Milton piles on after Helene’s destruction
Only a sign and some planks at the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, remain of the structure following Hurricane Milton, which made landfall to the south at Siesta Key about 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9. Islander Photo: Jacob
the Ginny’s and Jane E’s cafe and coastal Store building on Gulf Drive in Anna
a roof during Hurricane Milton, as well as suffered damage in Hurricane Helene. Ginny’s and Jane E’s business owner Paul Foster told the Islander he thinks he’ll reopen before christmas. “I’m thankful, very thankful,” he said Oct. 12. Islander
and
utility
before
on Oct. 12, several days after
Holmes Beach police chief William tokajer works the checkpoint on Manatee Avenue
the Anna Maria Island Bridge
Hurricane Milton. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy
Maria lost
Photo: Jacob Merrifield
Debris
downed
lines Oct. 10 litter South Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria following Hurricane Milton. Islander Photo: courtesy Manatee county Sheriff’s Office
Merrifield
A three-story home on pilings at 1201 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, is toppled Oct. 10 following high winds associated with Hurricane Milton. Islander Photo: courtesy city of Bradenton Beach
An Oct. 10 view at the Anna Maria city Pier, rebuilt following a 2017 storm. Islander Photo: courtesy George Kruse
Holmes Beach begins Milton recovery process
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
The post-storm recovery process was in full swing — again — for the city of Holmes Beach.
The city reopened to everyone Oct. 13 and became an island hub for recovery support efforts despite sustaining widespread wind damage from Hurricane Milton.
The city may have fared the 2024 hurricane season the best of the three island municipalities, as Hurricane Helene destroyed 90%-95% of Bradenton Beach and Hurricane Milton wrecked Anna Maria’s north end.
However, that does not mean the city got off the hook unscathed.
Less than two weeks after Helene’s historic storm surge flooded nearly all of the city’s ground-level properties, Milton scourged the island with 120-mph sustained winds and heavy rain.
City hall, 5801 Marina Drive, had roof panels ripped off by Milton’s wind, exposing part of its interior to rain.
Mayor Judy Titsworth wrote in an Oct. 11 text
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Minor told The Islander Oct. 14 that between the two storms, about 98% of properties within city limits had been impacted to varying degrees.
“If they weren’t impacted by Helene, they’ve now been impacted by Milton,” he said.
City staff had completed its initial window damage survey assessments following Milton and was beginning work Oct. 14 on detailed damage assessments, according to Minor.
He said the assessments was a “huge work effort” that would involve going house-by-house to document storm damages over the next few weeks.
The city reopened Oct. 12 to residents and business owners, with a 7 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew in effect, after many of the roads were cleared of debris and power lines.
Water was restored to the city before it reopened and Manatee’s boil water notice was lifted Oct. 13.
Out of 4,690 meters affected by Milton in the city, Florida Power & Light had restored 4,220, leaving 470 meters without power as of Oct. 15, according to the city of Holmes Beach’s Facebook page.
The city also served as a hub for recovery support efforts.
By Lisa Neff
If I could evacuate with one possession it would be …
A. Box of photographs.
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C. Family keepsake.
D. Art.
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message to The Islander that the rain intrusion caused minimal damage and the roof had been temporarily repaired.
She wrote that a contractor would be lined up to complete a permanent repair.
Elsewhere throughout the city, Milton resulted in downed trees, utility lines and poles, displaced marine vessels and destroyed or damaged homes.
Chad Minor, the city’s director of development services, counted 15 properties that were uninhabitable total losses following Helene.
After Hurricane Milton, that number climbed to 25-30, including several bayside multifamily units, according to Minor.
“We’re guessing that there may have been some small tornado or something,” Minor said. “There has been some damage that has been very specific to certain units whereas the unit next door is perfectly fine.”
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A point of distribution site was established at the Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave., to provide water, tarps and meals ready-to-eat — 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
The Island Library parking lot, 5701 Marina Drive, was acting as a comfort and medical station.
The comfort station, with a self-service facility, showers, restrooms and a laundry station, was accessible 24 hours a day.
The medical station, staffed by a nurse, nurse practitioner and paramedic, was open 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Soon after reentry, Islanders in need of resources could visit Publix Super Market, 3900 E. Bay Drive, and pharmacy, 503 Manatee Ave.
The grocery store was open 7 a.m.-6 p.m., with a three-stall restroom trailer outside available to the public 24/7.
The pharmacy was open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. MondaySaturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Magnolia Park, 3707 Sixth Ave., Holmes Beach, remains underwater Oct. 10 due to flooding from Hurricane Milton. Islander Photo: courtesy Holmes Beach Police Department
Hurricane Milton delivers added damage to Bradenton Beach
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
Hurricane Milton, packing sustained winds of up to 110 mph, caused damage throughout Bradenton Beach Oct. 9.
Milton added insult to injury across much of the island after a significant storm surge from Hurricane Helene Sept. 26 caused widespread flooding, damaging or destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure.
Then winds from Milton uprooted trees, damaged structures and disrupted power — again.
Evacuation orders for Milton were issued for all of coastal Manatee ahead of the storm and an estimated 147,000 countywide followed those orders, according to county public information officer Bill Logan.
He said more than 11,000 evacuees utilized Manatee County shelters.
The city, in Milton, managed better than other areas, according to police Chief John Cosby, who has served for more than 30 years as emergency manager.
Cosby spoke to The Islander Oct. 10 about issues the city — already deemed 90%-95% destroyed due to Helene — was facing in the immediate aftermath of Milton.
“We fared very well,” Cosby said. “We did not get the storm surge that we were told we were going to get since the eye went south of us.”
“Some of the debris from the debris piles did wash up over the roadway. We’re in the process of clearing that and just pushing it off to the side so that we can get our residents back and business owners as soon as possible,” he added.
Cosby also said little sand was pushed onto roadways.
He said the main challenge would be downed wires caused by the wind.
“We’re working with Florida Power % Light to confirm whether they are power lines or just communication lines,” Cosby said at the time. “It seems they
Milton were mandated.
Bradenton Beach police Lt. Lenard Diaz Oct. 10 looks at damage to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar brought by Hurricane Milton less than two week’s after Hurricane Helene’s hit. A large metal awning which blew off during high winds.
are likely communication lines.”
Electricity, as of Oct. 16, was only partially restored and was off in the commercial district.
Regarding structural damage, Cosby said, “We got a couple more houses that are leaning.”
The city has two trailer park communities — one on the north end and one in the commercial district — and they were hit the hardest with high winds.
One resident of the Pines Trailer Park north of the Historic Bridge Street Pier said the park suffered flooding from Helene and then wind damage from Milton. Bradenton Beach resident Evelyn Stob, who lives in the city’s Azure Shores neighborhood, said Oct. 14 that she evacuated for Hurricane Helene and could not inhabit her home even before evacuation orders for
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“I evacuated the day before Helene and returned by fishing charter boat, which graciously transported me to the island for tips,” Stob said. “It was devastating, opening the door and realizing the mess the surge left behind. Everything is saturated and moldy. Then Milton came and caused roof damage. It’s just heartbreaking for all of us.”
In the commercial district, Derek Williams, owner of the Drift In AMI and president of the Bridge Street Merchants Association, told The Islander, “Merchants have gotten together and we are working together to work with insurance companies, make our claims and get these businesses restarted. A few of the businesses are opening.”
However, because Bridge Street remained without power, service was limited.
