Anna Maria Island Fighting to Bounce Back!

Captain Randall Shaw returns to Anna Maria Island to witness firsthand the recovery progress after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With roots in New Orleans, Captain Shaw is no stranger to the aftermath of devastating storms, having honed his expertise in community rebuilding through five major hurricanes, including Katrina. His insights and interviews with locals and business owners will provide invaluable perspectives on the ongoing restoration efforts.
Here on Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach, many locals rely on Airbnb rentals to sustain and support our economy. By choosing to stay with us, you can help bolster our community as we continue to rebuild and thrive.
Here are a few of the Airbnb's from the people we interviewed.
www.vrbo.com/3...
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To book your next trip out on the water contact me at
352-388-1155 or FloridaFishingCo.com

[@ianmitchell1594]

Great news I’m back over there from the UK in February 👍 there’s no way I’m not coming over. I’m a carpenter in the UK if I can help with anything I will, on vacation or not as we need this area back as it was ❤

[@thomaswakula8092]

This is the kind of coverage we need. I'm not a local, but I have been coming to AMI for many years and have probably walked 95% of the island. I love this place. Your kind of coverage is what we need, and I will sorely miss the Rod and Reel. Hopefully, they will rebuild soon, I know there is a "GoFund Me" page already set up for them.

[@LandedFishing]

@@thomaswakula8092 it’s definitely a special place to visit! Hope this video gives you more of a clear picture of the future of the island. Thanks for watching and visiting!

[@BellaItalian]

A go fund me? They should have insurance!!! People in manatee County have lost homes, refrigerators all our food. A go fund me for Rod and Reel Pier? They have insurance? This island will no be ready for spring break. So so much work needed. All safety inspections, and power lines, to home power, breaker boxes, and all supplies, rentals need new furniture, appliances, as restaurants need new appliances.... It's a mess in manatee & Sarasota counties...... It's like a bomb went off around here!! 3 hurricanes in 90 days. And 2 more possible hurricanes upcoming? There are more disturbances out there.... Lord in heaven in help us all ..🙏 Pray these other areas of interest of storms turn off a different direction? We cannot do another hurricane. 3 in 90 days ... We are exhausted. But give it time, it's a wreck. Short of food, gas, supplies. Things will start to get to leaned up, but just our necessities is priority now. Vacations should be the last thing. I cannot see spring break happening. If so won't be much to do here.... The whole Gulf coast has been hit very hard. Go take a cruise or go to the pan handle... Seriously.. Pray we don't have any more hurricanes here. The only place I would vacation is a cruise or the panhandle. You have all of the east coast. We will be happy to see people come back next year.... God Bless 🙏❤️

[@pawamore4047]

Please keep showing the Island clean up and construction rebuilds.

[@LandedFishing]

@@pawamore4047 I plan on it. Going to film again in different areas tomorrow

[@jonbradley3083]

You can do it guy's, Stay positive. Were all behind you! Jon & Barbara Bradley - Warsash - England U.K

[@LandedFishing]

Thank you for the support all the way from the UK!

[@francispicurro9990]

I’ve had the awesome experience of vacationing in Florida three summers in a row… Count me in for forth year next Summer my fellow Americans.. Stay strong and keep the faith…

[@ccfarm]

So happy to see the recovery/rebuild. Anna Maria is our favorite. Thank you for the footage.

[@jlssbrown]

I love his optimism but, the island will not be ready for tourists for a long while. Two of my next door neighbors lost their entire house with Milton and we were completely flooded and had to gut the whole house with Helene. The mayors are saying they have zero idea of a timeline for the beaches and water. The amount of sewage that was put into the water and debris both times is RIDICULOUS. They have to sift thru all the beach sand and something like 500 yards out into the water to make it safe to swim and enjoy again. There's going to be 3x (maybe more) the amount of construction that usually happens on a daily basis for the rebuild. The Rod and Reel is completely gone! And the city pier walkway is gone! It took them like 3 years to rebuild it the last time alone. We are gonna need a min here guys. The supplies to rebuild are gonna be SCARCE due to the devastation in the entire state of Florida and the Southeast states unfortunately. Please be patient while we recover. ❤

[@psidvicious]

You’re right. Everyone should just pack up and leave. It’s too hard..just go back to [fill in the blank]

[@hazegrayandunderway8077]

@@psidviciousI agree!! Don’t let the screen door hit em in their collective asses on the way out

[@janicemclaughlin8100]

I agree. I think this video is misleading.

