Hurricane Milton - Anna Maria Island Recovery Update
Updated: 2 days ago
Updated: November 13, 2024 at 1:41 pm
Anna Maria Island, Florida update on the re-opening and recovery phase after the passing of Hurricane Milton and Helene. The article below will be updated as new regulations and protocols are put into place by each city.
The island of Anna Maria is separated by 3 municipalities Anna Maria village on the north end, Holmes Beach in the middle and Bradenton Beach to the south end of the island. Each has its own rules and requirements for homeowners, short-term rental hosts and visitors.
At Anna Maria Island vacation rentals we've gathered resources from the Cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and its police departments in addition to Manatee County and Florida Health government websites in order to provide factual information and safely welcome our guests back.
Table of Contents:
How much Damage did Hurricane Milton do to Anna Maria Island?
The island experienced extremely high winds of over 180 mph over the Gulf of Mexico before slowing down to a Category 3 when making landfall on the western coast of Florida. Hurricane Helene had a storm surge between 5 to 7 feet above sea level. Areas of the island flooded but depending on the elevation of the island properties they would have experienced flooding of between 6 inches to 7 feet of water.
Photo courtesy of Tide Tables Restaurant
Are there travel restrictions to Anna Maria Island after the hurricanes?
As of today, there are no travel restrictions to access the island during the daytime. Both visitors and local residents can travel onto the island. Access onto the island can be found by Manatee Bridge, Cortez Bridge and Longboat Key Bridge.
Holmes Beach Curfew - Lifted / Removed
Holmes Beach has lifted their curfew as of October 25, 2024. There is no curfew in place for the city of Holmes Beach. Visitors are welcome to visit the island to support the local businesses to help in recovery efforts. Information can be found on Holmes Beach City Hall website.
Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria
There are no curfews in place for these villages.
Are there Vacation Rental restrictions on Anna Maria Island after the Hurricane?
Bradenton Beach: requires each property to pass structural and electrical inspection prior to occupancy. Check out Bradenton Beach City Hall website for details.
Anna Maria: There are no restrictions to vacation rentals in the village of Anna Maria.
Holmes Beach: placed a 45-day Moratorium on vacation rentals on October 2, 2024. They revisited the issue on October 29, 2024, and have modified the end date to November 1, 2024. Vacation rentals that are fit to accommodate renters may accept guests as of November 2, 2024.
How are Properties Inspected for Occupancy after a hurricane?
Each property is inspected by the homeowner and or property manager for damage. Assessments are made and repair work commences according to the city and county requirements. Certain cities may require more inspections than others. Damages could be as little as landscape palm frond removal, pool cleaning, patio furniture power washing, to more extensive work based on the condition of the property.
Many of the wooden historic cottages, not up to code and seen in the media couldn't withstand the storm surge and winds of the recent hurricanes. Depending on the home's condition and if insurance claims are required, the recovery time can vary. To be sure elevated homes will be the first to recover followed by ground floor homes. Earliest times to accept renters will be in November, 2024. Ask your vacation rental host for any inspection requirements and repair work completed along with their opening date which may vary by company, village and property.
What are the Conditions on Anna Maria Island? Will I be able to Visit?
Conditions of each property vary throughout the island and village. Although Bradenton Beach took the worst hit of Hurricane Helene the city has been in full steam ahead mode. They are ready to receive visitors to their rentals, restaurants and beaches which are open. There are no restrictions to visiting and staying in a vacation rental in Bradenton Beach, with the exception of the city inspection requirement. Each Bradenton Beach property requires a structural and electrical inspection by the city before occupancy is permitted. Permit fees have been waived and this process has been expedited to get rentals back in business. Be sure to ask your host if an inspection has been passed on the property you are staying in as well as its condition. As mentioned, beaches are open in this village and so are many restaurants. Bridge Street, the main hub of the village, has made a miraculous recovery in a very short amount of time!
