Longboat's early Helene assessment estimates over $170M in damages

The damage assessment from Hurricane Helene was still rising more than a week after the storm impacted Longboat Key. 

As of Monday, Oct. 7, Town Manager Howard Tipton said the estimated damage was valued at around $170 million with over 2,000 properties impacted. Those numbers are expected to climb, Tipton said.

Helene damages were still ongoing, and Hurricane Milton was tracked to make a direct hit near Longboat Key in the following days, which was expected to bring a new set of damages. 

The past two storms to impact Longboat Key — Hurricanes Idalia and Debby — brought minimal damage to the island. Town staff reported that about 50 to 70 structures were damaged from Idalia’s storm surge. 

In terms of human damages, there were no casualties reported on the island, and Tipton said that no serious injuries were seen by the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department during Hurricane Helene. 

At the Oct. 7 commission meeting, town commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to temporarily waive building and permit fees from the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department. 

“Whenever we have a big event like we’ve just had with Helene, we want to make sure that our recovery is not impeded by what can be some very high building fees and permit fees,” Tipton said at the meeting. “It’s the right thing to do.” 

This temporary waiver is anticipated to be extended upon assessing Hurricane Milton’s damage, Tipton said. 

The town’s PZB Department has an online portal through Sarasota County for residents and business owners to self-report damages. Damages must be reported separately for separate events, so Hurricane Helen damages will need to be reported separately from Hurricane Milton. 

To access the portal, visit the town’s website and navigate to the Planning, Zoning and Building tab. Residents can also contact the department at 941-316-1966.