Cosby said emergency crews and state and federal aid personnel were working overtime to right the city but fatigue, given the back to back hurricanes, was an issue for first responders and others.
“You know, it’s the linemen, everybody really, anybody who is working utilities or public safety, medical staff, the EOC people, everybody is just getting to that point,” Cosby said, referring to exhaustion.
“You can keep going and keep going but at some point you need a break,” he continued. “It’s all first responders, we’re just tired. We just worked, a week and a half, 12 hours a day, no days off and we’re getting ready to do it again.”
FEMA representatives and Florida emergency response teams had been in the city prior to Milton to assess damage and aid in recovery since Hurricane Helene.
And they are still around.
“This city is very resilient,” Cosby said. “There’s no reason why we can’t build it back better and stronger.”
ELECT
Mark Short Mayor of Anna Maria Nov. 5
Dear Anna Maria voters, residents and friends: I hope you are doing well. The unfortunate one-two punch we just took from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the severity of both storms, has not been experienced in our city, let alone the island, in a long, long time.
Ever since the City of Anna Maria began preparing for Helene, I have focused my attention on how I could help the city prepare and respond to the storms, a duty I embraced as appropriate and necessary in my elected role as your vice-mayor.
Since returning to the city Sept. 29, three days after the impact of Helene, I have been working with the mayor, city staff, contractors, the Manatee County emergency management office and even FPL on our recovery efforts. I have been working from city hall every day, except for the day we evacuated for Hurricane Milton, providing assistance in any way possible.
At the mayor’s request, I have worked closely with our building department, code enforcement, law enforcement and public works to determine needs, identify solutions and implement action plans.
I also have helped coordinate debris recovery, ensured our debris haulers received diesel fuel to keep running, monitored our progress on FEMA to evaluate the storms’ impact on our properties, worked directly with the community center to ensure the city was supporting its needs and assisted residents who reached out for information and direction.
In addition, I participated in several meetings with Florida’s Lieutenant Gov. Jeanette Nunez, incoming Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, our State Senator, Jim Boyd, and various county officials. I can honestly tell you I now have significant, first-hand experience in understanding and executing the logistics involved for our city in response to disasters like the two we just experienced. I will continue to provide this assistance as long as it is necessary. This is the right thing to do for our city, and you, the residents. Needless to say, I have not spent time promoting my campaign to be your mayor and I know the election is not top of mind for many of you. We’re all in recovery mode. The election is now less than three weeks away and I ask that you consider putting me in the office of mayor of the City of Anna Maria, where I can continue to work for you.
Thank you and, please, mark your ballot for “Mark.”
Mark Short
Mark
Short, 5-year city commissioner
Paid by Mark Short for mayor.
Milton blows hard in Cortez but fishing village coming back
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
The village of Cortez, reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene, took its blows Oct. 9-10 from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm.
Milton inflicted significant wind damage across the state, from the Gulf coast to the Atlantic.
Cortez, one of the last working fishing villages on Florida’s west coast, faced the brunt of Milton’s power as the storm made landfall to the south.
Many Cortezians, still grappling with the aftermath of Helene’s storm surge, were left to contend with new devastation brought by Milton.
“It’s bad. These people are going to need help,” Katie Tupin, a longtime resident of Cortez, said Oct. 10. “Trees down. structural damage but the houses are still here — what’s left of them.”
In the aftermath of Milton it was the Cortez Park Co-op that showed the most structural damage.
Meanwhile, Cortez business owner Karen Bell told The Islander Oct. 10 that the village fishing fleet, which operates from out of A.P. Bell Fish Co., 4600 124th St. Court W., survived the storm and both the A.P. Bell and neighboring restaurant Starfish Co. fared well.
“Some equipment flew off the A.P. Bell. Star is good,” Bell said. “The village is a mess.”
The 2024 hurricane season, historically, bears some resemblance to the 1921 hurricane season, which spawned the Oct. 25, 1921, Tampa Bay Hurricane.
A 1921 tropical depression formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea and quickly organized into a category 4 hurricane, downgrading to a cat 3 just before making landfall in the Tarpon Springs area.
Southward in Manatee and Sarasota counties, waterfront communities such as Cortez and Sarasota suffered heavy structural losses and flooding.
In response to Milton’s threat, Manatee County initiated evacuation efforts for Zones A, B and later
C, along with all manufactured homes and recreational vehicles.
“We do not issue evacuation orders lightly,” county public safety director Jodie Fiske said during an Oct. 6 EOC meeting. “Milton is anticipated to cause more storm surge than Helene. So, if you stayed during Helene, and got lucky, I would not press my luck with this particular system.”
Zone A, the lowest flood zone, would face inundation at 11 feet of surge. Zone B the second lowest zone would reach inundation at 14 feet and Zone C would reach inundation at 18 feet.
Cortez is zoned A, the first level to be ordered to evacuate.
And many people did just that while crews were working to remove debris piled high on roadsides throughout Cortez from Hurricane Helene.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management, which had been maintaining a presence in the area since Helene, was coordinating a continuous state of emergency response effort.
After Milton, county first-in crews began assessing the damage Oct. 10 and local officials.
The next day, Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Cortez, where he asked business owners and residents about their needs and promised aid, including power.
As of Oct. 16, partial power had been restored to the village.
Also, as a result of federal, state and local efforts, supplies were being delivered, day and night, to distribution sites throughout the county, including water and meals ready to eat.
The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives. Send notices — along with contact info — to news@islander.org.
Milton destroys Anna Maria City Pier walkway and more
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Only four years after construction on the new Anna Maria City Pier finished, a stretch must be rebuilt due to Hurricane Milton.
The storm destroyed around 50% of the pier’s roughly 700-foot-long walkway, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Randy Warren.
The MCSO polices the city of Anna Maria.
Hurricane Milton made landfall Oct. 9 as a category 3 storm near Siesta Key after escalating as high as a category 5 hurricane during its passage across the Gulf of Mexico.
The hurricane brought sustained winds of 120 mph and battered an area already reeling from Hurricane Helene’s historic storm surge less than two weeks before.
While much of Helene’s more catastrophic damage on Anna Maria Island was done to its south end in Bradenton Beach, some of Milton’s most dramatic work occurred on the north end of the barrier island.
The storm destroyed the Rod & Reel Pier, which lost much of its walkway to Helene but remained standing until Milton, and a portion of the city pier walkway.
However, the city pier was not an older structure like the Rod & Reel, which was built in 1947.
The city-owned pier is a new build in the footprint of the historic pier, which was built in 1911 and stood until it was removed due to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
The new pier opened June 2020 and was built with more durable materials than before, such as reinforced concrete pilings and ipe hardwood decking.
Decking from the segments of destroyed walkway could be found on the shore near the base of the pier on the morning of Oct. 10, immediately following the storm.
In addition to the loss of walkway decking, many of the pilings along the destroyed stretch were no longer visible and may have been broken during the storm.
The T-end building, which houses the City Pier Grill and the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Marine Science Education and Outreach Center, was “OK” following the storm, according to Warren.
There was no damage to Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Nevertheless, Hurricane Milton caused flooding and widespread wind damage across the city, resulting in many downed utility lines and poles, as well as blown-out windows.
Warren said much of the flooding had receded by Oct. 11.
The city was opened to residents, business owners and their employees Oct. 12.
Mayor Dan Murphy had not responded to multiple calls from The Islander.
