Hurricane Preparedness and Evacuation Policy

Hurricane Season Timeline

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. Though rare, storms may also form in May or December.

Understanding the Risk on Anna Maria Island

As a beautiful barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is especially vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Anna Maria Island Accommodations prioritizes your safety and vacation preparedness during storm threats.

What to Do When a Storm Approaches

1. 1. Monitor Warnings
      • Hurricane Watch: Conditions possible within 36 hours
      • Hurricane Warning: Conditions expected within 24 hours
   2. Follow Anna Maria Island Accommodations’ Instructions
      • When storms are forecasted, Anna Maria Island Accommodations Guest Services will notify you via phone, text, or email with guidance.
        📲 Text support available: 941-226-8442
   3. Mandatory Evacuations
      • If Manatee County issues a MANDATORY evacuation, all guests must evacuate immediately.
      • Guests must pack all personal belongings, including food, as Anna Maria Island Accommodations and property owners are not responsible for any items left behind.
      • No refunds or credits will be issued for voluntary evacuations.
   4. Travel Insurance is Strongly Recommended
      • No refunds will be issued for cancellations due to storm fears or voluntary departures.
      • Anna Maria Island Accommodations highly recommends purchasing travel insurance to protect your vacation investment.
        📞 Add coverage by calling 941-779-0733 (Option 1)
        📧 Email: [email protected] 

Evacuation Preparation Checklist

When evacuation is advised or required, be ready to leave quickly. Don’t forget:

1. • Prescription medications and medical devices
   • Bedding, pillows, sleeping bags, and clothing
   • Bottled water, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries
   • Personal ID (driver’s license, credit cards, etc.)
   • Car keys and maps
   • First-aid kit

Stay informed via NOAA weather radio, local news, or the Manatee County Emergency Management website.

Evacuation Routes from Anna Maria Island

Evacuate early to avoid traffic and secure inland lodging.

Anna Maria Island has two main evacuation bridges to the mainland:

If Staying in the North (City of Anna Maria / Holmes Beach):

➡ Head SOUTH on Palm/Gulf Dr.
➡ Turn EAST on Manatee Ave W (Route 64)

If Staying in the South (Bradenton Beach / Holmes Beach):

➡ Head NORTH on Gulf Dr N
➡ Turn EAST on Cortez Rd W

Re-Entry Protocols After a Hurricane

Only return to Anna Maria Island when local officials or Anna Maria Island Accommodations confirm it is safe. Conditions may include:

• Loss of electricity
• Fuel and food shortages
• Unsafe roadways
• Contaminated water
• Structural damage to properties

Re-Entry Will Occur in 4 Stages:

For updates, email [email protected]. We will respond as conditions allow.

If You Are In-House During a Storm

1. Anna Maria Island Accommodations closely monitors weather reports and will share evacuation updates in real time.
2. You will receive text communication from our Guest Services team at 941-226-8442.
3. No refunds will be issued due to fear of weather or potential threats.
   • If you purchased CSA Travel Insurance, contact CSA directly to review your options.

Hurricane Facts & Definitions

Tropical Storm Classifications

Key Hurricane Terms

• Eye: Calm center of the storm, with low pressure and brief clear skies.
• Eyewall: Area surrounding the eye with strongest winds and heaviest rain.
• Storm Surge: A dome of seawater pushed ashore by a hurricane, causing 90% of hurricane-related deaths.

Where Hurricanes Form

Hurricanes may form throughout the Atlantic Basin but are most common in:

• Gulf of Mexico – High water temps, frequent storm development
• Western Caribbean – Favorable upper winds; storms often reach Gulf or East Coast
• Cape Verde Islands (Africa) – Source of long-tracking hurricanes reaching the U.S.

 Final Notes

• Anna Maria Island Accommodations is committed to your safety and support during any tropical weather events.
• Our team is prepared with protocols and communication strategies to guide you before, during, and after a storm.
• Please act quickly and responsibly when storms are approaching.