Hurricane Helene hits Anna Maria Island AMI Sun

BRADENTON BEACH – The morning after Hurricane Helene, Gulf Drive is buried below at least a few feet of sand, with sinkholes and buckled pavement.

Some homes and businesses sustained structural damage and many more sustained water damage.

The AMI Moose Lodge sustained significant damage. Oma’s Pizza, Wilder’s Pizza, Two Scoops, Wicked Cantina and Gulf Drive Cafe sustained damage including broken doors and windows and wind and water intrusion.

Bridge Street structures appear to be intact. Bradenton Beach floating docks were damaged although the pier appears intact.

The Pines Trailer Park experienced flooding but the mobile homes appear to be intact.

There is no water or electricity on the Island and the bridges remain closed to media, residents, property owners and business owners.

Island officials are asking everyone to stay away until further notice. It may be two or three days or longer before the Island is open.