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From the Manatee county Emergency Operations center Oct. 6, an evacuation of Zones A and B is announced ahead of Hurricane Milton. Briefings from the EOc in Bradenton took place throughout the event, led by public safety director Jodie Fiske. Evacuations on the island began at about 2 p.m. Oct. 7 and were to be complete the next day. As Milton intensified in the Gulf and consensus built around its track, the county also called for a Zone c evacuation. Islander Photo: Screenshot
R&R pier destroyed, owner determined to rebuild
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Hurricane Helene left the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria without a walkway.
Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton left only the pier’s entrance sign and pilings.
Pier owner Oliver “Oli” Lemke, a German brewer and restaurateur, told The Islander Oct. 10 that he was determined to rebuild the island staple.
The pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, was built in 1947 and featured a two-story restaurant building on its T-end.
Lemke purchased the pier last November from German businessman Mario Schoenfelder.
Less than a year later, the 77-year-old pier is gone.
“It’s unbelievable. … There’s nothing left,” Lemke said. “It’s all gone.”
Lemke, who was resolved to repair the destroyed walkway following Helene, was not disheartened after Milton wrecked what remained with 100-plus mph winds.
He said that much about a potential rebuild, such as a cost and timeline, would take time to determine.
Nevertheless, Lemke said the pier would be rebuilt.
“I do know … that we are going to rebuild,” he said. “In whatever way, there will be a Rod & Reel. It’s been there since 1947 and we’re not going to give up on this.”
While Lemke expressed hope that the government would provide funds to help rebuild the pier, he said he would explore other options.
One option the pier has already explored is a GoFundMe campaign to crowdfund money for the rebuild.
Lemke organized the fundraising campaign Oct. 6 with the title, “Help Us Rebuild Rod and Reel Pier, Anna Maria Island.”
The campaign had received 242 donations and raised $22,092 toward a $300,000 goal as of Oct. 13.
The GoFundMe page promised that “the names
of all donors who contribute at least $100 will be engraved in our new wall of honor on the pier.”
Another fundraising option Lemke said he would explore would be sales of a beer dedicated to the destroyed pier.
The beer — which he said would be named something like the “Rod & Reel Recovery Lager” — would be produced by his brewery, Lemke Berlin.
Sales revenue would go toward rebuilding the pier.
Lemke said he hoped to rebuild the pier to be even better than it was before.
In the meantime, he said he was concerned about his pier employees who might go without work for a while.
He tossed around the idea of a food truck employees could operate until the pier was rebuilt, but stressed that process could take “months, if not longer.”
“This is not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” Lemke said.
People can donate to the Rod & Reel Pier’s GoFundMe campaign by visiting gofund. me/6c899b12.
AMI strong, AMI together
Helene hit hard with storm surge, devastating the island.
Milton’s mighty winds ripped across the region, wrecking structures and upturning lives.
But we’re forging ahead, clearing out debris, patching roofs, mucking out floors and making plans to rebuild homes and reopen businesses.
The federal government has dispatched its disaster aid teams to assist.
The state, with Gov. Ron DeSantis at the helm, has big plans for recovery.
Both levels of government are vital to our comeback.
And we also must applaud the achievements of the public officials in our city and county governments, who worked to make sure people in vulnerable areas were out of Milton’s way and then were fi rst-in to assess and deal with ruin and wreckage all while trying to provide comfort and allay evacuees’ worst fears.
We also cheer the charitable endeavors of organizations, notably the Center of Anna Maria Island in its effort to provide relief supplies and day-to-day support, as well as the all-in efforts of residents, businesses and workforce folks helping one another.
We’ve seen so much comfort and compassion on and around AMI — from the checkpoints at the bridge crossings to the embraces at the Salvation Army tents, Red Cross trucks and FEMA aid tables.
So as The Islander goes to press with this postMilton issue — a little past deadline for the first time in 32 years — we feel optimistic about recovery for many on the island and its neighbors because of the good deeds and hard work taking place.
But we also are concerned for those who, despite AMI being strong, face uncertain futures.
For so long, the island has served as a paradise for retiring seniors whose legacies included beach homes where generations celebrated the seasons on the shore. We now know of families facing painful decisions — to let go their parents’ or grandparents’ home.
AssistanceYour OpinionOur
And while businesses are shuttered, many island workers are dealing with layoffs and what appears to be scant government assistance — about $275 a week in state unemployment and a maximum of $3,300.
Meanwhile, some of the hardest hit homes were the most affordable places to live on AMI. We fear, these homes — including mobile homes and groundlevel duplexes — will be the least likely to be rebuilt for economic reasons or due to regulatory issues.
AMI strong must mean AMI united and AMI together means everyone looking out for all.
We’re here for you. — The Islanders
A guide to FEMA
FEMA disaster assistance can provide funds to homeowners and renters for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from the trio of recent storms that impacted Manatee.
FEMA money can help with repairing or replacing a damaged home while FEMA displacement assistance helps people who can’t return home.
How to get help
Manatee County people impacted by Debby, Helene and Milton should complete an “unmet needs survey,” which can be found at https:// extreme-weather-dashboard-manateegis.hub. arcgis.com.
The site, Manatee County’s “Severe Weather Information Center,” also contains information about post-storm safety tips, road closures, power outages, recovery work, donation sites, aid distribution sites and more.
OCT. 16, 2024 • Vol. 32, No. 52
▼ Publisher, Co-editor
Bonner Joy, news@islander.org
▼ Editorial
Editor Lisa Neff, lisa@islander.org
Robert Anderson, robert@islander.org
Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist
Kevin cassidy, kevin@islander.org
Masha Dolgoff, masha@islander.org
Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com
Robyn Murrell, robyn@islander.org
Ryan Paice, ryan@islander.org
▼ Contributors
Karen Riley-Love
Jacob Merrifield
capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org
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▼ Office Manager, Lisa Williams
info@, accounting@, classifieds@, subscriptions@islander.org
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Ross Roberts
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Displacement assistance, a one-time payment, can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or for other options while you look for temporary housing.
All others: news@islander.org
And after receiving displacement assistance for immediate housing needs, applicants might be eligible for rental assistance, which can help pay for somewhere to live while repairs are being made or permanent housing is identified.
The initial award may cover up to two months’ rent.
Other needs
People also can apply for FEMA money to pay for serious needs, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
A claim also can be fi led to help you repair or replace personal items, including appliances, room furnishings, tools and items required for school or work. However, FEMA will not pay out money for items covered under personal insurance.
Money also can be requested to pay for purchases made for the recovery effort, to replace or repair damaged vehicles and to move or store property.
For FEMA assistance, download the FEMA app for smartphones, go to disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Experts recommend the online options over the phone.
For flood recovery information, go to mymanatee.org/floodimpact.
For business recovery information, go to sba. gov/disaster.
For cleanup help, go to crisiscleanup.org. For unmet storm-related needs, contact the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope, at 850300-HOPE.
— Lisa Neff
Needed to apply
To apply for FEMA aid, have ready a phone number, an address for impacted property, an address where staying, a Social Security number, a general list of damage and losses, banking information for direct deposit and a policy number and agent for personal insurance.
Save the contact
For FEMA help, go online to disasterassistance. gov, use the FEMA app, visit a recovery center or call 800-621-3362.
On Oct. 25, 1921, the Tampa Bay area suffered what was
A storm surge of up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed a significant amount of the structures along coastal locations from Pasco County south through southwest Florida.
