Hurricane Milton Aftermath: Residents Return to Barrier Islands
Less than 48 hours after Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, residents begin to return to the barrier islands off of Sarasota.
The streets of St. Armands Circle on St. Armands Key were a far cry from their usual bustling self. Sidewalks were covered in debris, including a beekeeper’s hive boxes still swarming with bees. Foxy Lady, a high-end women’s clothing store, was flooded with a foot of water. "We’ve had some storms, and we’ve lost power for a week at a time, but never two storms this intense back to back," said Jodi Frauhiger, the store’s general manager.
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Helene
Resident Chris Amstudz, who had returned home to fix his fence, reflected on the lessons learned from Hurricane Helene. "We dodged a huge bullet. We were prepared for the worst with Milton, but Helene’s storm surge was a surprise." Many residents, like Amstudz, cited Helene’s impact, which led to a month-long recovery period, in contrast to the 2-3 week recovery expected for Milton.
Damage and Displacement
Doris Donovan, a Lido Key resident, described the devastation caused by Helene and the impact of Milton. "The beach was a roaring river. I stayed during Helene, but I evacuated for Milton. I’m one of the last to leave my building, and I was the last to leave my floor." Many residents, like Amstudz, credited the guidance to evacuate for Milton, which had weakened to a Category 3 storm, but still caused significant damage.
Long-term Worries
Betty Rogers, a Bradenton Beach resident, expressed her concerns about the long-term effects of the storms. "I love the beach, but it’s just, it’s getting worse every year. I believe in climate change, and it’s affecting our community." Her neighbor, Alise Randolph, shared similar sentiments, citing the stress and financial burdens associated with repeated natural disasters.
Community Support
Brandon Kelle, co-owner of the Bradentrucky Grub Truck, described the response to the storms. "They’re telling us their story. They really can’t believe what they’ve gone through, and people are out here trying to help out like this." The truck, which had given away food to hundreds of individuals, aimed to provide sustenance and hope to those affected.
Conclusion
As the community begins to rebuild and recover, concerns about climate change and the impact of recurring natural disasters linger. The aftermath of Hurricane Milton serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness and community support. As residents of the barrier islands continue to clean up and rebuild, they are left to wonder what the future holds for their beloved communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the impact of Hurricane Helene on the barrier islands?
A: Hurricane Helene caused significant damage and displacement, with many residents reportedly experiencing the worst hurricane-related flooding they had ever seen.
Q: How did Hurricane Milton compare to Helene in terms of destruction?
A: While Milton weakened to a Category 3 storm, its damage was still substantial, particularly in terms of wind damage and disruption.
Q: What is the current state of recovery efforts?
A: Many residents are still assessing damage, cleaning up debris, and beginning the process of rebuilding and repairs.
Q: What are the concerns about climate change and its impact on the community?
A: Many residents, like Betty Rogers, are worried about the long-term effects of climate change on the environment and the community, citing rising sea levels and more frequent severe weather events.
