Siesta Key Residents Surprised at Lack of Irma Damage

The aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Sarasota and the surrounding areas has been nothing short of fascinating. Before the storm exploded over Florida, there was this eerie sense that Sarasota may actually be okay.

The East Coast prepared with explosive intensity, as the lingering emotions of 2016’s Hurricane Matthew were still in their rearview. The storm took an unprecedented turn to the gulf, placing Tampa and Sarasota in its burning crosshairs.

And then it ended, sparing most Sarasota homes, buildings and Siesta Key vacation rentals. So how is Sarasota handling the ramifications of the record Hurricane Irma, and what has surfaced in this aftermath that was anything but expected or predicted?

What Happened?

A week following the impact of the storm, 21,000 Sarasota residents were without power reported by the county [1]. Two days following, just about every single customer through Florida Light and Power had electricity. It was a staggering recovery and one that came almost surprisingly fast.

The numbers without power by Monday may have seemed drastic, but the real numbers show an interesting story. Sarasota County contains a population of about 420,000 according to the 2016 Census reports. Relatively, only about 5% of the population in Sarasota and the outer county limits were without power following the storm for an extended period of time.

It reflects on a quiet but thought-provoking reality in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Either people responded with incredible speed and prowess, or the storm was not nearly as bad as most people expected. The answer is almost certainly both.

Siesta Key and Irma

Pictures collectively covered the web during Irma, featuring the Gulf of Mexico deeply receded out to shore- quite literally. Miles of the ocean were caught in a massive surge, and many onlookers and media reporters suggested major flooding on the coast and beyond. This did not happen to the expected degree. For the most part, Siesta Key remained entirely intact despite the overwhelming sense of dread from citizens in early September.

Siesta Key could have been in total disarray following the storm. The reality is that Irma was downgraded to a Category 2 before hitting the barrier islands, resulting in a substantial drop in the predicted storm surge.

According to YourObserver, a leading Siesta Key news source, predictions for Sarasota storm surge stood at about 6 feet. Ultimately, the city only saw the worst of about one to two feet [2].

The damage in the area was mostly minor. Citizens reported downed trees, but they were largely cleared early in the week. Some minor flooding occurred on the coastline, and flooded roadways were common sites only about 24 hours following the storm.

Hard Work, Expectations, and Preparedness Protect the Region

What ultimately came to fruition in Sarasota was a combination of a number of factors. Firstly, the region simply got lucky. The storm was degraded from a Category 5 monster to a Category 2 by the time it hit the bulk of the barrier islands. It broke down substantially after devastating the Caribbean islands and Cuba, which unquestionably received the brunt of the forces.

Yet, there was damage that was cleaned up efficiently, promptly, and without complaint. This immense and immediate response from Sarasota County officials put the city back on the map faster than anyone expected. It was a fantastic return.

None of this is to say that no one was affected by the storm, as a number of homes were damaged. According to the Herald Tribune, a number of local schools are still amassing support with pet clean-up in the wake of Irma [3].

Furthermore, lines are substantial for food stamps, as the allocation of food stamps and applicant forms increased considerably in the waning weeks [4]. WTSP out of Tampa reported huge support from Food for Florida, helping assistive families obtain support who were already living on the brink.

Yet regardless of these developments, the city responded with intense focus and a determined energy. Fortunately, the city established praiseworthy preparation. Florida has learned, collectively, the value of preparing as much as possible.

Preparedness, luck, and an incredible effort by thousands protected the island, its businesses, homes Siesta Key vacation rentals and the surrounding areas from what had the potential to be the most cataclysmic storm on record.

1. https://www.yourobserver.com/article/sarasota-county-hurricane-irma-all-clear-0
2. https://www.yourobserver.com/photo-gallery/siesta-key-hurricane-irma-residents-relieved
3. http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20171013/schools-grapple-with-pet-cleanup-after-hurricane-irma
4. http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/long-lines-in-sarasota-for-hurricane-irma-disaster-food-stamps/483113326