As a coastal town located on a barrier island, Manasota Key, Florida, is very susceptible to hurricane threats, particularly those associated with storm surge, high winds, and flooding. The town's low lying topography and minimal elevation ensures that storm surge can be especially destructive, leading to extensive property damage and potentially significant loss of life if evacuations are not completed in time. Furthermore, with much of the area only a few to several feet above sea level, even minimal rises in water due to a storm surge or heavy rainfall could lead to widespread flooding. Over the past 30 years, Manasota Key and the surrounding communities have experienced the impacts of multiple major storms. Most notably, solutions had to be sought and implemented after Hurricane Charley in 2004. A Category 4 storm, Charley caused severe destruction across the region. The storm was devastating not only in terms of winds, but the massive flooding caused by storm surge and heavy rainfall led to catastrophic damage. It is imperative to develop effective plans and strategies for hurricane preparedness and evacuation. This should take into account the potential severity of impacts based on the town's location, elevation (or lack thereof), and historical susceptibility to storm surge and flooding damages.