Anna Maria village on the north end of the island, fared the best in terms of storm surge from Hurricane Helene. However, Hurricane Milton did damage Rod n Reel Pier as well as, the walkway to Anna Maria City Pier. Ferry service to City Pier has returned to service the island from an extension to the current dock. The fare is free for island residents. There are no curfews nor any property inspection requirements in this village. Be sure to contact your host for details on the property where you are booked.
Holmes Beach is the only village which had a moratorium in place as of October 3, 2024. The initial expiry date was set for November 16, 2024. It has been modified, vacation rentals in this village can receive guests as of November 2, 2024. As mentioned above this city's recovery efforts have been the slowest.
Why do I see Debris Piles still on Anna Maria Island?
Bradenton Beach: There was a significant storm surge from Hurricane Helene. The city has completed a final debris pile pick-up the week of October 28, 2024. After this date, the regular Waste Pro services returned. Bradenton Beach has done a great job of quickly cleaning up their village to welcome back tourists.
Anna Maria: has also done a stellar job of completing debris pile pick-ups which had a completion date of any last-minute debris removal by owners on Oct 24, 2024. After this date, the normal waste pick up resumed.
Holmes Beach: has commenced debris pile removal in residential streets. This city has been the slowest to remove debris piles. They continue to work their way through the city starting from the "outside inwards". There is no set date for completion yet as the recovery continues. You will still see piles of debris and landscaping materials as this city council continues their clean up.
What is the process of cleaning the sand on Anna Maria Island Beaches?
A press conference was held on October. 25, 2024 to explain the beach cleaning process and deliver some estimates on the timeline and progress in beach clean-up. The featured speakers were Manatee County District Three Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Manatee County Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Deputy Director of Parks and County Grounds Carmine DeMilio, State Rep. Will Robinson, State Sen. Jim Boyd. The following information was sourced from this conference.
County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge explained:
“The sand is safe, the water is safe,”
“In about 30 days time we believe the entire seven miles of Anna Maria Island beaches will be open. The beaches will be safe and that includes dragging the sand multiple times with smaller nets to catch all the debris that we can and magnets for pulling any metal we can out of the beach.”
Anna Maria Island Beach Cleaning Process
At the time of the press conference, Manatee County staff members have been working 29 straight days, 10-12 hours a day to clean up the beaches
The sand is graded by tractors and debris is sorted dropped into a bin and removed.
Dragging and grading the sand multiple times occurs with small nets.
Debris is caught in the nets and magnets are used to remove any metals.
Sand outside of the beaches has bee-n removed to locations to be sorted, sifted and cleaned.
Dark sand that washed over the island is unsuitable to return to the beach and will be used for road-building materials in the future.
Photo courtesy of Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper
Manatee County Grounds Carmine DeMilio explained;
“Manatee Beach is clean, clear and safe and we invite all of you to come out and enjoy our beautiful beaches,”.
The beach cleaning process has been incredible. In less than 30 days county and city representatives have reopened 2 large beaches for locals and tourists to enjoy. Get out there and enjoy the sun!
Photo courtesy of Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper
Are Anna Maria Island beaches open after Hurricane Milton?
Yes, the majority of beaches on Anna Maria Island have re-opened! Exercising caution when visiting the beach after a storm is always a good idea. Wear shoes when accessing the public beach access points at these walkways may not be cleaned and sifted yet. Check the beach conditions before swimming including the warning flags for current conditions. (Resources can be found below).
Bradenton Beach City Beaches
Cortez Beach - Cortez Beach was the first beach to re-open in the city of Bradenton Beach.
South Coquina Beach - Open - Cortez Beach was the first beach to re-open. South Coquina Beach reopened November 2, 2024. Parking in the South Coquina Beach County Lot only, to avoid impeding on the debris removal process. Parking elsewhere and walking and enjoying the beach is permitted.
Holmes Beach
Manatee Beach - Open - re-opened on October 23, 2024. The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe on Manatee Beach is open for business on Manatee Beach.
