Good to know
Storm recovery status
Helene and Milton hit hard in 2024. Most of the island is back open, but a few landmarks are still closed or moved. Here's where things stand.
Island status: what's open
Checked Sep 30, 2026- OpenHistoric Bridge Street Pier: Open for strolling and fishing, and it is the ferry landing for the island. source
- OpenGulf Islands Ferry: Running to the Bridge Street Pier, with a new Coquina Beach hop. The Anna Maria stop waits on the City Pier. source
- MovedRod & Reel (restaurant): The Rod & Reel reopened on land at 3246 East Bay Dr in Holmes Beach with the old menu. source
- MovedMote Marine at the City Pier: Mote Marine is not returning to the pier. Its old building becomes part of the new PIERadise spot, and the bait shop is coming back. source
- ConstructionAnna Maria City Pier(About November 2026): Closed since the 2024 storms and under construction. The new walkway is finished, and on Sept 8 the city hired a contractor for the last round of work on the T end buildings, including new restrooms. The PIERadise team hopes to open in November, and the city expects the pier open before the end of 2026. sourcesource 2source 3
- ConstructionCortez Bridge(Traffic shift late 2026, second shift mid 2028): FDOT is replacing the bridge in two halves so traffic keeps moving. Side street closures on the Cortez side now, and bridge construction was set to begin in November 2026. sourcesource 2
- ConstructionAll three island bridges(Through late 2026): Crews are adding bike and pedestrian sensors. Expect some overnight lane closures, 7pm to 6am. source
- Construction56th St and Marina Dr, Holmes Beach: Stormwater work closed the intersection with detours, weekdays 7am to 7pm, through the end of September 2026. source
- ClosedLeffis Key Preserve: Closed until further notice because of hurricane damage. source
- DestroyedRod & Reel Pier: The 1947 pier on North Shore Dr was destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The owner has said he plans to rebuild, and that still needs state approval. sourcesource 2
Visiting soon?
- Local tipMost beaches, restaurants and shops are open again. A few spots are still being rebuilt, so check a place's own page before you go.
- Local tipHurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Consider trip insurance and keep an eye on the forecast.
Sources · checked 2026-09-30
- AMI Sun: City Pier repairs entering final phase (Sept 16, 2026)
- The Islander: City Pier remediation wraps up (Sept 8, 2026)
- AMI Sun: City Pier lease awarded to GSM Partners (June 2026)
- The Islander: Rod & Reel rebuild requires additional state approval (Nov 2025)
- Miami Herald: Rod and Reel Pier destroyed by Milton (Oct 10, 2024)
- Manatee County: Leffis Key Preserve
- The Islander RoadWatch, Sept 29, 2026
- FDOT: Cortez Bridge project 430204-2
- AMI Sun: The Rod & Reel restaurant sets sail
- City of Bradenton Beach: City Pier
- AMI Sun: ferry now includes Coquina Beach (Sept 2026)
Lines marked Local tip are what regulars and locals say, not official rules.