What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
As the region nears the seven-day anniversary of Hurricane Helene's catastrophic brush with the Suncoast, where it brought unprecedented storm surge and devastating damage, recovery efforts continue, with debris collection beginning in Sarasota County on the barrier islands and re-entry opening to residents of Bradenton Beach.
Here's what to know on Oct. 2, 2024.
Beach Conditions Are Still Unsafe
All local beaches are closed until conditions improve to allow for response and recovery operations. Community members who are not supporting recovery efforts on the barrier islands should avoid the area to reduce traffic and provide space to those who are working on recovery efforts.
Barrier Island Access
City of Anna Maria
The City of Anna Maria is still under a state of emergency. If you need to travel to the island, take the following into consideration:
- Primary access to the island is limited to Manatee Avenue only. The City of Holmes Beach is under a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Re-entry tag or proof of Anna Maria residency is required at the Holmes Beach entry point to gain access to the City of Anna Maria during those hours
- Expect lengthy delays when entering or exiting Anna Maria Island on Manatee Avenue
- Many businesses, including restaurants, are closed due to water damage. Some have started to reopen but a significant number remain closed during restoration and will reopen soon
- Most swimming pools in the City of Anna Maria were contaminated by salt water and sludge and are not usable. Restoration is underway, but first priority remains dwellings and places of business
- Roads are passable but congested with debris removal vehicles and restoration workers. Caution needs to be exercised while navigating the city streets.
- Sightseeing is not appropriate, not recommended and is highly discouraged during this time of restoration
Bradenton Beach
Starting Thursday, October 3, at 8 a.m., residents, homeowners and business owners will be permitted to reenter Bradenton Beach to assess properties.
The checkpoint location will be loaded at Cortez Road W. and 127th Street W.
- Only residents and business owners with a red vehicle tag will be allowed to enter.
- Those without tags must present a photo ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill) to receive one
- Only passenger vehicles and on-foot entry allowed.
- Park on side streets of your property, ensuring your vehicle does not block the road. For Avenues A, B, and C, parking is only allowed on the bay side (east side) of the roadway.
- No vehicles can be left parked or unattended on Gulf Drive North and South
- Any vehicles left unattended on Gulf Drive will be towed immediately
- Drive carefully as there are ongoing road repairs and crews working throughout the area. Expect high pedestrian traffic
Longboat Key
Entry and exit is only available through the south end of the island at New Pass Bridge. Officials say to expect delays.
Curfew is now in effect from midnight to 6 a.m.
Water Restoration Updates
Sarasota County Public Utilities staff have restored water to the Fisherman's Haven community. This area is still under a precautionary boil water notice. All other areas on Siesta Key and Casey Key are no longer under a boil water notice. The Sanderling community boil water notice has been rescinded.
For residents in the Fisherman's Haven community, the county advises residents to boil all tap water intended for drinking, preparation of food, washing of food utensils, or first aid. Please bring your water to a rolling boil for one minute to disinfect your water and destroy any harmful microorganisms. 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. Call 311 or (941) 861-5000 if you do not have service or are dealing with potential service leaks.
On Anna Maria Island, the boil water advisory has been lifted.
Longboat Key is still under a boil water advisory.
Scams
Residents should watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming to perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job. Before hiring a contractor or repair company, research its reputation—look for references online, or ask a friend; and check to see if the company is properly licensed, insured and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office says it has been notified that residents are being approached by scammers claiming that debris needs to be tested for contamination before removal, and who then charge for "testing" and removal of so-called contaminated debris. Testing of debris is not required before removal.
If you think are being scammed, report the issue to the sheriff's office, which is working with the state attorney general, Florida Sheriffs Association, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to mitigate scams.
- Missing license information
- Extremely low pricing
- A business address that's a P.O. Box instead of a street address
- Requests for large, up-front payments
- Someone who travels in an unmarked vehicle with out-of-state tags
- Someone who avoids trying to pull a permit
- Someone who won’t provide a written agreement
Disaster Assistance
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers are open at Sarasota Christian Church (2923 Ashton Road, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on Sunday) and Lakewood Ranch Library (16140 Rangeland Parkway, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily). Resources are available for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene from
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org . DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning Sept. 29, 2024, through March 29, 2025 , as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated-disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than Dec. 2, 2024. To file, go to www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim," visit local CareerSource Career Center, or call (800) 385-3920.
Other Helpful Resources/Agencies:
- Legal Aid of Manasota: (941) 366-0038, legalaidofmanasota.org
- United Way Suncoast: unitedwaysuncoast.org/disaster-recovery/
- Insurance Consumer Helpline: (877) 693-5236
- Insurance Fraud Hotline: (800) 378-0445
- FEMA: fema.gov
Debris Cleanup Is Underway
Sarasota County
Collection of storm-related debris materials on the barrier islands was expected to begin today, Oct. 2.
Residential curbside storm debris collection will begin within Sarasota city limits Monday, Oct. 7.
The schedule will allow residents time to remove and place damaged materials curbside and also provide for seasonal residents to return to Sarasota and begin the process.
To ensure pickup, the following storm debris collection rules must be adhered to:
- Do not use plastic bags
- Separate materials into 4 distinct piles:
- Construction debris: Carpeting, dry wall and other flood-impacted construction materials
- White goods: Appliances including refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, dryers, air conditioning units and water heaters
- Bulk items: Furniture and accessories, mattresses and other items affected by flood water within a home or structure
- Vegetative debris: Downed tree branches, limbs and vegetative material resulting from Hurricane Helene
Properly separating storm debris into the four distinct piles will help the City of Sarasota meet federal requirements for financial reimbursement. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will not credit the City of Sarasota for reimbursement of items contained in plastic bags.
The piles should be placed curbside at the right of way, not in the street.Large mechanical equipment will be used for the collection. Anything blocking access to the debris piles, including parked cars, will prevent and delay pickup. Debris piles should be at least 6-feet away from mailboxes, utility poles, fire hydrants, backflow preventers, water meter boxes etc.
Regular weekly solid waste/recycling/yard waste must be separated from Hurricane Helene storm debris piles.
Manatee County
Debris haulers cannot pick up Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and electronic scrap, but HHW/e-scrap can be dropped off at the Lena Road Landfill Debris haulers have been making multiple passes through impacted areas. Please note that the HHW special collection on Saturday, Oct. 5, been canceled).
Use Caution With Lithium Ion Batteries
If damaged, lithium batteries can create a chemical chain reaction that results in fire or explosion. Saltwater exposure can trigger this reaction.
Do not use devices with lithium-ion batteries if you notice these problems: odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, or odd noises.
Keep batteries away from anything that can catch fire. If your vehicle has a lithium-ion battery, relocate the vehicle from your garage. For more information click here.
New Pop-Up Recovery Center Opens in Manatee County
Manatee County, FEMA, the Red Cross and other community stakeholders have banded together by organizing a pop-up recovery center on the corner of 72nd Street East and Bayshore in Rubonia.
Water, tarps, food, paper towels, soap and breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided, daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., until further notice.
