We purchased our condo on Longboat Key, Florida, over 20 years ago; even then, the building was almost 40 years old. When we made that leap, we understood that owning property on a barrier island carries a significant risk. This week, it appears that risk has become a reality as Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 4 storm, barrels toward that narrow strip of sand.
A storm surge of 15 feet is currently predicted and our condo complex may end up in Sarasota Bay. Though global warming was receiving limited attention back in the early 2000s, we now know that building on barrier islands is pure folly; even if the structure might withstand severe storms, access, utilities and nearby amenities may be lost for extended periods of time. Indeed, there has been a general exodus from low lying coastal areas of Florida as both extreme weather and insurance rates increase dramatically. Only the very wealthy are still buying property in these high risk zones.
Whatever level of damage is inflicted by Milton, we won't be visiting Longboat Key anytime soon. Nature may just reclaim the site.