The highest surge inundated areas in downtown
Tampa and Tarpon Springs.
In Manatee County, the fishing village of Cortez was hardest hit.
The storm smashed boats into docks and seawalls, waves and wind battered buildings and washed away others. Power poles and trees fell. Windows were blown out.
Inland, winds destroyed entire crop fields and the surge caused salt water intrusion into the soil that prevented some crops from returning for seasons. There were eight confirmed fatalities, nearly half due to drowning as the storm surge inundated near shore locations, and others from the hazards of the fallen debris like live wires.
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A National Weather Service simulation — created in 2021 on the 100th anniversary of the
The National Weather Service in Ruskin used contemporary tools to create the simulation. The model was allowed to run forward in time over a domain covering much of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, continental United States and Western Atlantic Ocean for 120 hours. The simulation of a weather pattern from 100 years ago using modern technology produced a hurricane that moved along a generally similar path out of the northwest Caribbean Sea and made landfall on the correct date at the correct location — Oct. 21 near Tarpon Springs. The model also showed the large areal size of the cyclone and a large swath of preceding rainfall to the northeast of the storm that soaked much of the Florida peninsula as much as 24 hours ahead of the main cyclone impacts. Islander Courtesy Photo
1921 Tarpon Springs/Tampa Bay Hurricane — shows wind speeds.
the Albion Inn in cortez is damaged from the 1921 hurricane. Islander Photos: courtesy Manatee county Public Library Systems archives
the old cortez schoolhouse is damaged by the 1921 storm. the building now is home to the Florida Maritime Museum.
Hurricane Milton causes 3 mainland fires, no rescues
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
Hurricane Milton was not as eventful for West Manatee Fire Rescue as was Hurricane Helene.
And that might be due to people taking evacuation orders more seriously a second time around.
WMFR fire marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski told The Islander Oct. 10 that the district received about 34 calls for assistance throughout Hurricane Milton’s passage. The storm made landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast south of AMI on Oct. 9.
Roughly half of the calls to WMFR were related to downed power lines and electrical hazards, while another 30% were due to active fire alarms, according to Kwiatkowski.
The district also received six calls about structure fires — three of which were later confirmed.
All three confirmed structure fires were in west Bradenton and one resulted in a total loss.
Statistically, demand for assistance within the fire district due to Hurricane Milton paled in comparison to the storm that preceded it by less than two weeks.
During Hurricane Helene, which made landfall Sept. 26, WMFR received 103 calls for assistance and completed 44 water rescues.
The district received and completed zero calls for rescues during Hurricane Milton, according to Kwiatkowksi, who said one of the reasons behind the lack of calls was that there were fewer people still around to request assistance.
He said WMFR staff went door-to-door imploring residents to heed evacuation orders ahead of Milton and it appeared that many heeded the message — and turned off their properties’ power in the process.
“People just kind of learned in a difficult way with Helene that it’s no joke,” Kwiatkowski said. “We went so long on this coast avoiding these catastrophic storms and we got lulled into this false sense of security.
Helene woke us up in an eye-opening way. … People were scared straight.”
WMFR also evacuated Station 2, 10350 Cortez Road, Bradenton, and Station 3, 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, for the storm, leaving no one on the island.
#AMIstrong, #AMItogether
Members of West Manatee Fire Rescue’s Station 2 crew raise the American flag Oct. 10 after returning to the station, 10350 cortez Road, Bradenton, following Hurricane Milton. Islander Photo: courtesy West Manatee Fire Rescue
On the morning of Oct. 10, district crews departed out of Station 1 and the Bradenton Fire Department to complete reconnaissance work ahead of the Manatee County’s first-in teams.
While WMFR staff did not secure downed utility lines throughout the district, crews addressed alarms and located damaged lines for first-in responders.
Now that the storms have passed, Kwiatkowski said his focus had turned to ramping up education and preparedness ahead of hurricane season.
He said many people who have endured this year’s storms have learned their lesson, but there would always be newcomers to teach.
“This is a constant and never-ending educational process,” Kwiatkowski said.
County: mymanatee.org
Florida: floridadisaster.org
Federal: fema.gov.
National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov
FPL: www.fplmaps.com
Anna Maria: cityofannamaria.com
Bradenton Beach: cityofbradentonbeach.com
Holmes Beach: holmesbeachfl.org
TV: Bay News 9, The Weather Channel
Print and digital: The Islander, Islander.org
Radio: WUSF 89.7, NWR KHB32 162.550
Apps: MyHurricaneTracker , The Weather Channel
by Lisa Neff, calendar@islander.org
HURRICANE IMPACT
Due to continuing recovery efforts, some events might be canceled, relocated or moved online. Please call or go online to check.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, Oct. 18
5:30 p.m. — Music in the Park concert, Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.
Friday, Oct. 25
5:30 p.m. — Music in the Park concert, Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.
ONGOING ON AMI
• Through October, Artists’ Guild Gallery window show, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6694.
• Third Thursdays, 4 p.m., Sundown Get Down, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-448-7808.
• Second Mondays, 2 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island Adult Book Club, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7781908. CANCELED
ONGOING OFF AMI
• First Fridays, 6-9:30 p.m., Village of the Arts First Fridays Artwalk, 12th Street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Information: villageofthearts.com.
• Through October, Island Gallery and Studios mixed-media drawings by Larry Paul, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton. Information: 941-778-6648.
• Through Oct. 20, “Reimagining Nature: Dali’s Floral Fantasies,” the Dali Museum, 1 Dali Boulevard St., St. Petersburg. Fee applies. Information: 727-823-3767, thedali.org.
• Through Jan. 5, “Life in One Cubic Foot,” the Bishop, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
• Through Feb. 9, 2025, “Enduring Light: Photographs by Roy DeCarava and Danny Lyon,” the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Information: 941-359-5700.
• Through Feb. 25, 2025, “I want you to know my story” photography by Jess T. Dugan, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Fee applies except Mondays. Information: 941-359-5700.
Oct. 19, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Bayfest,
Island happenings
Volunteers called to Cortez
The Cortez Cultural Center planned a volunteer day for Saturday, Nov. 2.
Volunteers, in the announcement, were being called to “come get your hands dirty and join us to beautify the Cortez Cultural Center grounds by planting native plants.”
To register, email cvhs2016@aol.com.
The center is at 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez. For more information, call 941-840-0590.
Anna Maria. CANCELED
Nov. 2, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Bay Fest, Sarasota. Nov. 9, Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival, Cortez. Nov. 14-24, Island Players’ “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” Anna Maria.
MARKETS & SALES
ONGOING ON AMI
• Tuesdays through June 8, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Farmers Market, City Pier Park, Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Information: 7086130. CANCELED IN OCTOBER
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, Through May 31, Bradenton Market, Old Main Street, Bradenton. Information: 941-301-8445.
KIDS & FAMILY
ONGOING OFF AMI
• First Wednesdays, SOAR in 4 family night, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
• Third Fridays, Teen Nights, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
• Second Saturdays, Quest for Kids, the Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-746-4131.
SAVE THE DATES
Oct. 31, 4-6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trail of Treats, island business districts. Information: 941-778-1541. CANCELED
OUTDOORS & NATURE
ONGOING OFF AMI
• Saturdays, 9 a.m., Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Information: 941-742-5923, mymanatee.org.
SAVE THE DATES
Nov. 2, Cortez Cultural Center planting day, Cortez.
