Governor DeSantis visits Manatee County after Hurricane Helene

Governor tours damage on Bradenton Beach

FOX 13's Jordan Bowen reports.

BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. - On Saturday, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Bradenton Beach, one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Helene.

Residents were allowed back to some parts of Anna Maria Island like Holmes Beach on Saturday, but still places like Bradenton Beach were not accessible because many of the roads were impassible.

It’s unlike anything Bradenton Beach has ever seen. Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction stretches for miles along Anna Maria Island.

Gov. DeSantis gives update on Helene recovery

Governor Ron DeSantis gave an update on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Bradenton Beach on Saturday afternoon.

"There's about 429,000, who are without power. A big chunk of that is in Pinellas County. We spoke with FPL about this area here. They're optimistic that it could be done in relatively short order. There's just a lot of sand and so some of the sand inhibits the ability to deal with some of the underground transmission lines," Governor DeSantis said.

Pieces of road like Gulf Drive were completely destroyed. Several feet of sand still cover the roads. Crews have been working the last few days to remove it to allow access.

READ: Hurricane Helene leaves wake of destruction in Manatee County

Residents were allowed to return to certain parts of Anna Maria Island on Saturday. However, as of late Saturday, the sheriff was still not allowing residents to access Bradenton Beach, deeming it still too unsafe.

"Obviously, it needs to be safe for people and if there's things that more we can do to be helpful there we will, but clearly getting people back on is a priority to be able to take stock and your belongings, your home, assess the damage," DeSantis said.

The foundation of some homes were completely dismantled. Inside, belongings and furniture thrown into piles. The storm brought down multiple lifeguard stands. Some cars are still buried in the sand.

Outside the Bradenton Beach Police Department, a county vehicle was partially submerged. Water from Helene moved complete homes.

For now, Governor DeSantis says the priority is clearing the sand from the roads, so residents can access their homes, as well as restoring power.

"FDOTs hard at work. This is obviously a big priority to make sure that this road is functioning again so they're going to be working round the clock to to get that done," DeSantis said.

Manatee County Utilities crews say they are actively restoring water service to Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key.

Manatee Co. Utilities issued a boil water advisory for Anna Maria Island residents for drinking water only. Bottled water is available at GT Bray Park.

For more information on Manatee County updates, click here.

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