[@gomogo2000]

What is a min, and how can you get it quicker?

[@psidvicious]

@@gomogo2000 “min” - minute? I think? 🤔 It’ll go back together quick. Always does.

[@Rose-xq4bd]

I fell in love with AMI in ‘86.Moved to Fla.in ‘87.I settled45 minutes north of it.I beached there when ever I could. It’s my natural anti drpressant, anxiety,get in a better mood changer. I had family reunions in rentals for many years. When I saw what Helene did,I cried.and then Milton.I said goodbye to her.Thank You SO much for your video. The little house on Ave E got flooded.The owners are rebuilding. For next May I rented Sunset Beach 101 in the area of Ave E, it is ok. People won’t let go of AMI. We have moved and traveled from far away places to be with her. She is Beautiful and we Love her and we are AMI Strong!!!!!!❤

[@SueBurrows-ik9oq]

Wonderful! So great to hear some good news. See you in March ❤️

[@BellaItalian]

Good Luck

[@wendysherbert3257]

My family visits every summer from parts of Florida and Virginia. We will absolutely be back this summer! Like always..but sad to see the Rod and Reel didn’t make it. But hopefully they can rebuild. :) Prayers to you all!

[@RickArnold-lu4ue]

Thanks for the update. We love Anna Maria! Looking forward to being down there soon!

[@pauloliver7606]

We do hope they can rebuild the rod and reel pier we have great memories holidaying on the island .we are from England and have been to the island many times. We have made many american friends and meet up when we are there..we hope to be back soon .stay safe every one our love and best wishes from paul and Sharon from England

[@kimberlyosborne9595]

Thank you so much for sharing! AMI is my favorite place to vacation with my family. We’ve gone the past 3 years and want to return this summer. Living in Ohio I’ve been so concerned on how my favorite place is recovering from this hurricane. This makes me hopeful ❤❤❤

[@N2MyGroove]

As a Native Floridian who loves AMA, grew up in MLB and lived mostly in Tampa, this is so refreshing. Corporate/Political media along with the unchecked rouge social media influences speaking doom for clicks & ratings. I really appreciate this ❤

[@BellaItalian]

It's in bad shape in in Sarasota manatee County. I don't know how everything will be up and going that fast? It's a mess... Let's pray 🙏 because from what I see it's going to take lots of work!!! Lots of hands, lots of supplies! God give us a miracle 🙏

[@melodyjohnson1505]

Thank you for doing this!! The media is fixated on the damage and it’s making people think AMI is completely gone. Love the realistic perspective, optimism, and confidence in what’s ahead that you shared!!

[@LandedFishing]

Your welcome and I have a new video coming out tomorrow with more updates from the island.

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

Thanks for the info. We were concerned about many friends who still live in Manatee & Sarasota County. I moved from there & moved to Texas. Happy to know recovery is under way. Bless you all. 🤗💖👍

[@NK-xk9kj]

Great seeing this! Thank you!

[@smwokk]

Thanks for the update. The most useful so far. Love everybody's can do attitude. I'll be there as soon as I can manage. Thanks!

[@pawamore4047]

Appreciate your boots on the ground, photos, videos, personal interviews. The main stream media doesn't do this kind of coverage anymore. How many times do we need to hear about the crane collapse and Trop field roof.

[@LandedFishing]

@@pawamore4047 thank you and appreciate you telling me that. Working on the next video tomorrow!

[@JustJenRx]

My favorite florida spots 😢 too. How did Holmes end up? I can bet that sign isn't there anymore. I would like to express my gratitude for everyone coming together to help, especially Ron DeSantis. He did a phenomenal job. Thank you for this video. I pray for all affected by Helene and Milton.

