When a sizeable tropical storm hits near or on Anna Maria Island, authorities will order an evacuation, and if you are smart, you’ll leave.
It’s not the wind of a storm that does the most harm, it’s the flooding the storm brings. There’s a saying that goes, “You hide from the wind, and you run from the water.”
After the storm leaves, local authorities and teams of FEMA authorized people will come in to clear the roads and make sure there are no live power lines or leaking natural gas pipes.
When they feel it is safe, they will allow home and business owners to return.
You will need a return tag before they will let you return.
Tags are available from all three cities on the Island at Anna Maria City Hall, Bradenton Beach City Hall and Holmes Beach Police Department. One tag per residence is issued, so if you leave with more than one vehicle, you’ll have to leave one on the mainland when you initially return.
Make sure you get your tag as soon as possible because there will be long lines as a storm approaches. Bring identification with you showing you live on the Island or own property here.
For more information, call Anna Maria at 941-708-6130, Bradenton Beach at 942-778-1005 or Holmes Beach at 941-708-5800.
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