Sarasota Real Estate Blog

Sarasota & Manatee One Year After the Storms

A look at our coastline.

As this new season begins, Sarasota and Manatee counties are looking refreshed, resilient, and as beautiful as ever. It’s been a full year since Hurricanes Helene and Milton swept across the Gulf Coast, reshaping beaches and testing infrastructure from Manasota Key to Anna Maria Island. Today, our coastline tells a story of steady progress — a mix of renewal, rebuilding, and natural adaptation.

Whether you’re returning for the season or keeping an eye on your favorite coastal spots, here’s an up-to-date look at how the region is faring — from the restored beaches and reopened parks to the areas still under repair or quietly transforming for the future.

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Manasota Key

Manasota Key remains beautiful but still bears one of the most visible reminders of last year’s storms: a section of Manasota Key Road remains out. The washout continues to block through-traffic, and long-term stabilization plans are in motion. Design work for a permanent rebuild continues.

Beach access points have reopened, and shoreline restoration is ongoing. The pace of work has been steady, with local and county crews focused on preserving dune systems and infrastructure that protect both homes and habitat.

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North Jetty & the Venice Area

Farther south, the North Jetty Fish Camp in Nokomis — a cherished local landmark for decades — was lost in the storms and has since been removed. Sarasota County is asking residents for historical photos to preserve its memory.

The jetty park itself has reopened, and the surrounding beaches have been restored. Venice and Nokomis waterfronts show steady recovery: docks and seawalls have been repaired, canals are clear, and many homes have quietly incorporated stronger storm-prep measures during reconstruction.

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Casey Key & Siesta Key

Work continues on several dune and seawall projects, and some beachfront properties are being elevated or reinforced as owners take advantage of newer construction standards.

Siesta Key, by contrast, feels lively and nearly fully restored. Beaches are wide and welcoming again, and most public areas are in great shape. A notable and unexpected change: Midnight Pass, long closed between Siesta and Casey, was naturally reopened by the storms — and remains open today. The reopened pass is changing local currents and water flow, and environmental agencies are watching to see how stable it will stay through future storm seasons.

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Lido Key & Longboat Key

Both Lido and Longboat Keys have recovered well. Public beach access points, seawalls, and utility systems are operational, and cleanup work is largely complete.

On Longboat Key, attention has shifted to long-term resilience projects. The town has invested in upgraded drainage systems and is encouraging storm-smart building improvements such as elevated foundations. Private construction and remodeling are active, with many homeowners choosing to add modern protective features without sacrificing architectural charm.

Lido Key’s beaches look strong following nourishment efforts, and nearby St. Armands Circle is busy again, reflecting a return to normal rhythm.

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Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island has changed more visibly than most areas. Many older waterfront homes that were heavily damaged after the storms have now been removed, opening up stretches of shoreline that are slowly transitioning into new construction. Some remaining damaged homes are still standing, but most of the active work now involves site clearing and rebuilding.

The island retains its familiar, laid-back feel — with a noticeable shift toward elevated homes and modern coastal architecture. It’s a mix of long-standing cottages and new builds that reflect a thoughtful blend of preservation and progress.

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Downtown Sarasota & the Ringling Causeway

Downtown Sarasota has regained its full energy. Restaurants, galleries, and arts venues are thriving, and new development continues throughout the city center.

One area still under restriction is beneath both ends of the John Ringling Bridge, where access remains limited while repairs and shoreline work continue. The bridge itself is fully open, but parts of the surrounding park and waterfront remain fenced off.

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A Coastline Moving Forward

From the south beaches of Manasota to the northern tip of Anna Maria, the Gulf Coast is steady and evolving. Recovery is no longer about emergency repairs — it’s about resilience and renewal. Roads are being rebuilt to higher standards, homes are being elevated, and communities are taking a long view toward storm readiness without losing their coastal character.

The Gulf’s beauty remains unchanged: calm water, open beaches, and a community that continues to balance restoration with respect for the landscape.

Whether you spend a few months or the whole year here, this season offers a clear picture of what’s next — a coastline that has weathered challenges and come back with strength, intention, and unmistakable charm.