The beloved barrier island lies between Sarasota and St. Petersburg near the mouth of Tampa Bay.
Officials say most of the city of Bradenton Beach was destroyed by Hurricane Helene, which caused devastating damage to Anna Maria Island on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
The barrier island lies between Sarasota and St. Petersburg near the mouth of Tampa Bay, with Bradenton Beach at its southern end. The beach town is known for its family-friendly pace, waterfront eateries, and tiki hut picnicking at the park.
First look at Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Devastation.
People can only access it by foot or by boat. Cleanup is well underway. State emergency crews clearing unprecedented amounts of sand.
Salvation Army here w/ food, water, etc.
We’ll show you a look on @FOX13News pic.twitter.com/k9jT7b2d2a
— Kylie Jones Fox 13 (@kyliejonesontv) October 1, 2024
According to a report from 10 Tampa Bay, sand dunes were piled up to 6 feet high on Bradenton Beach’s main road by the time Helene left town. Though the bridges survived, some homes lost foundations or floated away. A Community Emergency Response Team declared that 90% to 95% of Bradenton Beach was destroyed.
“The sand was unbelievable. The beach and the sand dunes are on the streets, on the road, in our neighborhoods, in our houses,” Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie told 10 Tampa Bay.
BRADENTON BEACH: Still closed to vehicle traffic.
Mayor hopes to reopen ONLY to residents, business owners, essential personnel by end of week.
Crews still clearing roads & restoring power.
Mayor is working to get a shuttle service so people don’t have to walk. @FOX13News pic.twitter.com/NBS4CNXsci
— Kylie Jones Fox 13 (@kyliejonesontv) October 1, 2024
Police opened a checkpoint on October 3—a full week after the storm—to allow residents and business owners to return and assess the damage. Residents are being asked to stay off the beach for now because of unsafe conditions, and a nightly curfew is in effect. Outsiders are being told to stay away until the city is ready to accept help.
“Neighbors are helping neighbors,” Chappie said. “We have volunteers that want to come out here when the streets open and we will welcome them with open arms to help our citizens’ residence in Bradenton Beach.”
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