local structures. Governor Ron DeSantis responded swiftly, directing the Florida Department of Transportation to construct a temporary road to repair Gulf Drive, which suffered significant damage from Helene’s storm surge.
While Manatee Public Beach is now accessible, other popular beaches, such as Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach, remain closed. Manatee County officials are closely monitoring conditions and progressing with repair efforts, though no timeline for the reopening of these beaches is available. The county’s phased approach reflects a commitment to safety as the island continues its journey toward full recovery.
For now, Manatee Public Beach provides a welcome escape for both residents and visitors, as Manatee County officials work diligently to restore Anna Maria Island’s treasured coastline.