As Sarasota and Manatee counties continue to assess the breadth of damage caused by Hurricane Helene, the Biden-Harris approved a major disaster declaration, Disaster Recovery Centers opened in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and Florida Chamber of Commerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.

County crews continued widespread clean-up efforts, including righting lifeguard stands toppled by the storm on area beaches, clearing approximately 60,000 dump trucks' worth of sand and debris from the roadways on Gulf Boulevard in Pinellas County and S.R. 789/Gulf of Mexico Drive in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Water and electricity continue to come back online for most of Sarasota County; however, areas of Siesta Key are still without potable water. And access to Bradenton Beach by foot will begin tomorrow, with property and business owners allowed to enter with proper ID to begin assessing damage and initiating insurance claims.

Here's what else to know tonight.

Beaches Closed, Island Access Restricted

Most beaches in Sarasota and Manatee counties are experiencing unsafe conditions, erosion and debris due to the storm.

In Sarasota County, all beaches are closed and lifeguards will not be present on Sarasota County owned and/or operated beaches until conditions allow for safe access and use. 

In Manatee County, access to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key is restricted and curfews remain in place on both islands from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Bradenton Beach Access to Begin Monday, Sept. 30

Bradenton Beach, which has been previously inaccessible, will begin to open on Monday, Sept. 30, in order for residents and business owners to begin documenting property, assessing damage and initiating insurance claims. It is not for cleanup at this time, and cleanup personnel will not be allowed beyond the checkpoint. Guidelines from the Bradenton Beach Police Department are as follows:

• Foot access across Cortez Bridge will be available to property owners with proof of ownership or re-entry hangtags; business owners (not employees) with proof of ownership; condominium and property managers with proof of the property address; and insurance adjusters with proper credentials
• No pedestrian or vehicle traffic will be permitted on Gulf Drive
• A curfew remains in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Water Restoration/Boil Water Advisory Updates

Sarasota County Public Utilities staff continue to work to restore potable water service to Siesta Key and Casey Key. As of 5 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 29, Sanderling and Fisherman's Haven on Siesta Key do not have water. All other areas on Siesta Key and Casey Key have access to water and should continue to boil all tap water intended for drinking, preparation of food, washing dishes, or use for first aid. 

The Town of Longboat Key's Public Works staff continues working through water supply and pressure issues, as well as restoration of wastewater capability. Conservation of water is required at this time—showering and washing are not recommended—and a boil water advisory is in effect on both Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key until further notice.

To safely disinfect water and destroy harmful micro-organisms, bring it to a rolling boil for one minute before use. Bottled water may be used as an alternative to boiling tap water. Residents will be notified by an automated call when the boil water advisory has been canceled.

Sarasota, Manatee County Points of Distribution Are Open 

There are four supply locations in Sarasota County for community members impacted by Hurricane Helene, which will be open through Monday, Sept. 30, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or while supplies last. Supplies include water, ice, sports drinks, tarps, flood buckets, non-perishable food items and meals-ready-to-eat (MREs). They're available at the following locations:

• 1000 Glebe Lane, Siesta Key
• 100 S Casey Key Road, Nokomis
• 326 Nokomis Ave S., Venice
• 8570 Manasota Key Road, Englewood

In Manatee County, tarps, MREs and water are currently available at county distribution sites, and water is available at city distribution sites. Find these supplies at the following locations: 

• Blackstone Park: 2112 14th Ave. W. (Palmetto)
• Bennett Park: 400 Cypress Creek Blvd. (Bradenton)
• GT Bray Park: 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W. (Bradenton)
• Wakeland, 1812 27th St. E. (Bradenton)
• City of Bradenton Parking Garage, 1000 Third Ave. W. (Bradenton)

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are also assisting the Florida Department of Children and Families with providing security at supply distribution centers in Manatee county.

Bi-County Operations Resume Monday

Sarasota County offices will resume normal operations tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 30. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will also resume normal operations on Sept. 30 and continue to assist Sarasota County Government utilities, public services, and emergency crews who are working throughout the county's hardest-hit areas. 

Manatee County facilities are also expected to fully reopen Monday, except for those directly impacted by the storm, including the Manatee County Island Branch Library, transit services to the island and the island trolley. 

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are opening on Monday Sept. 30, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sarasota Christian Church and the Lakewood Ranch Library for those impacted by both hurricanes Debby and Helene. This is a one-stop location designed to help answer residents' questions about disaster recovery and give referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance and the status of applications being processed by FEMA or other agencies.

• The Sarasota DRC is located at 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota
• The Lakewood Ranch Library DRC is located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton

Sarasota and Manatee County Schools Reopen Sept. 30, With Exception of Anna Maria Island

In Manatee County, all schools will return to normal operations on Monday, Sept. 30, with the exception of Anna Maria Elementary, which will not be able to hold classes on its campus until conditions improve. Until then, the School District of Manatee County has made arrangements for Stewart Elementary in northwest Bradenton to host students and staff from Anna Maria Elementary. The two schools will share classrooms and use a team-teaching model at Stewart until Anna Maria Elementary students and staff can return to their home campus.

In Sarasota County, all traditional public schools and facilities have been cleared and will be opening as scheduled on Monday, Sept. 30, for school and work.

New Major Disaster Declaration

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FEMA) has confirmed that the Biden-Harris administration approved Gov. Ron Desantis' request for a major disaster declaration for individual and public assistance to provide aid to designated communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The President can declare a major disaster for any natural or man-made event that has caused damage of such severity that it is beyond the combined capabilities of state and local governments to respond. Doing so can open up a number of benefits, including federal assistance, disaster loans and grants, disaster unemployment assistance, emergency farm loans and more. To read the full declaration, click here.

Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans Activated

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to click here to apply for loans, which provide short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene. Applicants can apply from now through November 24, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.