Hurricane Milton comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated much of the barrier islands with powerful storm surge.

A week after Hurricane Helene’s storm surge swept ashore and devastated Anna Maria Island, the popular Southwest Florida tourist destination is still digging out of the wreckage. Signs of destruction are everywhere, from beaches depleted of their famous crystal white sand to ruined streets, landmarks, businesses and homes.

October 05, 2024 On October 5, 2024, @ErnieVanderwalt shared a video from Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA, showing the area after Hurricane Helene and before Hurricane Milton. The video was captioned,

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced executive actions aimed at speeding up Hurricane Helene recovery efforts during a visit to Anna Maria Island.

After hitting Florida’s Gulf Coast, Helene tore through the Southeast, unleashing historic rain and flooding in parts of Georgia and the Carolinas and leaving dozens of people dead and millions without power. Helene’s trail of destruction and record-breaking floods could rank among the costliest storms in U.S. history.

Anna Maria Island took the brunt of the damage in Manatee County, and WFLA News Channel 8 got a look at the damage on Holmes Beach with a ride along with the chief of police.

Gov. Ron DeSantis set an aggressive timetable for a temporary road on Anna Maria Island after Hurricane Helene buried and battered Gulf Drive.

Officials said since the water quality is unknown, residents should assume its unsafe to drink and take the appropriate precautions.