Can you access Anna Maria Island after Hurricane Helene’s damage? Here’s what to know
Anna Maria Island remains under a curfew with access limited to residents, business owners and first responders.
Hurricane Helene ravaged Manatee County’s barrier island as it twisted through the Gulf of Mexico last Thursday before it made direct landfall near Perry in Florida’s Big Bend region.
On Monday, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office posted an update to social media channel X, formerly Twitter, that the cities of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria are open to traffic, but all Anna Maria Island beaches are closed. The post said an island-wide curfew remains in effect from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Randy Warren said Holmes Beach can be accessed via the Manatee Avenue Bridge, and there isn’t a checkpoint on the north end of the island anymore. However, Warren said a checkpoint remains on Cortez Road and Bradenton Beach remains closed.
According to a news release, Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Crosby issued an order allowing foot access across the Cortez Bridge to the following:
- Property owners with proof of ownership, driver’s license with Bradenton Beach address or 2023-24 re-entry hangtags
- Business owners (not employees) with proof of ownership such as a business tax receipt
- Condo and property managers with proof of same and property address
- Insurance adjusters with proper credentials
No pedestrian or vehicle traffic is allowed on Gulf Drive, the news release said.
“The purpose for the access is to document, initiate claims and assess the damage caused to properties,” the release said. “This access is not intended for cleanup efforts at this time.”
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the beach, restaurants and shops are closed.
“If you don’t live here and you’re not coming out here to work, stay home,” he said. “Show some respect for our residents and business owners. And we don’t want people coming out here scavenging. If we catch them, we’re going to arrest them.”
The City of Anna Maria posted on Facebook that the checkpoint leading into the city was taken down.
