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What we know on Saturday:
- Anna Maria Island devastated by Helene, Manatee County reports major damage
- Siesta Key staggered by Hurricane Helene’s storm surge
- Residents have been allowed back to Anna Maria Island, Lido Key, St. Armands
10:15 a.m.: Early Manatee County damage estimates near $155 million
Initial Manatee County assessments show that 230,471 structures were affected by wind or storm surge during Hurricane Helene. Residential damage is estimated at $153.1 million, and commercial damage $1.97 million.
Holmes Beach and city of Anna Maria Island residents are returning on Saturday to begin cleanup but roads to the city of Bradenton Beach are still impassable and will be blocked. Power and water have not been restored.
Authorities ask residents to beware of scams and unlicensed or uninsured contractors. The county is also working with two contract waste haulers to coordinate debris removal, although no schedule has been set. Work is expected to begin next week. Officials ask residents to separate debris from day-to-day refuse.