Florida’s Barrier Islands Struck Twice as Hurricane Milton Follows in the Wake of Helene

International Research and News Department 14-10-2024

In the aftermath of two devastating hurricanes, Florida’s barrier islands are grappling with extensive destruction. Despite the losses, many residents remain determined to rebuild rather than leave their cherished homes.

Bob Parrish, a resident of Longboat Key for over 30 years, expressed shock at the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago. A 6-foot surge of seawater swept through, flooding homes and businesses, including Parrish’s own, and destroying his cherished Camaro. The small island, home to around 7,500 residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast, was left in disarray.

As Hurricane Milton, an even more powerful storm, approached Florida’s west coast, Parrish and his wife, Mary, made the difficult decision to evacuate. After numerous attempts, they secured a motel in Lakeland, 80 miles inland, where they have been staying with their two dogs, anxiously awaiting news about their home and community.

Florida’s barrier islands, famous for their stunning beaches and close-knit communities, bore the brunt of Hurricane Milton’s fury when it made landfall on Siesta Key, west of Sarasota, Wednesday night. The Category 3 storm unleashed 100-mph winds, a 6-foot storm surge, and heavy rainfall, leaving behind significant damage and claiming the lives of at least 17 people across the state. This marked the second major storm to hit the area in just a few weeks, with residents still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Despite six major hurricanes striking Florida’s Gulf Coast in the past seven years, many residents, like Angela Rodocker, a hotel owner on Anna Maria Island, remain committed to their homes. “People love the island. It’s their happy place,” she said.

David Farrar, a resident of Island Estates in Clearwater, described the destruction as “heartbreaking.” Houses lay in ruins, and the area resembled a war zone. “After Helene, I thought it couldn’t get worse, but Milton brought a different kind of destruction — wind rather than water,” Farrar, president of the neighborhood’s civic association, shared.

Rodocker’s two properties on Anna Maria Island suffered significant water and silt damage during Helene. When Milton arrived, one of her hotel parking lots became buried in 6 feet of sand. Before these storms, the area was still recovering from Hurricane Debby, making it feel like a threefold disaster for her.

Residents and business owners on Anna Maria Island began returning to assess the damage on Friday. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie noted that much of the devastation was a continuation of what Helene had left behind, compounded by Milton’s impact. “It’s heartbreaking to see friends and neighbors lose their homes,” Chappie said. Despite the devastation, he vowed, “We’ll build back.”

The Florida Department of Transportation had already cleared over 40,000 cubic yards of sand from Bradenton Beach after Helene. However, Milton’s arrival scattered remaining debris and even toppled a house near Chappie’s own.

Mike Norman, a longtime Bradenton Beach resident and realtor, minimized the damage to his home, though others had fared much worse. “We only had 8 inches of water in our house. Some people got 4 feet,” he remarked. He believes people will still be drawn to the barrier islands despite the hurricanes, attracted by the scenic white sands and turquoise waters.

While Norman expects business to slow as the area rebuilds, he predicts a resurgence in tourism by next summer. “We have a remarkable ability to forget the bad things,” he said. “Life goes on.”

John Lai, president and CEO of the chamber of commerce for Sanibel and Captiva islands, noted that the emotional toll of these storms outweighed the physical damage. These islands, which rely heavily on tourism, had been thriving until Ian struck in 2022. “The recovery from this won’t take long, but it’s certainly a morale hit,” Lai added.

The severity of damage varied across the islands. In Charlotte County, Rod Nibert had been waiting to return to his Manasota Key properties after evacuating to Orlando. All of his properties had already been affected by Helene’s floodwaters, and he feared additional losses from Milton’s fierce winds. “This is everything I have — my business, my retirement, my home,” Nibert said.

As powerful storms become more frequent, many barrier island residents, like Bob Parrish, remain resolute. Despite his battle with cancer and the uncertainty surrounding his home, Parrish is prepared to rebuild. “The people, the culture, and the beauty of this place make it worth the risk,” he said.