Cortez businesses boarded up ahead of Milton

CORTEZ, Fla. (WFLA) — In order to protect infrastructure and lift stations, water has been shut off for the barrier islands in Manatee County.

Manatee County Area Transit is offering transportation off the island to shelters. This service will end Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Residents and business owners are doing what they can before evacuating as time is running out.

The Banyas family lives on Sarasota Bay.

“My husband looked at me and said we had 30 minutes to get out of here pack a bag,” Heidi Banyas said.

The water rushed into their home very quickly. Heidi and John Banyas and their son were able to escape.

“We were knee-high as we were getting out of there,” she said.

Hurricane Helene destroyed Banyas’ home, three Airbnb’s, and their restaurant.

John Banyas owns Cortez Bait and Seafood, two restaurants, and a marina all on Sarasota Bay.

“We have the Taylor Boat Works, which was my grandfather’s boat-building business in the 40s and 50s,” he said.

John Banyas is a fourth-generation Cortez fisherman and boat builder.

“This is a historic fishing village,” he said.

Between the devastation of Hurricane Helene and now preparing for Milton, he has boarded up and his nine boats are tied down.

“This is the Swordfish Grill, and the water came to about where we’re standing, it was right here,” he said.

All of his new equipment is destroyed.

“With a 10-foot surge or better, they’re going to float off the stands and it’s going to be a big mess,” John Banyas said. “We’re anchored down, chain down and on stands.”

That’s because during Helene, smaller boats were floating around the parking lot.

John has been giving out water and ice, and if it’s still accessible, he will do the same after the storm.

Before his family and staff evacuate, final preparations are underway not knowing what they’ll find when they return.

“We’ll see what we got when the storm is over and rebuild like we usually do,” Banyas said.

Heidi Banyas bought property in Cortez two years ago. After completing renovations, she has hosted families and weddings to create special memories.

“People are asking how are you doing this? How are you going from total cleanup which we’ve done tear out to preparing and it’s just one foot in front of the other that’s all you could do,” said Heidi.

Her five cottages flooded out. After Helene, she tore up the flooring and ripped out the drywall as it’s still airing out. She doesn’t know what will be left after Milton.

“We thought about giving up, but it’s such a beautiful place that people want to come to that you really can’t,” she said.

There are mandatory evacuation for levels A,B & C in Manatee County. There are nine emergency shelters open.

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