Popular tourist beach in Florida reopens after two hurricanes — but there are issues

Looking for some weekend R&R?

Anna Maria Island beach has reopened after significant damage from back-to-back hurricanes.

When Hurricane Helene swept through the island, government leaders closed the beaches . The shutdowns were extended after Hurricane Milton caused even more damage.

Starting this weekend, Manatee Public Beach is open to visitors.

But all is not back to the way it was.

So far, this is the only county beach that has reopened on Anna Maria Island, and parking is limited, county spokesperson Bill Logan said.

The reopening takes place about a month after Hurricane Helene stormed past Manatee County and forced the closure of the beaches on Anna Maria Island.

Visitors flocked to Anna Maria Island Friday morning to take advantage of the newly reopened beach. The Anna Maria Island Beach Café is also open for business.

Helene and Milton damaged Manatee County’s barrier island, destroying sand dunes along the coast, ruining lifeguard towers and sending up to five feet of sand into buildings.

During a visit just days after Helene passed, Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Transportation to oversee the construction of a temporary road to repair Gulf Drive , which was destroyed by the hurricane’s record-setting storm surge.

While there’s still a long road to recovery, Manatee County officials say they’re excited to welcome visitors back to the beach and continue to work toward reopening Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach.

“It’s going to continue to open up as conditions allow,” Logan said.

Coquina and Cortez will eventually reopen to the public as well, but government officials say there is no timeline yet.

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