[@jorgefonseca5798]

I was raised in this area and moved away 3 years ago, Anna Maria has always been my favorite little slice of home and it means a lot to see all the hard work you guys are doing to restore it. thanks for everything your doing to clean up and spread the word about our favorite little island.

[@lisamarie341971]

Thank you for this video. Unfortunately our rental for the week of Thanksgiving didn't fare so well but we will definitely be back next year ! Sending all the good vibes to everyone in AMI. It really is the most amazing place

[@LandedFishing]

Look forward to seeing you back next year!

[@paulawilliams7379]

Thank you for showing this Beautiful island. I sure wish I could afford to live and just visit such a Beautiful place. Our Lord and Savior was definitely watching over this island. A place I will never be able to see in my life time. Thanks for the coverage, much appreciated ❤

[@SRsizz]

Could’ve been so much worse! The storm weakening, three hours before it hit sure saved us! If it was a strengthening category, four or five storm, it would’ve wiped everything out we were saved

[@steveerickson145]

Daughter Heidi and Husband Andy Owns SMOQE HOUSE On The Island- Giving It Hell To Get Back Open! Thanks For Your Hard Work! Rooster in Minnesota

[@nancycurtis3964]

Thanks for this. I'm a 5th generation Floridian, and now spend hurricane season in Vermont. Distance doesn't prevent the stress, though. I was happy to learn that my Bradenton home is intact, but no electricity.

[@conniegravelle1803]

Love Vermont too.

[@davidjames7382]

Miss Anna Maria Island. Gulf Drive Cafe, Sandbar restaurant. Praying for everyone down there. Lived in Bradenton for 27 years. Spent countless time on Bradenton Beach. Brothers friend has a condo three blocks down from Bradenton Beach PD. Y'all be safe down there.

[@sallyforth9323]

Thank you for the video. I’ll be there in November, going all out to support small businesses. Good luck Florida and Floridians. I love y’all. ❤

[@joseleite2955]

Thank you very much for the video Sr … I just subscribed to the channel and I’m not fishing 🎣 guy 😂😂😂 but I do appreciate your support and video of the Island for all of us who love Anna Maria … thanks 🙏 and I’ll be back very soon with my family ( Joseph from Maryland)

[@yohan50111]

i understand you guys of owners wanting to get back to business, but its up to city officials to allow vacationers back on onto AMI. For recovery efforts you will need general contractors, building inspectors, water remediation companies, roofing compnaies.

[@BellaItalian]

Exactly 💯 who are they fooling?

[@ferminmiranda7167]

We need people to come stimulate the economy! Thank you for the video!

[@LandedFishing]

Proud to be a part of this amazing community. Can’t wait to see the businesses full in the up coming months!

[@charlie__kelly3690]

Not sure if I see the point. I was born and raised there. I was remorselessly priced out of the area. The island is just a money printer now and Bradenton is overdeveloped.

[@JustJenRx]

We need to let them fix it before coming. It's one of my favorite places on this planet, but I'm staying out of their way so they can do what they need to do.

[@LandedFishing]

@@JustJenRx it won’t take the community long is the message I’m trying to get out. Months at most to be up and operational. Will be updating with new videos!

[@phyllisharrell174]

I hope you can show Via Roma Resort, we've owned there for years and are wondering how it fared. Thanks for the updates.

[@LandedFishing]

I am doing another video tomorrow and will add that place to my list!

[@TimLutz-v2z]

Good morning Captain! I enjoyed your video. I appreciate the way you're helping people on the island. I sent you a text message, but I'm not sure if you received it. I'm requesting some pictures of our family vacation house at 507 Key Royal Dr. We plan to come down to fix it up, and having a damage assessment would help us bring the necessary supplies. I'm guessing that Home Depot might be low on supplies. I promise to charter a fishing trip with you, and if you have any printed media, we can include it in our rental packets. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tim.

[@kimdwyer6192]

This was so helpful...as long term rental snow birds we are hopeful after your great video. We cannot wait to help support the local restaurants and businesses...

[@FLLoonNews]

Great overview I hope your business comes back strong!

