We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who reached out to us at Dan’s Florida Condos this past week. We know many of you with upcoming travel to Anna Maria Island, Florida have been anxious due to the ominous social media posts circulating. In short, while our Complex, Runaway Bay Condominiums did not suffer any storm related damages or flooding, some homes and businesses on the island had up to 4 feet of water in our neighboring communities, especially in the Cortez Village area.
We dodged a bullet and count our blessings that our slice of paradise was preserved. Our hearts and thoughts go out to our neighbors in the northern panhandle of Florida, of which incurred the most significant impact from Hurricane Idalia.
Here’s a concise recap of recent events:
Mandatory Evacuation: On Tuesday, August 29, we faced a mandatory evacuation order for Anna Maria Island.
The Storm: Fortunately, the storm changed course, veering north from its initial path. While the island did experience the outer bands of the storm, including rain, mild winds, and some storm surge, the evacuation was swiftly lifted on Wednesday, August 30, at 5 pm.
Impact: Some localized flooding did occur, primarily in areas near the bay and beaches. However, our vacation rental units at Dan’s Florida Condos remained unharmed, thanks to their elevated positions. While there was some debris in the pools and yards, rest assured that we sustained absolutely no damage. The island’s flooding has also subsided.
Clean-Up: We are immensely proud of our dedicated teams who wasted no time in preparing our homes for the next guests. Cleaning crews are hard at work resetting outdoor furniture, while our landscaping experts are diligently clearing yards of debris and branches. Pool maintenance is in progress, ensuring our most popular heated salt water pool pristine for Labor Day weekend. Clean-up efforts are also underway on North Shore Drive in Anna Maria.
Utilities: Thankfully, we did not experience any power outages in our homes. Most of the island maintained power throughout the entire storm.
Restaurants & Local Businesses: In a testament to the island’s resilience, shops and eateries quickly reopened on Thursday, with more scheduled to resume operations on Friday. Hurricane Hanks, known for their small bar bites and craft beer selection were ready for Idalia with their growingly famous storm shutters!
Businesses opening on Friday include Tide Tables, Ginny n Jane E’s, Breakfast at Victoria’s, White Egret Stores, AMI Paddleboard, and Rod n Reel Pier.
Piers: The Anna Maria City Pier is open for both fishing and restaurant dining, while Rod n Reel Pier is set to reopen on Friday. Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar on Bradenton Bridge Street Pier is already open.
Beaches: Our pristine beaches are looking fantastic! While the western Gulf beaches may be a bit rough in the aftermath of the hurricane, it’s an excellent opportunity to collect shark’s teeth and shells, as many have washed ashore.
In conclusion, Anna Maria Island has weathered the storm and is open, vibrant, and ready to welcome you back to paradise.
Looking for a spontaneous getaway? Look no further! Dan’s Florida Condos on Anna Maria Island, Florida have got you covered with incredible benefits for your last-minute vacation. The condos are located within the Runaway Bay Condominium Community, just steps from the beach, so you can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand. In the evening, gather a blanket or circle of chairs with friends and family to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
