### Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island Reopens Following Hurricane Damage

In a welcome change for beach enthusiasts, Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island has reopened after suffering extensive damage from two hurricanes. Visitors can now enjoy the beach, although with certain limitations.

The island’s beaches had been closed since Hurricane Helene pummeled the region, prompting authorities to shut them down. Just when recovery seemed possible, Hurricane Milton swept through, exacerbating the destruction and forcing an extended closure. The reopening of Manatee Public Beach marks a significant milestone approximately a month after Helene battered Manatee County.

Crowds were seen flocking to the beach Friday morning, eager to take advantage of the reopening. Among the reopened amenities is the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, which is once again serving customers.

The hurricanes left a trail of devastation, wiping out sand dunes, destroying lifeguard towers, and burying buildings under up to five feet of sand. Governor Ron DeSantis visited the area shortly after Hurricane Helene's onslaught and directed the Florida Department of Transportation to construct a temporary road to repair the heavily damaged Gulf Drive.

Although the reopening of Manatee Public Beach is a positive step, it remains the only county beach currently accessible to the public. Parking is also limited, as noted by county spokesperson Bill Logan. The county is still working towards reopening other popular spots, like Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach, though no timeline has been established.

Manatee County officials remain optimistic but cautious, emphasizing that more sections of the beach will reopen as conditions improve. "It's going to continue to open up as conditions allow," Logan stated.

The restoration efforts continue, but for now, beachgoers can relish returning to Manatee Public Beach, marking a hopeful start to the island’s gradual recovery.