[@LandedFishing]

@@FLLoonNewsthank you and we definitely will come back stronger!

[@dalewyman3373]

Thx so much for your coverage. You’ve helped us in our discussion of canceling vs keeping our reservation for late March into early April. AMI is the Best!

[@BettherBeachwear]

Love beach boutique rentals!!! Julie is the best!

[@LandedFishing]

That must be his wife!

[@janeobrien7567]

Excellent video. Good luck to you. Looks like a lovely place ... simple vibe. Not for huge crowds -- just folks who enjoy being out on the the water, fishing, and nearby other site-seeing areas.

[@georgemacheel2039]

As an annual January renter, I need to know whether the supply of building materials, labor and money (insurance or FEMA assistance) will be sufficient to restore my ground level rental before I arrive. Helene is a regional disaster, and resources might be strained. Can I rely on the city to thoroughly and timely inspect the repairs? Renters should put this question to their landlord or rental agency, before they make a decision to cancel or wait. I believe that it will take my rental agent some time to provide an informed answer. I have a no-cancel lease, so I must wait for answers.

[@genehinders9639]

Love Tide Tables and Star Fish Co ❤❤

[@LandedFishing]

@@genehinders9639 same here! Great local seafood!

[@kathygall2739]

Great video.. thank you!

[@LandedFishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@johnnylamothe1428]

Painful as the moment may be, there will be joy in the morning. Because it's just a test, also a preparation for what's coming ahead of us. So we must believe and have faith that our prayers will be answered promptly by our creator. Eventhough, it may seem painful to us, but we know that God is in control and He's way bigger than the powerful storms that are raging before us. 😔 ❤

[@cynthialodermeier5291]

Isn’t everything contaminated from the storms? Just wondering how long it takes for nature to fix the damage?

[@ct3po776]

Got to go to Bradenton 9 yrs in a row before my grandmother died, and her home was sold, and we'd get excited when we saw the Anna Maria Island manatee sign, of course I have my picture with that sign, and hope it's OK!(?) Right now I still have a Manatee Christmas ornament hanging on my rearview mirror I bought at a gift shop on E Bay Dr. several years ago. Been away from Florida for awhile, and all this attention is making me long to be back on the beach, including looking for shark's teeth on Venice Beach, and even walk around Red Barn flea market! There was a buffet restaurant on 41st St. yrs ago that we loved, (best fried fish ever!) but I don't remember the name, and now all I can find are Chinese buffets on maps, (so it must be gone) except for the Hungry Howie's Buffet on 301 Blvd E. that we also liked. (First place I ever found a low carb pizza, which is a pan of toppings without crust!😋)

[@DMillerFlorida]

The reason so many older homes were destroyed is because these new homes were built and took all the strong vegetation away. And just like he said, they're made to allow the water to flow through. Old Anna Maria was the best. New Anna Maria..eh. Born and raised. Shameful what happened to the island when word got out about how beautiful it is.

[@maryannconte7583]

Thank you…I need to return in 2025. The piers are my refuge at night and I miss The Sandbar Restaurant and Ginny and Janeys!!! How are they doing?

[@Artoconnell]

Will be in bradenton beach in first week dec this year. would love to hire you to take 2 or 3 of us out for a day? All this new structure to explore makes some interesting twists to an old game. Thank you for showing us these areas so we dont have to clog the roads trying to find out.

[@sashawood]

Smart pivot!! The island looks beautiful, even after the storms, maybe i’ll get to visit some day ❤

[@BellaItalian]

It's a mess .. I don't know who they are trying to fool. So many insurance claims, so many inspections, it's gonna take a long while ..... Sorry, but it is sad to see Manatee & Sarasota county with significant damage. The water is not aqua colored, I don't like the color of the Gulf. Praying no red tide starts in 🙏 God please keep any further storms away..

[@rae3356]

Thank you 🩷

[@stumattingley2855]

Thanks for this video. Very informative with much optimism 🙏

[@plertisdibble1504]

Great video, I have a timeshare at umbrella beach resort, it's right next door to skinnys hamburger joint, I'm hoping there wasn't much damage to that.

