Anna Maria Island hurricane recovery: what happened in 2024
Hurricane Helene affected the Tampa Bay region on 26 September 2024. Hurricane Milton followed on 9 and 10 October 2024. Both brought storm surge, wind and flood damage to the region. Milton made landfall on the evening of 9 October as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, not on Anna Maria Island itself. Visit Siesta Key for that part of the coast.
Visitors still come for the beaches, the trolley and boat trips such as Anna Maria Island dolphin tours. What changed is the details: some places are closed, some are partly open and some are rebuilt. The overview below shows where the island stands now. Rebuilding is not finished, and a general statement that everything is open again would be wrong.
What is open on Anna Maria Island: status at a glance
Check a place again shortly before you go.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Anna Maria City Pier | Under reconstruction. The new access walkway is finished and work continues at the pier head. The owners aim for November, and the general goal is before the end of 2026. That is a target, not an opening date. |
| Rod and Reel Pier | The original pier is closed, with no fixed rebuild date. |
| Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach | A fishing pier with a pavilion and a public day dock. Check hours before you go. |
| Egmont Key | The state park has been open again since 12 August 2026. All buildings stay closed. |
| Leffis Key Preserve | Closed until further notice because of hurricane damage. |
| Robinson Preserve | Open from sunrise to sunset. Storm-related trail closures and cancelled tram tours can occur, so check before you go. |
| Coquina Beach | A sand renourishment project began in September 2026. It repairs damage from Hurricane Idalia, not from Helene or Milton. Check the current status before you go. |
| Trolley | Route 5 runs as a regular daily service. |
For most visitors, plan the trip around the beaches, the trolley and Robinson Preserve, and treat the City Pier as a bonus if it opens during your stay.
Boat tours and activities on Anna Maria Island
Dolphin cruises, sunset boats, kayak trips and fishing charters, with live prices and availability.
The piers after the storms
Two piers, two different stories.
Anna Maria City Pier
The pier dates from 1911. It was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and again by Helene and Milton in 2024. Reconstruction began in November 2025 and has no fixed opening date. The new access walkway is finished. Remaining work covers the buildings at the pier head, including the restrooms. Some of those buildings are being reused for new purposes, so do not expect the old layout. Read the piers guide for details.
Rod and Reel Pier
Milton destroyed the pier, and plans to rebuild exist. The original pier remains closed with no fixed date. A restaurant on land is a separate matter and does not mean the pier can be walked or fished from.
Bridge Street Pier
The old island part of the former wooden bridge in Bradenton Beach works as a fishing pier. It has a shaded pavilion and a public day dock. Check opening hours and any fishing fees at the pier before you go.
Planning a visit during recovery
Practical points that save disappointment.
Confirm each stay
Not every hotel, rental house and shop may have reopened. Confirm the status with each property. The where to stay guide explains the town differences.
Not every closure is storm damage
In strong wind the ferry may not run, and trails can close after storms. Do not read every autumn closure as new hurricane damage. Construction on the Cortez Road bridge can also slow traffic, as described in the airport and road guide.
Pick your season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. See the weather guide for months with less rain and cooler days.
Book with flexibility
Ask about cancellation terms for lodging and tours, especially between June and November.
Plan the rest of your trip
Places and guides to read next.
Anna Maria Island hurricanes: frequently asked questions
Is Anna Maria Island open after Helene and Milton?
Yes, you can visit. The beaches and the trolley are available, but rebuilding is not finished. Some places, including the City Pier and Leffis Key, are closed, and each stay or business should be confirmed individually.
When will the Anna Maria City Pier reopen?
There is no confirmed date. The new access walkway is finished and work continues at the pier head. The owners aim for November, and the general goal is before the end of 2026, which is a target and not a promise.
Is the Rod and Reel Pier open?
The original pier is closed, and there is no fixed rebuild date. A restaurant on land does not reopen the pier itself.
When did the hurricanes hit?
Helene affected the region on 26 September 2024, and Milton followed on 9 and 10 October 2024. Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane.
When is hurricane season on Anna Maria Island?
The Atlantic season runs from 1 June to 30 November each year. The weather guide shows which months have less rain and milder days.
What should I check before I book a stay?
Confirm the status of each hotel, rental house and shop individually, because not all may have reopened. Ask about cancellation terms, especially between June and November.