Anna Maria village
Anna Maria Beach - Open - re-opened on October 30, 2024.
Bean Point - Closed - while beach recovery continues
Bayfront Park - Closed - while beach recovery continues
Bradenton Beach City Beach Area - Open
Satellite Photo courtesy of Google Maps
Manatee Beach - Holmes Beach - Open
Anna Maria Beach - Anna Maria - Open
Manatee County has been busy with the revitalization and restoration of the pristine beaches that tourists and residents know and love. A lot of progress has been made sifting sand for beach placement in addition to grating the beaches to clear them of any remaining debris. The Manatee County contractor crew is working 11 hours/day and is expected to add a nighttime shift to get the beaches re-opened as quickly as possible keeping in mind the safety of the public.
Bradenton Beaches Open - has re-opened city-owned beaches in the village of Bradenton Beach, from 27th Street south to 13th Street. South end of Coquina Beach has re-opened along with the south end of the county-owned parking lot. North Coquina parking lot remains closed to the public for ongoing recovery efforts. The Coquina Beach Cafe remains closed as well.
Holmes Beach Open - Manatee Beach is open. Enjoy the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe overlooking Manatee Beach with a sandy area for dining and cocktails.
Anna Maria Beach Open - excluding Bayfront Park, Bean Point
Be sure to check the status of the ocean before heading out to the beaches. Check out the website Mote Beach Conditions Reporting Map to see what color flags are flying, if there are any rip currents and the clarity of the water.
Manatee Beach - Holmes Beach
Photo courtesy of Amy Francis Jones
Are Restaurants open on Anna Maria Island?
Yes! Many restaurants have quickly reopened in each village on and off the island. Below is a list of restaurants currently open by alphabetical order ready to receive you. Many of your favourite restaurants that haven't re-opened yet are hoping to open by Thanksgiving weekend. This list will be updated daily.
Anna Maria
AMI Beach Hut - convenience store
Bortell's Lounge
Cool Beans AMI
gRub Tropical BBQ
Harry's Grill - now serving breakfast
Mademoiselle Paris
North Shore Cafe
Popps's Taqueria
Slim's Place
Sushi Ramen
The Donut Experiment
The Porch
Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Bridge Street Pier
Back Alley Coffee Shop
Bamboo Island Bar & Tapas
Bridge Tender Inn
Bridge Street Bistro
Daquari Deck
Island Time Bar & Grill
Salt Bar & Table
SmoqueHouse BBQ
The BeachHouse Restaurant
Tommyknockers Saloon Bar
Holmes Beach
Anchor Inn Bar
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe - Beachfront
Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack
Blueberries Cafe & Wine
Chateau in the Waterline Hotel
Cheesecake Cuties
China 1
Duffy's Tavern
Dunkin Donuts
Edibles and More Country Store
Fifty Three Fifty - The Pourhouse
Freckled Fin Irish Pub
Graze Street AMI
Holy Cow Ice Cream
Hurricane Hanks
Hurricane Liquor - liquor store only
Isola Bella Italian Eatery
Kiwi's Fish n Chips
La Creperie
Los Chiludo's Mexican
Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus
Paradise Bagels and Coffee
Pizzano's Pizza & Grinders
Publix
Skinny's Place Burgers
Small Town Creamery
Solo's Pizza
The Doctor's Office - bar
The Doctor's Garden - restaurant
The Hot Dog Guy - hot dog stand
The Ugly Grouper
Topsail Steamer
Cortez
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Breeze Bakery
Cortez Cafe
Cortez Clam Factory
Cortez Kitchen
PigOut Food Truck
Tide Tables - docks are repaired for boaters
Tyler's Ice Cream
Starfish Company - docks are repaired for boaters
Swordfish Bar & Grill
Longboat Key
Blue Dolphin Cafe
Dry Dock Restaurant
Chubby's Longboat
Hugo 2 Restaurant
Italia Gelato
Lazy Lobster
Salty Dog
Shore - docks are repaired for boaters
Venezia
Venturas Restaurant
Perico Island
Floridays
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe - Open
Photo courtesy of Dennis Henshaw
Are Shops & Services open on Anna Maria Island?