[@alexgray8804]

I used to live in Cortez by the coast guard station

[@grassman254]

Great video , how did Annie’s bait and tackle do?!! Hopefully it’s still there

[@JoeGlenn-w9b]

Was wondering the same thing.

[@Mr.PanHandler]

Grew up on the north end. Folks lost the house. Appreciate the footage

[@tomferrara8443]

You need to video a mile south in Bradenton Beach, where the most damage occurred. That city has 90% damages.

[@tsth-7294]

Great positive video! Hang in there! We love AMI and will be back! How are the houses next to Rod & Reel Peer? Hope pier gets rebuilt ❤️

[@janicemclaughlin8100]

You know you are a tourist island. I heard the mayor say 80% of the island is Rentals! Will this mean that the rentals will be even higher? They’re Sky high now. I’m worried about the people that have lived there for yrs. I hope they can afford to stay and fix their homes. They won’t be getting rental income. what devastation to the island and Fla. and we won’t forget NC either. Stay safe everyone.I think you need to be realistic about the time period needed for restoration. I mean 3-4 weeks restaurants will open up( some of them). Don’t mislead the tourists.

[@genehinders9639]

Appreciate the information! When we get back to AMI we'll be fishing with ya!

[@LandedFishing]

Sounds good!

[@Over65Retired]

Excellent work

[@billyszabo4170]

Any possible way you can get a video of 69th st? And thanks for your posts!

[@Fetherko]

& 60th st...

[@robertstephenson1049]

Maybe Harbor Lane, by AM Elementary? My grandparents had a house next to the school. Haven’t found a video that has shown those streets.

[@TrailBlaze61]

Is the Ugly Grouper still operational?

[@Fetherko]

Landmarks, landlords, an elevated home, and nothing relevant to my cousin's flooded ranch home. How many roofs were stripped? How many windows were broken?

[@stockey]

I wouldn't do anything until the hurricane season is over, because, there might be more coming.

[@hazegrayandunderway8077]

Ok Jim Cantore, the last one before Helene was 1921, how long should we wait??😢

[@charlesviner1565]

Hello Drift Inn and Concrete Edgar 👍🎶🍺🎸✌️♥️🙏

[@chicomarlin1246]

4-6 weeks to rebuild lol. Naples is still rebuilding 2 years after Ian and Ft Myers Bch is going to take years to come back

[@devilmaycry9969]

They are trying to get the tourists to not cancel their plans. The thing is we need electricity, water and gas solved first for everything to run smoothly. If snowbirds come and locals don't have their basic necessities met I can see resentment brewing.

[@chicomarlin1246]

@@devilmaycry9969 As a contractor I’m not a fan of snowbirds. The moment they come down they except us to cater to them and clear our schedules because their time is limited- not my problem. This is a generalization of course, not all are entitled

[@andrewm1606]

The situation in Anna Maria is nowhere near comparable to the damage received by Ft Myers and Naples. Some houses on the island will need a long time, but 90%+ of businesses and vacation rentals on the island will be up and running by January 1, mark my words. There is enough funding, resources and willpower to make it happen.

[@Seven_Craig]

Top shelf grouper tacos at Tide Table!

[@kristinekate8]

The best!

[@LandedFishing]

They opened today! check out the next video coming out tomorrow!

[@NasserAlhameli]

L👀k around! You would find Richard Misrach photographing!

[@ryancoleman9580]

Great Video..

[@BiscuitBoyTN]

Great job We own in La Casa on 74th street !!

[@janjenkinson1829]

Thank you, great job… wondering how the Anna motel held up? Near bean point.

[@charlesviner1565]

Just subscribed 👍

[@NK-xk9kj]

Trying to get footage from Lil Gasparilla. There are so many areas affected but no footage.

[@jamiereid40]

It would seem to me that on the first floor of all homes should not be dry wall or anything that water can destroy

[@LandedFishing]

I agree it should be a hardi type of board but I’m not up to date on the island building codes.

[@coachesalot]

As stated, you dodged a bullet.

