Hurricane Helene damage tops $358M in unincorporated Manatee

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Manatee County officials say they are working on relief efforts and have come up with preliminary damage assessments. Among the hardest-hit areas of the county are beach communities, Rubonia, Perico Bay and mobile home parks, officials say.

Manatee County staff released “windshield assessment” results on Sept. 30 that do not include the coastal communities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, officials say; the damage assessments only include the unincorporated areas of Manatee County.

Nearly 550 residences and more than 50 businesses have been destroyed, according to the preliminary report. Residential damages total almost $354 million, while commercial damage is more than $4.6 million, officials say, adding up to over $358 million for both. 

Here are the preliminary residential damage reports in unincorporated Manatee County:

• Residences destroyed: 542
• Major residential damage: 553
• Minor residential damage: 1,635
• Affected residences: 314
• Total residential damage: $353,951,318

Here are the preliminary commercial damage reports in unincorporated Manatee County:

• Commercial structures destroyed: 52
• Major commercial damage: 5
• Minor commercial damage: 173
• Affected commercial structures: 15
• Total commercial damage: $4,635,400

A variety of resources of available for residents and business owners in need of assistance.

A FEMA Helene Disaster Recovery Center was scheduled to open at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 6410 Rangeland Pkwy., in Lakewood Ranch. Starting on Oct. 1, the center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, offering referrals and resources for those impacted by the hurricane. Officials say plans are underway for a disaster recovery center on the island.

A Small Business Development Center Mobile Assistance Center will be at the State College of Florida, 5840 26th St W. in Bradenton from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, with future dates and times to be determined. Businesses can schedule a consultation here as well.

Small business owners can apply for short-term, zero-interest loans through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which makes $15 million available for businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eligible small businesses can access up to $50,000, while agriculture and aquaculture small businesses may access up to $100,000. Businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene must apply by Nov. 24 or before all funds are expended, according to a statement from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

Here is a list of federal resources for businesses seeking disaster assistance.