Storm damage Mar 2025

Question

Would we be disappointed with the damage in the area?

Answer

Great question. Short answer: yes, there was significant storm damage on Siesta Key (and surrounding areas) from the 2024 hurricane season, but many parts are recovering — whether you’d be “disappointed” depends on how much of a perfectionist you are about beach condition, infrastructure, and how much you set your expectations based on pre-storm visits.

Here’s a detailed look at what’s been going on, what’s recovered, and what to expect if you visit now:

Beach Condition and Erosion: According to local reports, Siesta Key Beach reopened after the storms, but it's still recovering.
- The Sand: Some sand was lost or redistributed — beach staff and county are exploring “revitalization” and replenishment.
- Beach Access Damage: At least one public access point (Beach Access 2) experienced “significant erosion.”
- Infrastructure: Roads and dune areas were damaged in places.
Storm Impacts & Recovery:
- Siesta Key took a big hit: Hurricane Milton made landfall very close.
- Debris: After the storms, tons of debris (trees, sand, vegetation) were collected.
- Parks & Public Areas: Some parks and beach facilities (like Lido Key’s Ted Sperling Park) have reopened after “extensive recovery.”
Business & Local Scene:
- Some restaurants and businesses reported damage. For example, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar had water damage internally, though its outdoor patio reopened quickly.
- Despite recovery, tourism is rebounding: visitor numbers are slowly coming back since the storms.
Ongoing Work & Concerns:
- The county is continuing to look into long-term beach restoration, including replacing lost sand.
- Some residents remain concerned about certain access points and how erosion is being handled long-term.

Bottom Line — What You’ll Likely Experience as a Visitor Now (Mid-2025):

You’ll probably still see very nice beach areas: Siesta Beach remains open and usable, with “wide and expansive” sand in many spots.
Some access points or smaller parts of the beach may look a bit rougher than “pristine” — especially where erosion was worst.
Expect some ongoing construction or restoration work in public areas, though major park reopenings (like Lido’s) are happening.
Local businesses are mostly working to bounce back, but a few may still be in recovery mode.
If you're coming for beach time, relaxing walks, and the natural charm of Siesta Key — you’ll likely be quite happy. But if you’re expecting a “brand-new, perfect” beach experience like pre-hurricane years, you might notice some scars.

Storm damage Mar 2025

More Siesta Key Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions