ENGLEWOOD – Destruction looms large over the coastal community of Englewood, Florida, as the recent storm season brings not just one but two hurricanes crashing upon its shores. Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9 near Siesta Key, following closely behind Hurricane Helene, which had already drenched the nearby areas with water only weeks prior. According to Doug Izzo, the executive director of the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, the aftermath from these storms has been catastrophic.
Driving along New Point Comfort Road, Izzo recounted the devastation with disbelief. "I’ve got to turn around; there’s a boat in the middle of the road,” he said, painting a vivid picture of the chaos following Milton's impact. While Helene had already wreaked havoc, Milton's approach was particularly merciless. "With Helene, people got water in their properties. With Milton, the water ripped the buildings apart – there’s a lot more destruction," Izzo added.
The community of Englewood has been significantly affected by the storm surge from Hurricane Milton, exacerbated by the earlier damage from Helene. With more than 20,000 residents—many of whom live on or near the coast—the unincorporated area is facing its toughest challenge yet. Manasota Key, once accessible for property checks, has been effectively cut off due to the storms, leaving many worried about their homes without any means to check on them.
Recognizing the devastation on the local economy, Izzo mentioned, "After both storms, access was limited to Manasota Key, as well as Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande." He emphasized how areas like Old Englewood, particularly around Dearborn Street, were still grappling with issues long after Helene passed.
Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, is also deeply frustrated. With national news outlets largely ignoring the fate of Englewood and the keys, he feels they’re missing the bigger picture. "What’s devastating to me is the lack of coverage. Englewood and Manasota Key have suffered immensely, and yet the narrative focuses on areas like Tampa," Sandberg lamented. He has been forced to rely on neighbors' updates and aerial footage to gauge the storm’s effects on the Hermitage's campus situated on Manasota Key.
“The Hermitage buildings are still standing, fortunately—but they are badly damaged and covered in sand,” Sandberg reported. He acknowledged the efforts made during Helene’s aftermath as preparatory work against Milton's impending arrival. “Had we not done the work we did the past nine days, these buildings could be buried under more sand than they currently are.” This insight reflects the resilience of both the Hermitage organization and its surrounding community.
Meanwhile, the broader picture doesn't seem to brighten. National media coverage has barely scratched the surface of the extensive damage, leaving local residents feeling forgotten as they navigate the wreckage left behind. Sandberg noted the importance of recovering quickly, stating, "It’s heartbreaking to see this—hard to manage without being on site, and most of the community doesn’t even have power still.”
The situation grows dire, but help is on the way from various national relief organizations—although they have not been met with much media fanfare. Volunteers from the World Central Kitchen have begun serving meals to affected residents via the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. Rotary International District 6960 has also joined the response efforts, deploying disaster recovery teams to aid communities impacted by all three hurricanes this season: Debby, Helene, and now Milton.
"Those volunteers don’t have to be Rotary members to pitch in," said David Pankiw, who has been actively involved with the local recovery efforts. "When we got to Lemon Bay and Englewood, it was clear we were facing a disaster." Pankiw, who led cleanup teams after Hurricane Helene, offered stark insights about the current situation, noting, "All those homes are gone now,” as he reflects on the significant losses eclipsed by Milton’s surging waves.
Describing the immediate fallout, longtime Englewood resident Keith Rowley noted the terrifying wave action caused by Milton. "It was horrible for homes; the surge might have been as high as eight to ten feet," he surmised. Rowley’s urgent updates give clarity on the extent of the damage, detailing how residents woke to surreal scenes—like boats displaced by floodwaters resting inside swimming pools. His visitations to the Lemon Bay community revealed overwhelming debris scattered throughout affected neighborhoods.
Power and internet outages are rampant, with many affected residents left wondering how long the recovery might take. Rowley shared, humor tinged with disbelief at the storm’s absurdity, saying, "Last night out of my house, it looked like a lightning storm, but there wasn’t any lightning—just transformers blowing up everywhere.”
Despite these setbacks, recognition has grown for the tremendous fortitude shown by individuals and recovery organizations. Volunteers, including those from Rotary International, have been mobilized with trailers filled not only with equipment like chainsaws but also with food and supplies. They are working tirelessly to assist families trying to reclaim their lives amid the chaos of debris and destruction.
Efforts are underway not just to restore homes and businesses but to reestablish community ties as well. Rowley reasoned, "This isn’t as widespread structural damage compared to Ian last year; there was still some hope as many homes are still standing." During these challenging times, local sentiment remains strong, emphasizing resilience amid adversity.
Local shops, restaurants, and small businesses have also begun to look for ways to recover and support their communities. Signs of hope emerged as community gatherings for recovery planning surfaced. The challenges may be significant, but the determination of Englewood’s residents shines through, showing the world what it means to rebuild.
Reflecting on the broader narrative of storm and recovery, it’s clear much work lies ahead. Many are still waiting to access their properties to assess damage, and workers face the monumental task of clearing debris and beginning repairs. Yet even amid uncertainty, the heart of Englewood beats strong, as residents come together fueled by the commitment to restore their home—a community determined not just to bounce back but to rise stronger.
