Driving out to our condo on Longboat Key, we passed through Bradenton Beach, which was devastated by Hurricane Helene over two months ago. Significant damage is still widespread and piles of beach sand cover most of the ground.
Most noticeable was the limited human activity on that Friday afternoon. Usually bustling with tourists during the Holiday Season, many of the shops, restaurants and rental units have been shut down, if not destroyed. It was a sad sight to behold and a warning that we have just begun to witness the ravages of climate change.
The storm's wrath extended across northern sections of Longboat Key as well but, farther south, our condo complex was spared any serious damage. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the growing threat of rising seas and severe hurricanes; we do not plan to rebuild when that day arrives and may choose to abandon this barrier island in advance of its eventual destruction.
