What to know for the 2025 hurricane season

Last year’s hurricane season dealt a devastating blow to many Longboat Key neighborhoods. Though the community is trending toward full recovery, the prediction for the 2025 season, which begins June 1, will bring high activity from the Atlantic Ocean. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's latest estimates predict a 60% chance of an above-average season, which runs through Nov. 30. The national agency predicts 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes of a Category 3 or higher. 

On April 1, the Sarasota-based Climate Adaptation Center announced its own hurricane forecast that was on par with NOAA’s: 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and five major storms.  

As Bob Bunting, CEO of the CAC, previously told the Observer, storms don’t need to be a direct hit to have a substantial impact on an area. Hurricane Helene, for example, was a direct hit in Florida’s Big Bend region but flooded Longboat Key with 3 to 5 feet of storm surge. 

That’s why Longboat Key officials have put together seminars like the 2025 Longboat Key Disaster Preparedness Seminar and Fire Chief Paul Dezzi’s May 8 webinar to educate the public on how to best prepare for the hurricane season. 

In case you missed it, here are some of the key takeaways and things to keep in mind with the start of hurricane season: 

Have a plan 

It’s important to know what you’re going to do and where to go before a storm arrives. 

In Dezzi’s May 8 webinar, he stressed that staying with a relative, friend or at a hotel farther inland is the best option. Shelters are available on the mainland in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, but should be a “last resort” option. 

Booker High School (3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota) is likely the closest for Longboat’s Sarasota County residents, but a full list is available at SCGov.net. 

For Manatee County residents, Seabreeze Elementary School (3601 71st St. W., Bradenton) is the closest, but more options are on MyManatee.org. 

If you have pets, it’s also important to check to see which shelters allow pets and not to leave pets at home on the island. 

Anyone with a disability or who may struggle to get to a shelter on their own can sign up with their respective county’s medically dependent program. The sign-ups are on the Sarasota and Manatee County websites. 

Under an evacuation order, the town’s emergency personnel receive notification of any medically dependent individuals on the island and will assist in getting them to safety. 

Dezzi mentioned in his webinar the fire department responded to several fire calls after Helene and Milton that resulted from saltwater corroding electric batteries in electric vehicles, tools and wheelchairs.

He reminded community members to move cars, especially electric vehicles, to higher ground, preferably off-island. In addition, storing Battery-powered tools in high places. 

Whether evacuating to a shelter or a relative’s house, bring the essentials, plus some things which may not be as obvious. 

Cash, important documents like insurance cards, medicine, hygiene supplies, first-aid equipment, flashlights, backup glasses, clothing and non-perishable goods are essential, and other objects like books or things to do while evacuating can be good to include in a “go bag.” 

Take evacuation protocol seriously 

The town of Longboat Key collaborates closely with both Manatee and Sarasota Counties during emergency situations, but the town follows Sarasota County’s procedures in hurricanes. 

Any important information will push through the town’s Alert Longboat Key system. To register, go to LongboatKey.org and click the “Alert Longboat Key” button at the top of the page. 

When the town issues an evacuation order, follow it. Emergency personnel will not respond to calls when winds reach 45 mph, and when the storms get that severe, the police and fire rescue departments will station themselves off-island. 

When the storm passes, the town’s first-in team will assess the situation. This includes Public Works staff, first responders and other essential personnel. 

This year, the town is changing its island reentry protocol and using pre-distributed decals. 

Relief workers, essential business employees and condominium or homeowner association managers will receive green stickers. This tier, known as Tier 2, will be allowable after the first-in team deems it safe. 

Tier 3 will follow shortly Tier 2, and will open the island to residents and business owners. Those individuals will receive a red sticker for the 2025 year. To get a sticker, visit the Longboat Key Town Hall, police department, fire rescue stations, public works building or planning, zoning and building department.