Gallery celebrates ‘evolution’
Island Gallery and Studios throughout November will present “From Watercolors to Pixels: My Art Evolution.”
The gallery, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton, will be featuring the “realistic art” work of Gary Green, including with an reception 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
The gallery, a nonprofit and artist coop, also offers art demonstrations 10:30 a.m.-noon the second Saturday of each month, as well as a “Critique Corner” at the same time the last Saturday of each month. For more information, go to islandgallerystudios. org or call 941-778-6648.
Library hosts adult challenge
The Manatee County Public Library System challenges kids to read through the long summer break with a contest but what about adults?
Older readers get their chance to win prizes in the fall with the Adult Reading Challenge, set to continue through Nov. 30.
People can sign up at any branch, including the Island Library in Holmes Beach after storm recovery work is complete.
The contest theme is “Autumn Leaves and Cozy Reads.”
Participants will be given fall-reading prompts and each completed prompt counts as an entry for a grandprize drawing.
For more information, call the main library at 941748-5555.
Also, library patrons who cannot reach their branch but who have access to digital data on electronic devices can listen to and read books and periodicals using several apps, including Libby and Hoopla. Go online to mymanatee.org for more information.
Nov. 15, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Robinson Preserve Full Moon Paddle, Bradenton.
KEEP THE DATES
Through Oct. 31, sea turtle nesting season. Lights out! Through Nov. 30, Atlantic hurricane season. Be prepared! Wednesday, Oct. 16, National Bosses Day. Thursday, Oct. 24, United Nations Day. Thursday, Oct. 31, Halloween. Sunday, Nov. 3, daylight savings time ends. Tuesday, Nov. 5, Election Day.
Music Lessons: Guitar, Bass Piano, Ukulele, Saxophone and More
GET LISTED!
Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
District suspends classes
Classes for the School District of Manatee County, including Anna Maria Elementary, were canceled Oct. 7-14 due to Hurricane Milton.
AME students had been relocated to Stewart Elementary, 7905 15th Ave. NW, Bradenton, after Hurricane Helene struck Sept. 26, so recovery efforts could continue at the Holmes Beach campus.
Stewart did not sustain structural damage in either storm but as of Oct. 13 the school had no air conditioning or phones.
Students did not return to school Oct. 14 due to a scheduled record day.
The district decided later that day that classes for most students would resume Oct. 15.
For more information, contact the district at 941708-8770 or go online to www.manateeschools.net.
— Robyn Murrell
Far off evacuation for Milton
Jonna Jones, a mother of three, evacuated her family to Finland before Hurricane Milton struck.
The family — including AME students Madeleine, 7, and Maverick, 6, and School of Constructive Play preschooler Meadow, 3 — stayed through Hurricane Helene, as Jones initially thought the storm would pose little threat.
“We figured it was not going to be a threat because it was estimated that it would be hundreds of miles away from us,” Jones, who lives on Perico Island, in a message to The Islander via Facebook Oct. 12.
However, she decided to evacuate for Milton after seeing the forecasts Oct. 5.
She called her husband, crying, “When I go to Finland, you have to evacuate,” she urged.
As the forecasts grew worse, the couple prioritized safety.
“We know everyone is going through a lot right now,” Jones said. “We all need patience, love and understanding for everything — the big stuff and the
AME Calendar
• Saturday, Oct. 26, 4-8 p.m., PTO Fall Fest, Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6, early release.
• Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, no school.
• Monday-Friday, Nov. 25-29, fall break, Thanksgiving, no school.
• Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 23-31, winter break, no school.
For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525
Gathering
By Lisa Neff
Thanks, blessings after Milton
In the days following Hurricane Milton, which made landfall at Siesta Key Oct. 9, island church leaders made their way across the bridges for “first looks.”
Here is what the Rev. Dirk Rodgers, senior pastor, reported from Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, the oldest church on the island:
“For the first time since the storm, we were allowed to visit our facilities Oct. 12.
“After touring the grounds with one of our trustees, we are happy to report some good news. All structures remain intact. No windows were broken. No additional storm surge seems to have entered the sanctuary or educational building.
“All compartments in the rose garden remain intact.
“The sanctuary remains dry and still seems ready to hold services.
“We did, however, lose shingles on several of our roofs, especially over the sanctuary, with somewhat less damage to surrounding buildings.
“The good news is that we did not see any leaks in the ceiling due this damage. The roof on our outdoor stage also was somewhat damaged but the structure
small stuff.”
Jones said she planned to return in about a week, while her husband was set to return to Perico Island earlier.
She expressed gratitude for the line crews working to restore power and praised the community for its resilience.
“We’ve been around the world and never seen a community like AMI,” Jones said.
likewise remains intact and is ready for use.
“Meanwhile, the various white vinyl fences on our grounds were largely dismantled.
“Overall, however, we were very blessed.
“When Roser Church was established in 1913, it was meant to be a place where people from many different backgrounds could meet together to worship the same Lord.
“Today, by God’s grace, we will be able to continue this tradition 111 years later.”
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall Sept. 26 in Florida’s Big Bend region and severely impacted AMI with record storm surge, had already disrupted worship and damaged church property on the island.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach suspended its worship services due to Helene, reporting extensive damage from flooding throughout the building.
The Episcopal Church of Annunciation in Holmes Beach also reported damages after Helene.
After Milton, the property was surveyed and there was no new flooding reported and the roof and windows were intact.
St. Bernard Catholic Church, also in Holmes Beach, resumed worship soon after Helene.
The weekend after Milton, there were no Masses at St. B. A post on the church’s Facebook page read, “Our church and facilities have again withstood the storm, for the most part … praise God!
“The church has taken some water damage and the parish hall has taken additional damage on top of Helene issues. …
“The church and office will remain closed until further notice and Masses are suspended at St. Bernard’s as we once again evaluate the damage and begin remediation.”
From Harvey Memorial Community Church in Bradenton Beach there came optimistic news via social media: “We would like to share some GOOD NEWS. There is minimal damage from Milton. Siding off the front of the church appears to be the worst of it.”
STORM ART RECOVERY • REPRINTS
Coast Guard rescues captain lost at sea in Milton
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew Oct. 10 rescued a commercial fishing boat captain about 30 miles off Longboat Key Oct. 10.
The captain of a longliner fishing vessel out of Madeira Beach went into the water just as Hurricane Milton struck Florida’s West coast overnight Oct. 9-10.
The man, who was wearing a life jacket, was found clinging to a cooler midday Oct. 10 after spending close to 12 hours in the water enduring winds up to 90 mph and waves estimated to be 25 feet high.
The man, who was not identified as of Islander press time, was flown to Tampa General Hospital for medical care.
This was the man’s second time in a USCG rescue basket that week.
On Oct. 7, the captain of the vessel Capt. Dave radioed Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg that he and a crew member were disabled about 20 miles off John’s Pass. In response, a Coast Guard Station Sand Key rescue boat crew and an Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew were dispatched.
Both the captain and first mate were hoisted to safety and returned to Air Station Clearwater in good health, while the vessel was left adrift pending salvage arrangements.
On Oct. 9, the owners of Capt. Dave notified USCG watchstanders at Sector St. Petersburg that the captain had not checked in after reboarding the vessel offshore and attempting to make repairs.
Coast Guard personnel radioed the captain, who reported that the vessel’s rudder had become fouled, leaving him disabled during his return to port.
At that time, the area was experiencing 8-foot seas and 30 mph winds.
