Sand from Longboat Key's beaches created dunes along Gulf of Mexico Drive after Hurricane Helene's storm surge. All residents were allowed back to their homes on Sunday, Sept 29. All residents of Longboat Key are now being allowed to return to their homes, with certain restrictions, town officials announced Sunday.

Residents are allowed to begin returning to Longboat Key Sunday afternoon, according to town officials. Re-entry began at 1 p.m., but the island is only accessible from New Pass Bridge on the south end,

Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi told community representatives there’s still uncertainties with the town’s water supply and infrastructure following Hurricane Helene.

The damage from Helene took some Sarasota residents by surprise. One family who decided to ride out the storm and wound up scrambling to save what they could. “First I want to give the glory to God; it could have been worse,

LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department speaks about the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Longboat Key Fire Rescue is currently on the island assessing damages and recovery. Due to a gas leak on the north side of the island, the island will remain closed until that has been fixed, according to Chief Dezzi.