Yes! Many shops and services such as grocery stores, hardware stores, etc.. have quickly reopened. Below is a list of shops and local businesses that are currently open by alphabetical order ready to receive you. This list will be updated daily.
Anna Maria
Anna Maria General Store
Anna Maria Post Office - temporary location in Bayfront Park
Concierge AMI
Kelly's Island Transportation
Lazy Turtle Beach Rentals
Sundial Transportation
The Center of Anna Maria Island - Community & Fitness Center
Bradenton Beach
Blooms By The Beach
Circle K Gas Station
Damon Powers Photography
Monetti Apparel - Beach Wear
Little Budgie Delivery - island-wide grocery stocking
Holmes Beach
Ace Hardware
Alvin's Beach Shop
Blunt Photographic
Ace Hardware
Alvin's Beach Wear
Artist Haven
CVS Pharmacy
Dollar Tree
Drum Circle - Sunday nights on the beach
Fun & More Rentals
Grooms Auto Repair
Island Bazaar Beach Wear
Island Fresh Market AMI
Island Mail & More
Jonathan Austin Photography
Publix Grocery Store
Publix Liquor Store
Salon Salon
The Original Sand Dollar Boutique
Time Savers Wine & Spirits
Vintage Clothing
Walgreens
West Coast Surf Shop
Are Boat Tours, Sports Rentals and Activities open on Anna Maria Island?
Yes! Many tour operators and boat captains are back in business and happy to host you for their various dolphin tours, kayaking and paddle-boarding adventures. Below is a list of local tour operators and captain's businesses that are currently open by alphabetical order. This list will be updated daily.
Insider Tip! - If you are a landlubber and trying to find your niche;
"Tours" usually means the offering is for sightseeing, wildlife, anchorages on sandbars, etc...
"Charters" means fishing.
"Adventures" often means the business offers both tours and charters
Anna Maria
Anna Maria Island Fishers and Fun
Anna Maria Yacht Charters - pleasure tours
AMI Boat Adventures
AMI Book'em and Hook'em
AMI Excursions
AMI Rentals
AMI Shuttle - airport shuttle
Anna Maria Island Henna Tattoos - will visit your rental
Beach Bums Island Attitude - rentals
Big Wili Water Adventures
Concierge AMI - will organize your itinerary
Five O'Clock Charlie Tours
Island Hopper Boat Tours
Island Way Excursions
Just Kickin Back Charters
Lazy Turtle Rentals
Off The Hook Charters
Prime Boat Tours
Wax'em Fishing Charters
Yak Shack Watersports
Bradenton Beach
AMI Cruises - sightseeing
AMI Discovery Charters - both tours & fishing charters
Anne's Calmwater Charters - Dolphin & Snorkeling
Cruz'n AMI - boat tours and water excursions
Fish AMI - fishing charters
Happy Paddler Kayak Tours
Hodo's Golf Cart Rentals
Low Tide Tours - Tiki Boat
Passage Key Dolphin Tours
Paradise Boat Tours
Seas The Day Adventures - tours
See Dolphins - tours
Shore Thing Tiki Cruises - tours
Sweet Sunsets & Dolphin Tours
Holmes Beach
AMI Inshore Fishing
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours
Anna Maria Island Adventures Boat Tours
Bayshore Fishing Charters
Calypso's Private Charter
Captain Bam's Fishing & Boat Charters
Captain Fin's Sightseeing Tours
Chase The Blue Charters
Crysten’s AMI Boat Tours
Fishing Charters AMI
Frayed Up Fishing Charters
Fun & More Rentals - check for discounts
H2O Watersports - rentals and charters
Island Time Boat Tours
Jarrod McKenzie Fishing
Kick Azz Fishing Charters
Reel Fun Charter
Seafood Charters.net
Scuba Ethans Outdoor Adventures - scuba, snorkeling, sightseeing, fishing
Something Catchy Fishing Charters
Sunshine Living Jet Ski & Boat Rentals
ZoomAround Golf Cart Rentals
Cortez
Beach n Rides Rentals
Centaur Boating Adventures - tours & charters
Cortez Coastal Cruises
Florida Fishing Fleet
GulfCart Fishing Charters
Highliner Charters - Inshore
Palma Sola Causeway
Beach Horses - horseback riding
C Ponies - horseback riding
