Looking back - 6 months since Hurricane Helene - Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations

Video: Click here for a video looking back over the past six months with remarks by Mayor Liz Alpert, City Engineer Nikesh Patel and Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle.

Six months ago (September 26, 2024), Sarasota was significantly impacted by storm surge from Category 4 Hurricane Helene followed just 13 days later by widespread destruction from Category 3 Hurricane Milton.

Since then, City staff have been diligently working to repair and restore our coastal community. At this time, all but 3 of our 61 City parks have been reopened thanks to the hard work of our Parks and Recreation staff.

City staff have been meeting with FEMA, Florida Department of Transportation and other state and federal partners to discuss a timeline for the design and completion of 16 restoration projects with a $17.4 million total construction cost. Bayfront Park, Bird Key Park, Ken Thompson Park, Doc and Eloise Werlin Park, and Tony Saprito Fishing Pier will each require over $1 million in repairs.

Due to the extensive damage, these beloved community assets will require an extended restoration process, with permanent repairs currently expected to be completed in early 2027.

We’ve come a long way! Significant work has been completed, including massive debris removal in the 6 months since 2024’s back-to-back hurricanes, with the majority of businesses reopening and visitors returning to Sarasota.