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.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Director Kristen Mazzarella told the Herald-Tribune that wildlife on the island also suffered losses. She said that a record-setting number of sea turtle nests laid on AMI this year has been devastated, first by Hurricane Debby and finished off by Helene.

DeSantis said in a Saturday afternoon press conference in Bradenton Beach. “This is just too nice an area not to.”

A curfew has been implemented for all three cities on Anna Maria Island after Hurricane Helene left a severe storm surge and flooding throughout the Tampa Bay area. According to the City of Holmes Beach,

Hurricane Helene caused major damage to many of the best waterfront restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties, including one of our region's oldest dining destinations.

The Manatee County Government announced that a boil water advisory has been issued for Anna Maria Island on Saturday afternoon.

Anna Maria Island sustained major damage during Hurricane Helene, and much of the island remains covered in sand.