[@LandedFishing]

1000%

[@wydryfly]

It’s a game of odds with hurricanes, however having 2 major hurricanes hit FL in one week throws the odds out the window. New shifts in the severity of hurricane weather may make this an annual occurrence. Hope not, but it could happen.

[@warrenwinslow4266]

Especially with the government's hands on the HAARP machine

[@BeerHunter1953]

Is there much debris in the water around the island?

[@LandedFishing]

No, the most I have seen is on the north bay side of the island around the rod and reel peir.

[@jerryp8645]

On our way in Jan.

[@LandedFishing]

@@jerryp8645 looking forward to seeing y’all down here!

[@Artoconnell]

Were coming in Dec, We don't care if we are slightly inconvenienced, the rental Co, the few Restaurants and of course our favorite Fishing Co charter need our support more than ever. Florida helping Florida. its what we do Brother.

[@BellaItalian]

It's up to city, state officials when Anna Maria Island is livable again. You cannot just come or open up your business. There needs state code inspections, county inspections, insurance money settlements, the president just gave another $600 million to Gov Desantis yesterday. Desantis has received lots of millions from FEMA in 90 days from 3 different hurricanes. But, we need more hands, more supplies, and time. It's a huge mess here. It's not up to anyone to allow vacations to start, there already is a curfew and has been. No one on the island at 7pm to 7am. Everyone off except tree removal, power line workers, and insurance adjusters, home owner or business owners, people cannot just come out there. Please be sure the island is open when you arrive, because, it's curfew @ 7pm.

[@Artoconnell]

@@BellaItalian I own property there, I can come and go as I please, but thanks :)

[@Artoconnell]

@@BellaItalian They NEED our help, lets not fail them :) I know you mean well and what you say makes sense. but they need us now more than ever. we are all family.

[@mcadamr]

I hope so, no reason not too with the amount of wealth on that island

[@findingretirement6649]

Enjoy, hurricane season not over yet and starts again in 7 months....

[@eriq54321]

Not only just hurricane season, but just regular storms are getting much worse

[@garrydye2394]

@@eriq54321 Worst seasons were close to 100 years ago...prior to so called global warming.

[@bricks-mortar]

👍TY

[@LandedFishing]

Your welcome! Happy to help in anyway I can!

[@Kelleybeard-k3q]

Will yall be ready for visitors by christmas

[@gomogo2000]

How is beautiful Bean Point? How are the Dunes?

[@joycewarren6050]

My daughter works at Galati s

[@mjmj8980]

Mold is the deterent factor. I guess the buildings have to be inspected.

[@Lachelip]

"It wont take long recovery " until the next one.

[@garrydye2394]

First time it has been hit like this in 100 years..

[@hazegrayandunderway8077]

Haha, you’ve had too many vaccines

[@misterg4059]

Unless you’re self-insured I don’t know what insurance company will sell you a policy 😮

[@cmckeon44]

The water is a brown color right now. 10-13-2024

[@ErynRea]

How's Longboat Key?

[@LandedFishing]

I haven't been over there yet.

[@Howrider65]

Dream on.

[@mikltobayu1962]

mother nathure cleaned up your mess

[@jac2479]

Clean up your mess and get out.

[@joeyconservative]

DeSantis and Republican Legislature have made home insurance WORSE

[@johntwigg3714]

This is what BS sounds like

[@timsmith-l9q]

HARD HEADS NOT EVERYONE IS LEARNING FROM THE PAST

[@Artoconnell]

Learning what Sir? am curious? the Ocean gives, the Ocean takes. we know and accept the risks. This whole thing tells me building codes matter and if done correctly, its really not an issue.

[@garrydye2394]

@@Artoconnell Agree...the homes that were affected the most were 50 plus years old. New building codes saved a great many homes. The code now is on stilts. People just love to hate.

[@timsmith-l9q]

@@garrydye2394 HELENE (1958) Time Magazine PARADISE LOST? south florida TAMPA (PROJECT PHOENIX) peple just love to hate but the lazys don't like to research and use their commun sense Do You stil be-LIE-ve in the media poiticians and the goverment incluring the organizations calleds Religions? 🤣🤣