Captain Bam's Jungle Float
Gulf Islands Adventures - personal jet boats
Robinson's Preserve
Get Up and Go Kayaking
Kayak Jack's
Longboat Key
Cannon's Marina
Captain Jason Boyll
Four Keys Charters
Kathleen D's Sailing Catamarans - sunset and day cruises
Bradenton
Abbott's Family Fishing Charters
Captain Kuhn Charters
Charter Fish Bradenton
CoastLine Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions
Coconut Rentals
Ferg's Fishing
FL Inshore Adventures
Nature Boy Troy's Adventures
Sip n Slip Tours
Slot Machine Fishing Charters - check for discounts
Tailing Tails Charters
Sarasota
Kokomo Charters - luxury pleasure yacht cruises - check for discounts
Siesta Key
Key Life Fishing Charter
Siesta Fun Ship
Siesta Key Fish
Is there Red Tide on Anna Maria Island after the Hurricane?
As of today, there is no red tide on the coast of Anna Maria Island. You can keep up to date on samples taken often on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Current Red Tide Sample Map.
Is there a flesh-eating disease on Anna Maria Island after Hurricane Milton?
There have been reports in the media of an increase in vibrio vulnificus bacteria and flesh-eating disease in the state of Florida. Although current records indicate there is a rise compared to last year 2023, the rate of bacteria is at the same level as 2022.
As of today, there are no reports of flesh-eating bacteria cases in Manatee County. Please stay informed by using the Florida Health Government website for updated vibrio vulnificus cases.
2022 - 1 case in Manatee County
2023 - 1 case in Manatee County
2024 - 0 cases in Manatee County
To check for any bacteria or water sample warnings be sure to use reputable and reliable sources like the Florida Health website. Florida Healthy Beaches Program for Manatee County beach water samples are taken regularly. Be sure to check back often for any advisories and updates.
Were Anna Maria Island Piers Destroyed After Hurricane Milton?
No. Not all Anna Maria Island piers were damaged after Hurricane Milton.
The Anna Maria City Pier sustained damages to the walkway section of the pier, however Ferry service will be returning once a temporary solution is created towards the end of the current dock section. The complete repair of the walkway will depend on the politician's actions from the City of Anna Maria.
Rod n Reel Pier in Anna Maria village on the north end, unfortunately disappeared after Hurricane Milton. The private owner has started rebuilding fund efforts to replace it.
Bradenton Bridge Street Pier is partially open. The Clock Tower is proudly standing and Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar restaurant is open to enjoy indoor and outdoor dining. The dock section of the pier is closed while the City of Bradenton Beach assesses and tenders bids to repair this section. They already have repairs underway for the docks and hope to have the pier safely reopened soon.
Coquina Beach concrete groins (piers) are available to fish from and have been undamaged. You are permitted to walk on the beach. There is limited parking available at Coquina Beach due to ongoing sand removal. You can park in the South Coquina Beach parking lot only. If that gets full you will have to park further north in Bradenton Beach and walk to the groins.
Coquina Beach Groins and Beach
Can I fly to Anna Maria Island, Florida after Hurricane Milton?
Domestic Flights - As of today all airports have resumed normal operation. Please check with your airline provider on the status of your flights.
International Flights - As of today all airports have resumed normal operation. Please check with your airline provider on the status of your flights.
Have all utilities returned to Anna Maria Island?
