County: Manatee
ZIP Codes: 34216
Anna Maria, Florida, being a barrier island situated off the Gulf Coast, is particularly prone to hurricanes and significant flooding. It is wholly a coastal town with an average elevation of just seven feet and virtually no higher grounds to provide a natural barrier to storm surges or floodwater. Consequently, its low altitude exposes the town to significant threats from storm surge, especially during high tide scenarios. Furthermore, the peninsula's narrow shape allows storms to cause impact from both the bay and ocean sides. Historically, Anna Maria has experienced several major weather events. Specifically, within the past three decades, Hurricane Charley in 2004 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 significantly influenced the area. Though both missed the island directly, they caused considerable damage through high winds, heavy rainfall, and significant storm surge, resulting in widespread flooding. It is, therefore, necessary to have strict storm preparedness measures in place, considering the town's vulnerability. Citizens should prioritize evacuation readiness due to the town's coastal location, low elevation, and susceptibility to sizable storm surges and flood risk. Additionally, infrastructure should be designed or updated with these persistent risks in mind.