HOLMES BEACH, Fla. — Beaches are beginning to make a comeback after receiving damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

What You Need To Know

  • Some beaches in Manatee County were closed after receiving damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton

  • County officials say, though, that Manatee Public Beach has reopened and they are working to reopen other beaches soon

  • Manatee County Property Management Deputy Director Carmine DeMilio says crews have been cleaning for 29 days straight to get shuttered beaches reopened

In Manatee County, officials say the Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island is now open, and they’re working to get other beaches open soon.

With residents starting to recover and businesses reopening, residents say they hope the beaches are next. 

Manatee County Property Management Deputy Director Carmine DeMilio said repairing damage to beaches has been one of the county's top priorities.

“We have cut up and removed over 80 trees, and we have been running two to three beach rigs daily to keep the beaches clean," said DeMilio.

DeMilio said tourism has about a $2 billion economic impact in Manatee County, and crews have been cleaning for 29 days straight, working 12-hour shifts, so beachgoers can return.

“We’re looking to open a portion of Coquina Beach mid-next weekend, to later in the week," he said.

County officials say they’re hoping for a quick rebound and want people to know the damage is being fixed.

“It’s so important that we get the message out that these restaurants and businesses are back open for business, too," said Manatee County commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. "People will start to come back out to their favorite places and enjoy them again."

Van Ostenbridge said it could take up to 30 days of cleaning to get all the sand cleared of debris for the beaches.