Conditions continued to worsen as Hurricane Milton barreled toward the coast.
A rescue operation was initiated from Miami to locate the missing captain.
USCG public affairs specialist Nicole Groll said Oct. 11 that the rescue was initiated from Air Station Miami because airplane and helicopter crews from Clearwater were already at an aviation training center mobile to avoid storm conditions.
During the deployment, USCG personnel advised the captain to don a life jacket and remain with the vessel’s emergency position indicating radio beacon.
An EPIRB is a small electronic device that can help locate people in distress at sea. When activated, an
A U.S. coast Guard swimmer is lowered from a helicopter Oct. 10 to rescue a captain who endured Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico after his vessel became disabled and sank.
EPIRB emits a signal that can be detected by satellites and alerts search and rescue authorities to the user’s location. EPIRBs are designed to work for at least 48 hours after activation.
However, radio communications were lost with the Capt. Dave at about 6:45 p.m. Oct. 9.
USCG Lt. Cmdr. Dana Grady, chief of Sector St. Petersburg’s command center, said, “This man survived in a nightmare scenario for even the most experienced mariner. We estimate he faced winds of 75-90 mph and seas of 20-25 feet for an extended period, including overnight. His survival was due to a life jacket, his emergency locator beacon, and a cooler.”
USCG crews the morning of Oct. 10 sighted the captain and a Coast Guard swimmer was lowered to assist him into a rescue basket.
Islander Photo: courtesy United States coast Guard
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy titsworth, left, and police chief Bill tokajer, right, stand Oct. 11 with U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, during the congressman’s visit to the city following Milton. Islander Photo: courtesy Holmes Beach Police Department
Debris on the shoreline following Hurricane Milton, which made landfall to the south at Siesta Key on Oct. 9. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield
Following Milton, Islander photographer Jacob Merrifield took his drone out to the island and cortez to get a bird’s eye view of damages, including at the Bradenton Beach Marina. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield
trucks on Oct. 6 hold debris removed from the roadsides in Holmes Beach ahead of Hurricane Milton. Removing debris piled up after Hurricane Helene became a priority as Milton approached the Gulf coast as a major hurricane. Islander Photo: courtesy HBPD
Roof damage is visible after Hurricane Milton at Gulf View condos in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield
ABOVE and BELOW: On the waterfront in cortez after Hurricane Milton. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield
A tree downed by Hurricane Milton stretches Oct. 10 across 29th Street in Holmes Beach. Islander
Photo: courtesy Holmes Beach Police Department
A cabin cruiser Oct. 10 sits on the side of Bay Side Drive on Longboat Key after being displaced during Hurricane Milton. Islander
Photo: courtesy town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key takes stock after Hurricane Milton
By Robert Anderson Islander Reporter
As recovery efforts from Hurricane Milton began Oct. 10, Longboat Key officials reported a mixed bag of damages and ongoing challenges.
“Our tactical fi rst-in team arrived on Longboat Key … at 8 a.m. We fared well overall with most of the damage being remnants from Hurricane Helene,” LBK fire administration manager Tina Adams wrote to The Islander in an Oct. 10 email.
At the time, the town was dealing with downed trees and damages at the Twin Shores mobile home park, 3740 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Several homes in the park lost roofs in Milton’s high winds.
Adams said St. Armands Circle experienced flooding, rendering it impassable immediately after the storm. To reach Longboat Key from the south, motorists must pass through the circle and cross City Island in Sarasota.
Re-entry for property owners commenced Oct. 11 at 8 a.m. Restrictions were lifted for nonresidents Oct. 12 at 7 a.m.
Still, officials warned of potential travel delays
Election 2024
and encouraged people to exercise caution on all roadways.
Residents, as of Oct. 13, only had access to low pressure water. An Oct. 13 statement from the town said, “For the Town to keep the water on, even at low pressure, it’s imperative for all of us to conserve water, especially wastewater. A boil water notice remains in effect. Bottled water is available at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles.”
However, some power outages had been dealt with as The Islander went to press. “Many of our residents do have power restored,” Adams wrote to The Islander Oct. 16. However, subaqueous lines running from the mainland to Longboat were compromised and repairs still needed to one.
Meetings
By Lisa Neff
HURRICANE IMPACT
Due to continuing hurricane recovery efforts, some meetings might be canceled, relocated or moved online.
ANNA MARIA CITY
By Ryan Paice Islander Reporter
One unexpected casualty of hurricanes Helene and Milton was a deal that would have preserved an island cottage.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth wrote in an Oct. 11 text message to The Islander that the back-toback storms “made it impossible” for the city to relocate a cottage at 106 48th St. before property owner Frank Dupps’ deadlines.
The cottage was built in 1935 and features vernacular architecture and pecky cypress wood — expensive and rare wood from cypress trees that has pockets of darker wood due to fungus.
Dupps planned to build a larger single-family home at the property and donate the cottage to the city so it could be preserved as a historical asset.
The city approved a $85,000 contract with Parrishbased R.E. Johnson & Son, Inc. to relocate the cottage to a city-owned vacant lot at 3019/3021 Ave. C, immediately southeast of the entrance to Grassy Point Preserve.
Mail ballot requests due
The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections continues to take requests for mail ballots and will do so until Oct. 24.
Mail ballots for the general election can be requested by email and phone, according to the supervisor’s office.
Also, people who need to change an address for a mail ballot can call or email. Voters will need to provide details on their driver’s license or a Social Security number.
The office can be contacted via visit votemanatee. gov, 941-741-3823 or info@votemanatee.gov.
On the election calendar
• Monday, Oct. 21-Saturday, Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.6:30 p.m., early voting, various locations.
• Thursday, Oct. 24, deadline to request mail ballot.
• Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., general election polling.
For more information, go online to votemanatee. com.
— Lisa Neff
Oct. 24, 6 p.m., commission. Oct. 31, 9 a.m., planning and zoning. 10005 Gulf Drive, 941-708-6130, cityofannamaria.com.
BRADENTON BEACH
Oct. 23, 10 a.m., pier team. Nov. 6, 1 p.m., planning and zoning. Nov. 7, 6 p.m., commission. 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.com.
HOLMES BEACH
Oct. 22, 2 p.m., commission. Nov. 6, 10 a.m., parks and beautification. Nov. 6, 5 p.m., planning commission. 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org.
WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE
None announced. 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 941-761-1555, wmfr.org. MANATEE COUNTY
Oct. 21, 9 a.m., tourist development council. CANCELED Oct. 22, 9 a.m., commission. 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee. org.
ALSO OF INTEREST
Nov. 4, 2 p.m., Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall.
The cottage could have been used by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society or by the city as a trailhead and parking location for the preserve, among other options.
The relocation was supposed to begin in early October but the storms delayed the move and ultimately prevented the job from happening before Dupps’ deadlines.
“It is unfortunate as I know just how much it would have meant to all to have been able to save this cottage,” Titsworth wrote.
Streetlife
Island police reports
No new reports.
A historic cottage at 106 48th St., Holmes Beach, which will be demolished after plans to donate the structure to the city fell apart due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Islander File Photo: Ryan Paice
By Lisa Neff
Burning to get out, get back
People in more than 50 Florida counties were under some type of order to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall Oct. 9 at Siesta Key.
How many evacuees became motorists on Interstate 75, I4, Alligator Alley or little Route 19? Enough to turn roads north and east away from Tampa Bay into parking lots.