Water, wastewater and power have returned to the island. The Internet has returned to the island.
The U.S. Postal service has been restored to the island. Courier service like FedEx and UPS has also resumed. On the north end, in the village of Anna Maria, they have set up a temporary location in the park across from City Pier for residents. Note: no postage may be purchased at this temporary location but mail pick up and drop off is in service.
Church services have resumed at Roser Church in Anna Maria and St Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. Crosspointe Fellowship temporary audio masses only, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is holding services at the Freedom Village Auditorium, Church of the Annunciation is temporarily holding services at alternate locations.
Is there a boil notice on Anna Maria Island after Hurricane Milton?
As of Sunday, Oct 27, 2024, all boil water notices for the island villages have been rescinded. There are no boil notice advisories. Please check the Manatee County Boil Notice website page in the event this should change with future storms or interruptions.
Is the Anna Maria Island Trolley Running After Hurricane Milton?
As of today, there is 1 trolley on Anna Maria Island running hourly due to the decreased demand. Although there is no set date yet, the regular services should resume soon. Download the MCAT MyStop App on your cell phone for updated schedules.
Bradenton Beach - Cortez Bridge - 10/20/24
Photo Courtesy of Jacob Merrifield - 10/20/24
What are the Current Conditions on Anna Maria Island?
At the moment, the following businesses are open for your enjoyment:
Anna Maria Island Beaches - Anna Maria Beach, Manatee Beach, South Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach are now open to the general public. Select Anna Maria beaches including Bean Point and Bayfront Park remained closed as the County continues to sift and clean the sand.
Public Beach parking - General parking has resumed although there is limited capacity due to the ongoing sand removal. Note: Coquina Beach North parking lot remains closed
Anna Maria Island City Pier - closed. However, the ferry has resumed on the walkway.
Retail Shops many re-opening every day. Check back often for new options.
Restaurants There are many, many choices for restaurants on Anna Maria Island. Over 55 at the latest count. Be sure to refer to the list above for options.
Swimming as usual, refer to the lifeguard flags for any danger - use Mote Beach Conditions Map listed above. In addition, you may also refer to the Red Tide and Florida Health government websites listed above for weekly water samples to stay up to date. The water color is returning to normal in the weeks since the last storm. Note: It's always a good idea to shower off after swimming in the Gulf of Mexico waters.
Boating has always been permitted
Boat ramps are slowly reopening. South Coquina Boat Ramp is open to the public. The remainder are still closed.
Coquina South Boat Ramp - 1465 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 - Open
Kingfish Boat Ramp - 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 - Closed
63rd boat ramp - 6398 Marina Way, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 - Closed
Coquina North Boat Ramp - 1507 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 - Closed
Fitness Centers - The Anna Maria Community Center is open. Local business fitness centers are re-opening daily. Be sure to contact them for details and open hours and schedules.
Pickleball Courts - The Anna Maria Community Center has all of its pickleball and tennis courts open.
Hair salons, barbershops, and nail salons - Call ahead for an appointment to be sure they are open at their original location or a temporary locations.
Amusement Parks - reopened (ie: Busch Gardens, Clearwater Aquarium, Mote Marine Aquarium, Manatee South Florida Museum.
Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, Hardware Stores, Walmart, etc... open
Nightclubs and bars - Many bars on the island have reopened. (The Doctor's Office, Drift-Inn, Bridge Tender Inn, Slim's Place, Bortell's Lounge, Island Time Bar & Grill to name a few).
Photo courtesy of Dennis Henshaw - Oct 19.2024
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WHERE TO STAY
At Anna Maria Island Home Rental, we have luxurious waterfront accommodations. We are set to reopen our properties as soon as November and December. Holidaying is easy at our vacation homes with kitchen stocking, keyless entry, sports activities that are conducive to families that like kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming.
Enjoy a last-minute getaway. We have select gap stays and full weeks available during December 2024 season. Contact us for information and a detailed discounted quote for Fall 2024!
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