The recent joint meeting between the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and the Anna Maria City Commission highlighted the significant impacts of the 2024 storm season and the ongoing preparations for future hurricanes. Public Safety Director Jody Fisk provided a detailed recap of the challenges faced during last year's storms, including Hurricane Debbie, which caused an estimated $56 million in damages, and Hurricane Helene, which brought severe flooding and storm surge.

Fisk emphasized the importance of collaboration among municipalities and the county during emergencies. He noted that having representatives from all municipalities present in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) proved crucial for effective communication and decision-making. This change in policy aims to ensure that local jurisdictions can quickly relay their needs and receive timely assistance.

The meeting also addressed lessons learned from the storms, particularly the need for improved communication and coordination among city officials. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy acknowledged that the city did not effectively utilize the EOC during the storms, which hindered their ability to communicate needs and updates to the county. He stressed the importance of having authorized decision-makers present in the EOC to facilitate real-time responses.

In preparation for the upcoming storm season, the county has been proactive in conducting over 60 presentations to community groups and homeowners associations, focusing on emergency preparedness. The county's emergency management team is also working on clearing debris from waterways and enhancing technology for better data management during storms.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue improving infrastructure and response strategies, ensuring that the community is better equipped for future storms. As the region gears up for the 2025 hurricane season, officials remain focused on collaboration, preparedness, and swift recovery efforts to protect residents and their properties.