The tropical paradise known as City Island, home to Ken Thompson Park, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron experienced devastating effects from the storms. With true grit and resilience, these beloved organizations are slowly rebuilding and planning to come back as destinations for picnics, sailing trips and marine education to name a few.

The team at Mote Marine closely monitors weather forecasts to stay prepared for potential storms, but even with careful planning, the organization suffered damage from both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Helene caused significant water damage, while Milton primarily resulted in wind damage. When a storm is predicted, Mote staff enters full preparation mode to protect both animals and employees. “Though we were saddened by the damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it wasn’t unexpected,” says Public Relations Coordinator Kathryn Gentile. “After Hurricane Helene, the road to City Island was initially blocked, so Mote’s first-response team accessed the aquarium by boat to assess the situation.” Located on a barrier island, Mote serves as the first line of defense against storms. The storm surge and heavy rainfall from Helene led to extensive flooding, damaging ground-floor research labs. One of Mote’s top priorities was maintaining its research operations. To minimize disruptions, affected labs were relocated to other Mote facilities, ensuring scientists could continue their work. As Mote staff worked to address the damage from Helene, Hurricane Milton rapidly approached. Initially predicted to be a Category 5 storm, Milton prompted Mote to take swift action to protect its animals and staff. Many animals were moved to the Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP), located 13 miles inland. The facility’s two resident manatees were sent to a partner AZA institution. Though Milton weakened to a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall, it still caused significant wind damage. Once the storm passed, Mote staff immediately resumed recovery efforts. From September 24 to November 22, Mote worked tirelessly to repair the damage and restore operations, despite the challenges of a two-month aquarium closure.

It’s been all-hands on deck with the help of several volunteers from among the more than 2,000 people who make up the Sarasota Sailing Squadron (SSS) community since Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc. After taking in nearly three feet of water with Helene, Milton’s heavy winds overturned many of the 250 boats kept in the yard, destroying around 30. Efforts have been underway since the storm to help fix all the damage to the property and put things back in order so that youth sailing and other programs can continue.

“Our mission is all about continuing to serve Sarasota in the best ways possible by bringing back the family fun, educational programs, formal practices and competitive regattas for our 2,000 members and their families after Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” says Bob Twinem, Commodore. “Due to the devastating damage this season we must immediately prioritize at least $300,000 to restore Sarasota Sailing Squadron operations. We are exploring grants from West Coast Inland Navigation District for the wave fence and junior sailors’ dock replacements and with FEMA to help repair some of the grounds lost to erosion. Docks and the seawall are uninsurable but critical to our members and our mission. Yet long-range funds for grounds and seawall projects are projected to be more than $1,000,000. We are speaking with the City of Sarasota about funds to replace lost shell and sand over time which is estimated to be up to $200,000.”

Founded in 1949, Sarasota Sailing Squadron is a performance sailing club made up of 600 voting members and thousands of sailor members and their families. “The Squadron is 100 percent volunteer driven,” says general manager Eduardo Sylvestre. “The women’s sailing group, the Luffing Lassies, immediately jumped in with others to clean up and restore our club after Hurricane Milton. “The irony is that even after a terrible hurricane season, we still believe that a rising tide lifts all boats,” sas Sylvestre. “Thank you Sarasota for continuing to support our restoration goals and for donating your time, money, vessels and equipment through Sail Sarasota.”

Hart’s Landing sits at the foot of the John Ringling Causeway and enjoys a beautiful view of all of Sarasota Bay. The local gem and must-see historical landmark established in 1934 is a favorite of residents and tourists alike, partly due to its accessibility by car or boat but unfortunately, they are now closed until further notice due to damages sustained from Hurricane Milton. They are promising to rebuild, but for now, there is no information on timing. “The city paused our lease and for that, I really couldn’t be more appreciative,” says Sarah Baldwin, who co-owns the restaurant with her dad, Sherman Baldwin. “The captains of Sarasota are in my opinion the heart of our economy. They are like sole proprietors and the hardest working people. We definitely want to come back for them.” Fans of the establishment can follow the Facebook page where Baldwin plans to share progress reports and updates.