best areas after hurricane

Question

planning a girls trip in May and looking at Siesta Keys are or maybe Naples. I have the areas have been impacted by hurricane and wondering what areas are best. Also are the beaches clean or is red tide still an issue thanks

Answer

Great question. It’s very reasonable to be thinking carefully about hurricane recovery *and* water-quality issues like red tide before planning a girls’ trip to Siesta Key or Naples in May. Here’s an up-to-date look (as of 2025), plus my suggestions for which area might be “best” for you, given your concerns.

1. Hurricane / Beach Condition Status

According to the Florida DEP’s post-storm coastal impact report, Siesta Key experienced significant beach-and-dune erosion from both Hurricane Milton (2024) and Helene.
- This means certain stretches of beach may look a little altered, dunes may be lower or rebuilt, and there could be ongoing repair work in some public access areas.
However, community and local reports suggest that many public beach access points and businesses are open again. For example, Reddit users report going to Crescent Beach and other Siesta Key spots, with beach access largely restored.
So: yes, there was notable hurricane impact, but recovery is well underway, and many of the most-used beach areas are accessible again.

2. Red Tide Risk & Current Conditions

Siesta Key / Sarasota County: - There have been red tide reports in the region, though conditions *appear to be improving* lately. WWSB reports that red tide “conditions have improved … to no irritation at Siesta Key” in a recent update. - However, the Florida Dept. of Health and WUSF still maintain advisories in certain years; red tide is *not always entirely absent.* - So while risk behavior remains, it doesn’t look like there’s a major severe bloom currently — but it’s still something to monitor.
Naples / Collier County: - As of January 2025, there was a caution issued for red tide near the Naples Pier by the Collier County health department. - That bloom seems to be *lessening* according to more recent local sources. - The City of Naples maintains a beach water quality page mentioning red tide as a persistent concern.

3. Comparing Risk / Appeal: Siesta Key vs. Naples for May

Siesta Key Pros: - Very beautiful white-quartz sand and scenic beaches. - A more “classic” beach-island feel even after the storms. - Potentially lower red tide risk (depending on conditions), especially if the bloom stays low.
Siesta Key Cons: - Some erosion and dune changes may affect beach layout or access. - Red tide risk isn’t zero; depending on wind and water conditions, it could still affect enjoyment.
Naples Pros: - Beaches are often very pleasant, with a more upscale / relaxed resort feel. - The red tide bloom in early 2025 is reported to be diminishing in some areas.
Naples Cons: - There *was* a recent red tide caution near the Naples Pier — especially for more sensitive visitors. - Some areas may still feel the impact of red tide depending on water currents and wind.

4. My Recommendation for Your Girls’ Trip in May

- Siesta Key might be your better bet overall if you prioritize a more natural, “classic barrier-island” feel and are okay with potentially checking red tide conditions right before your trip. - That said, Naples is also appealing *if you monitor beach-quality updates* prior to going, especially given the recent improvement in red tide conditions there. - Make sure to: 1. Check the Protecting Florida Together website or local county health department for real-time red tide/bloom updates. 2. Avoid swimming in areas with posted red tide warnings or dead fish. 3. Choose beach access points known for good maintenance — not all parts of a beach may have recovered equally from hurricane erosion.

Bottom Line: Both Siesta Key and Naples are viable for a May trip, but there’s some ongoing risk from red tide — especially in Naples — so you’ll want to stay flexible, check updates shortly before traveling, and pick your beach spots carefully. Siesta Key is likely more scenic in a “restorative beach escape” way, while Naples offers a bit more infrastructure and stability if red tide is a concern.

best areas after hurricane

More Southwest Gulf Coast Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions