If they (rebuild it), they will come!
And this weekend marked the reopening of Siesta Beach after a disastrous Hurricane Milton nearly destroyed Siesta Key.
Siesta Key Beach, along with other areas in Sarasota County, was significantly impacted by Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. Milton brought a substantial storm surge to Siesta Key, with water levels peaking at 5-10 feet above ground level and his surge caused flooding in the area, pushing sand and water into parking lots and nearby streets. While the storm surge from Hurricane Helene had caused significant damage two weeks prior, Hurricane Milton’s strong winds appeared to be the primary cause of destruction on Siesta Key. The hurricane’s powerful gusts damaged structures and scattered debris across the island.
The storm’s impact resulted in considerable sand displacement on Siesta Beach. Sand was pushed from the beach into parking lots and streets, requiring extensive cleanup efforts. Fortunately, much of this sand was not mixed with debris, allowing for easier restoration of the beach.
Sarasota Events Calendar Editor Andrea Mastrocinque-Martone was at Siesta Key on opening day Saturday and by the looks of it, one would never suspect a hurricane had hit less than two weeks ago. The beach was pristine and the water clear blue with no fears of bacterial pollutants, nor red tide.
All was well in the world as hundreds enjoyed their weekend at one of the world’s finest beaches. Watch the 10 second video of “Siesta Key Strong Beach Supporters” here.
“Scooter” the Famous Siesta Key Lifeguard
A warm welcome was given by Scooter to all beachgoers with his warmth and spirit. Scooter, whose full name is Scot Ruberg, has become a beloved figure in the community, recognized for his engaging personality and daily beach reports shared on social media.
- Origin: Originally from Illinois, Scooter moved to Florida after spending ten years in Daytona Beach, where he worked as a lifeguard and attended college.
- Career: He began his lifeguarding career on Siesta Key in 1994 after being captivated by the beach’s beauty during a lifeguard tournament in the late ’80s.
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- His connection to the beach. His upbeat demeanor and engaging storytelling have made him a “spokesperson” for the area.