My wife and I joined in the exodus early, leaving Manatee County for Georgia on Oct. 7. The drive, expected to take about five hours, lasted just over 10 hours, with northbound traffic sometimes moving at about 30-40 miles per hour but often down to 5-10 mph.
The interstate was bumper to bumper with passenger vehicles, RVs, commercial trucks and semis.
You know what it’s like leaving the parking lot of Tampa’s MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre after a concert? Evacuating was like that but for 10 hours and minus the lingering effects of good vibes.
Vehicles were backed up at exits, where motorists fueled their bellies or filled their gasoline tanks, and vehicles were backed up again on the entrance ramps.
On the southbound side of the interstate, we saw the response vehicles — fuel tankers, National Guard trucks, utility vehicles and highway patrol cars — bound for what would be disaster zones.
I know people who evacuated didn’t really have alternatives to their personal vehicles and that’s the situation in most areas of most states outside of our metropolises.
But we burned up a lot of gasoline to get away from Milton and then burned up a lot of gasoline to get back after the storm.
All of that contributes to climate change. Consider that the average passenger car emits about 400 grams of Co2 per mile and burning a gallon of gasoline creates about 8,887 grams of Co2.
So fossil fuel consumption and climate change already was on my mind when, just past Gainesville,
NPR broadcast a report on climate change and Helene, the deadly hurricane that impacted us less than two weeks before Milton.
An analysis from the World Weather Attribution, a global network of scientists, stated that exceptionally warm Gulf of Mexico supercharged Helene and that the warm temperatures were made 200-500 times more likely by climate change.
Climate change, the scientists said, also contributed to the heavy rainfall and intensified the wind speeds that caused massive damages and deaths from Florida to the Southern Appalachians.
Some key findings:
• In today’s climate, which has been warmed by 1.3 °C due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels, weather observations indicate that rainfall events as severe as those brought by Hurricane Helene occur about once every seven years in the coastal region hit by Helene and about once every 70 years in the inland region.
at the UofF Florida newspaper collection at ufdc.ufl.edu.
Monitoring Milton
Chief William Tokajer of the Holmes Beach Police Department joins scientist Forrest Masters of the University of Florida’s Project Sentinel team Oct. 8 on the beach, where equipment went up to monitor Hurricane Milton. The weather station was 30-feet tall and could transmit in real time video feeds and data, such as wind speed, water depth, wave height and direction, storm surge, erosion and hazardous water-quality conditions to National Weather Service offices, the National Hurricane Center and more. Islander Photo: Courtesy HBPD
• In both coastal and inland regions impacted by Helene, the rainfall was about 10% heavier due to climate change and equivalently the rainfall totals over the two-day and three-day maxima were made about 40% and 70% more likely by climate change.
If the world continues to burn fossil fuels, causing global warming to reach 2 °C above pre-industrial levels, devastating rainfall events in both regions will become another 15%-25% more likely.
• Climate change is enhancing conditions conducive to the most powerful hurricanes like Helene, with more intense rainfall totals and wind speeds.
This is in line with other scientific findings that Atlantic tropical cyclones are becoming wetter under climate change and undergoing more rapid intensification.
Rapid intensification also was a characteristic of Milton, which developed into a fierce, major Gulf hurricane in just days. From Oct. 6 to Oct. 7, Milton’s wind speed went from 60 mph to 180 mph.
And the hot temps in the Gulf probably helped fuel the record rainfall associated with the hurricane.
The World Weather Attribution, the group that analyzed Helene, stated that while its review of data continued in the wake of Milton, rainfall events such as the one associated with the hurricane are 20%-30% more intense and about twice as likely in today’s climate, which is 1.3C warmer than it would have been without human-induced climate change.
&
5104 Manatee Ave W . Bradenton . 941.896.6245
Neff
ITEMS FOR SALE
RACK: METAL FOUR-tier, $20. 941-9202494.
ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $500. Inquire at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach. 941-778-7978.
FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE
Individuals may place one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander. org. (limited time offer).
LOST & FOUND
MISSING CAT: HOLMES BEACH. Male, Cinnamon. Don’t attempt to catch, do feed. If seen, call Mel, 941-592-2551.
PEtS
TRANSPORTATION
GOLF CART RENTALS: Fun for residents and tourists! 212-941-2402. www.GolfcartRentalAMI.com
RV FOR SALE: Will deliver. 2013 Thor Challenger 37KT c lass A 5500 o nan generator. $60,000. John.gravitt@frontier.com.
BOATS & BOATING
HAVE A BOAT and wanna catch more fish, better bait or learn the water? 50-year local fisherman, your boat, my knowledge. Captain Chris, 941-896-2915.
SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING: Professional bottom painting. Mobile. Call 941704-9382.
CAPTAIN FOR HIRE and boat caretaker services: If you need help with your boat on or off the water, call Captain Dan. USCG, retired. 772-486-8085.
WELCOME ABOARD JOYFISH Charters for private fishing, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Check out joyfishcharters.com or follow us on Facebook. Call to reserve, 941840-3181.
HELP WANTED
WANT TO WORK? Immediate opening. Custodian needed to service numerous buildings and grounds. Must perform variety of cleaning tasks. Requires prolonged walking and standing. Must be able to work independently and with others. High school degree and valid Florida driver’s license required. Competitive compensation. 941-794-1250.
NOW HIRING HANDYMAN: Full-time professional services. $18 an hour and up, based on experience. Call JayPros, 941962-2874.
REPORTER WANTED: Full- to part-time. Print media, newspaper experience required. Apply via email with letter of interest to news@islander.org.
KIDS FOR HIRE
KIDS FOR HIRE ads are FREE for up to three weeks for Island youths under 16 looking for work. Ads must be placed in person at The Islander office, 315 58th St. Suite J, Holmes Beach.
SERVICES
SERVICES Continued
PC OR TECH issues? Not sure where to start? With years of experience, I’ll come to you with reliable solutions. Contact Gavin at 928-587-1309. www.gse.codes
SARASOTA PAINTING: INTERIOR/exterior/ cabinets: Call or text Don, 941-900-9398. Free estimates. Fully insured, twenty years’ experience.
U PLUS ME LLC: Provides quality coatings for pool decks, driveways, garage floors, patios. Don’t miss out on our pro polishing services, concrete, terrazzo, travertine. 727623-5050.
RIDEEASY 247 YOUR professional, reliable and courteous car service to airports and events since 2015. You can reach us via text 941-447-7737 or email to mrfort5001@gmail. com We are available 24/7.
LOOK NO MORE! Residential, vacation rental and commercial cleaning. Give us a call, 941-250-8548.
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE who needs me: Clean, house-sit. I can cook, make sandwiches. I can do anything you can do but better! I can run to the grocery store for you. I can walk pets or go out to lunch with you. Looking for a part-time job caregiving companion, I am your right arm! I love people and I love helping others. I have references and I’m reliable and dependable. My name is Dena Gray a.k.a. Sparkles! 941-704-9948.
OUR SERVICES: CLEANING, home repairs, tile, concrete, remodeling, decks, steps, flooring, water drainage solutions, rental 24-hour services. Hurricane shutters and pre-storm service. New, low-cost generator and insulation (starts and runs on propane when power off). No permits needed. Islander, over 40 years here! Call 941-4049163.
IS YOUR HOME or office in need of some cleaning? Well, I’m your girl! Local, reliable, professional! Please, give me a call or text, 941-773 -0461.
