In an unprecedented one-two punch, Southwest Florida faced two major hurricanes within weeks—Hurricane Helene in September, followed by Hurricane Milton in October. Helene, with 140 mph winds, battered Florida’s Big Bend and flooded coastal areas from Fort Myers to the Florida panhandle, setting high water records in St. Petersburg and Clearwater Beach. As residents began recovery, Milton unleashed further destruction, making landfall at Siesta Key a few miles at category 3 (111 mph+ winds) with an approximate 6′ to 7′ storm surge in Venice and category 1 winds, less than 95 mph.
Click here to view the recent report to the Venice City Council which contains a recap of the storm and surge impacts to the city, damage assessments, evacuation compliance, debris collection, plans for recovery and the after action review.
To move from page to page on the report, simply press the forward arrow key on your keyboard.
If you want to actually hear the presentation by Assistant City Manager James Clinch and Fire Chief Frank Giddens, you can go to the 9 minute mark of the Citizens Advisory Committee, Presentation