Live updates: Gov. DeSantis visits Anna Maria Island after Helene’s destruction

Manatee County’s coastal communities are still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s storm surge Saturday as damage assessments and recovery efforts continue.

Some Anna Maria Island residents were allowed back onto the island starting Saturday morning, where Helene left a trail of epic destruction.

Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Anna Maria Island Saturday afternoon with state and federal emergency officials. At a press conference, he said rebuilding efforts will begin immediately, including a plan to install a temporary main road for Anna Maria Island.

Residents return to Anna Maria Island; boil water notice in effect

As of 10 a.m. Saturday, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach residents and business owners were allowed onto the island to check on their properties and begin recovery. Bradenton Beach is still closed due to impassable roads, law enforcement said.

Entry is only allowed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Anna Maria Bridge on Manatee Avenue.

An island-wide curfew is in effect from dusk until dawn, Holmes Beach Police Department said.

Manatee County Government began restoring water service to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key on Saturday.

A boil water notice is in effect for all drinking water on Anna Maria Island until further notice, the county said.

“This advisory does not mean that the water is contaminated but rather that it could be contaminated,” Manatee County said in a news release. “Because the water quality is unknown, customers should assume the water is unsafe to drink and take the appropriate precautions.”

The county is offering free bottled water at GT Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

— 4 p.m.

Gov. Ron DeSantis to visit Anna Maria Island

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that he will hold a press conference on Anna Maria Island Saturday afternoon, two days after Hurricane Helene battered Manatee County.

Local officials say the barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico suffered extensive damage . As of Saturday morning, floodwater is standing in several roads, and Helene’s record-setting storm surge left feet of sand in homes and businesses.

“It’s all bad. There are still flooded streets. Sand is blocking streets. Sand is in buildings. Sand is in homes,” Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn said Friday. “So it’s going to be a long recovery to be able to get back out there for citizens.”

DeSantis will be joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue and FEMA Director Deanna Criswell, according to a news release.

— 10:40 a.m.

This developing story will be updated. Stay tuned to Bradenton.com for the latest Hurricane Helene coverage.