Which Manatee County parks & beaches are closed after Hurricane Helene? Here’s a list
Several popular Bradenton-area parks and beaches are closed after Hurricane Helene brought major storm surge and destruction to parts of Manatee County last week.
While some beloved local outdoor spots like Robinson Preserve were able to reopen quickly after the storm, others suffered heavy damage. Early estimates say Helene caused roughly $400 million in damage in Manatee County, but that number could rise significantly once Anna Maria Island is assessed.
Recovery is underway, but it may be some time before these places reopen to the public.
De Soto National Memorial
De Soto National Memorial is closed until further notice after Helene pushed 5 to 6 feet of storm surge into the park, according to park staff.
The storm destroyed some of the park’s recreation trails, knocked down trees and flooded the visitor center, National Park Service staff said in a Facebook post.
As of Sunday, there were still several inches of standing water in the center, and bathrooms and drinking fountains were not functional.
“De Soto National Memorial’s recovery will be extensive, and we appreciate your understanding and help in keeping out and not putting you or your family at risk,” park staff said.
Anna Maria Island beaches
Anna Maria Island’s public beaches are closed until further notice, with no current time frame for reopening, according to Manatee County Government.
The closure includes Anna Maria Bayfront Park, Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach, Manatee Beach Park and Palma Sola Causeway Park.
Skyway Fishing Pier
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is closed until further notice, according to Florida State Parks.
The Manatee County and Pinellas County sides of the park are closed.
Many parks open
In the meantime, there are still many green spaces to enjoy around Bradenton. Here are a few:
- Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota
- Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St. W., Palmetto
- Lake Manatee State Park, 20007 S.R. 64, Bradenton
- Myakka River State Park, 13208 S.R. 72, Sarasota
- Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
- Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton
- Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton
- Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish
- Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, 130 Terra Ceia Road, Terra Ceia