CLEANING: VACATION, CONSTRUCTION, residential, commercial and windows. Licensed and insured. 941-756-4570.
PRESSURE WASHING, PAVER sealing, driveway, roof, fence, pool area. Also, window cleaning. Licensed and insured. 941-5653931.
BICYCLE REPAIRS: Just4Fun at 5358 Gulf Drive can do most any bicycle repair at a reasonable cost. Pick-up and delivery available. 941-896-7884.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR: I look forward to servicing your drywall repair needs. call 941524-8067 to schedule an appointment. More ads = more readers in The Islander.
IS YOUR POOL deck, driveway, or garage floor looking worn out and dated? Bring them back to life with our top-tier resurfacing services! Services offered: Pool deck resurfacing, Slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finishes that enhance safety and aesthetics. Driveway resurfacing, durable surfaces that stand up to heavy traffic and harsh weather. Garage floor resurfacing, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant surfaces that look great and perform even better. Don’t wait! Transform your spaces today with our trusted resurfacing services. contact us now for a free consultation and estimate. Call U Plus Me LLC at 727-6235050 or visit u-plus-me.com.
WINDOW CLEANING: DOWNEAST Window Cleaning, 207-852-6163.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS JD’s Window Cleaning looking for storefront jobs in Holmes Beach. I make dirty windows sparkling clean. 941-920-3840.
SERVICES Continued
BEACH SERVICE air conditioning, heat, refrigeration. Commercial and residential service, repair and/or replacement. Serving Manatee County and the Island since 1987. For dependable, honest and personalized service, call Bill Eller, 941-720-7411. cAc184228.
CLEAN TECH MOBILE Detailing. At your location. Cars, boats, RVs. Call or text Billie for an appointment. 941-592-3482.
LAWN & GARDEN
CONNIE’S LANDSCAPING INC. Residential and commercial. Full-service lawn maintenance, landscaping, cleanups, hauling and more! Insured. 941-713-1965.
COLLINS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Outdoor lighting, landscaping, irrigation services and maintenance. 941-279-9947. MJC24373@ gmail.com
NOW HAULING STORM trash. Shell delivered and spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, topsoil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, or “shell phone” 941-7200770.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
VAN-GO PAINTING residential/commercial, interior/exterior, pressure cleaning, wallpaper. Island references. Bill, 941-795-5100. www.vangopainting.net.
GRIFFIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Inc.
Handyman, fine woodwork, countertops, cabinets and wood flooring. Insured and licensed. 941-722-8792.
LANE’S SCREENING SERVICES: Replace your window, door or lanai screens. Many screen options available. Retired veteran serving our community! Free estimates, call 941-705-5293.
LOOKING FOR ANY home improvement? JRCC Home Improvement, handyman service can get the job done. Please, contact us at 413-246-2410. We would love to help.
TILE-TILE-TILE: All variations of ceramic tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship, prompt, reliable, many Island references. Call Robert, 941-726-3077.
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC. Interior/exterior/pressure washing. Island references. dperkinspaint@hotmail.com. 941705-7096.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. Let’s solve your drywall problems together. Give us a call at 941-286-0607.
MASSEY CONTRACTING: PROVIDING quality roofing services on all jobs, big or small. Giving honest, hassle-free quotes at a great price. Call Jon to schedule your free estimate, 727-477-5313. Lic#CCC1332486.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Continued
CALL HYDRO CLEAN. Full-service pressure washing, sealing. Pavers, travertine and natural stone. Window washing too, up to three stories. Call Jacob, 941-920-2094.
ISLAND HANDYMAN: I live here, work here, value your referral. Refinish, paint. Just ask. JayPros. Licensed/insured. References. Call Jay, 941-962-2874.
RENTALS
ANNA MARIA GULF beachfront vacation rentals. One- two- and three-bedroom units, all beachfront. www.amiparadise.com. 941778-3143.
AVAILABLE NOW AND season: 1BR/1BA, seven-night minimum. carlesvacationrentals. com. Special rates are available. 941-8071405.
FOR RENT: Anna Maria Island condo. Great value, beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BR. Incredible water view. Pool, tennis, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pictures, 570-239-0431. marketreps@aol.com
SEASONAL RENTAL: Bradenton 55-plus community. Large 2BR/2BA condo on bay, exceptional views. Elevator and five minutes to bridge. No smoking, No pets. $4,650/month. Three-month minimum. Photos at https://barbaragillespie.wixsite. com/47872024. 732-748-0759.
2BR/1BA ANNUAL LEASE: Electric/ac/heat all included. $2,975/month. Looking for 1 or 2 quiet adults with no pets or smoking. Steps to Gulf. owner-occupied duplex. owner, 508496-8480. williamshomes@yahoo.com.
JANUARY 2025 AVAILABLE: Snowbird special! Perico Island patio home, single floor, high ceilings, 3BR/2BA, privacy wall/gate, two-car garage. call or text Alison, 859-7716423. www.pericoislandrental.com
LAKEFRONT CONDO: 2BR/2BA 1,450-foot gated, pool. Available December, January, March. Text, 416-985-0623.
REAL ESTATE
WINNIE MCHALE, REALTOR, 941-5046146. Dalton Wade Real Estate. You need an aggressive and experienced Realtor in today’s market! Selling island homes, Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Multi-milliondollar producer! “Selling Homes - Making Dreams Come True.”
2BR/2BA HOME for sale. 3,000 sfur. 1,100 sf garage. Steps to beach. $1,449,000. 941518-6329.
PRIVATE SALE: THE perfect VRBO or private vacation home. Beautiful beachside bungalow direct marina front with peek-a-boo views of Palma Sola Bay. Private boat docks are available. Just off the SR 64 causeway at Palma Sola Bay in the highly sought-after community of Palma Sola Park. This beautiful 2BR/2BA, sleeps 8 with heated salt pool and large tiki bar. $1,200,000. Contact owner, 941-661-6196.
Bridge loans available for business recovery
The state has activated its Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Helene and Milton.
Florida small business owners in need of assistance can visit fl oridajobs.org/ebl to apply for short-term, zero-interest loans for damages and economic injury.
Specific documentation is needed in order to apply for loans up to $50,000 to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.
— Lisa Neff
BizCal
By Lisa Neff
SAVE THE DATES
Oct. 24, 5 p.m., AMI chamber business card exchange, Shore Thing Tiki Cruises, Historic Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach. CANCELED
Oct. 31, 4-6:30 p.m., AMI chamber Trail of Treats, AMI business districts. CANCELED
Nov. 7, 4 p.m., Manatee Chamber Fall Expo, LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.
Dec. 6, 9 a.m., Manatee Chamber Golf Tournament, Palm Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota. Send listings to calendar@islander.org.
Boarded, battered but coming back
The Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Coastal Store building on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria lost its roof and the old wood floors. Business owner Paul Foster thinks he’ll be able to reopen by Christmas. “I’m thankful, very thankful,” he said Oct. 12. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy
Former Anna Maria Commissioner Tom Aposporos and John Cagnina, the owner of the old IGA building in Anna Maria, chat outside Ginny’s and Jane E’s Oct. 12, the first day back on the island for many following Hurricane Milton. Cagnina said he hopes winter tourists come back.
LEFT: The Historic Bridge Street Pier appears only slightly in disarray in Bradenton Beach as seen from on high following Hurricane Milton. Islander Photo: Jacob Merrifield
