Still Shining: Shell Key after the Hurricanes
As Florida steadily recovers from the impacts of the 2024 Hurricane Season, our team at Shell Key is no different. In this post, we’ll bring you up to date on the impact that Hurricanes Helene and Milton had on the area, and how our community has adapted to the changes in our environment. With plenty of help, hard work, and dedication, we can proudly say that Tampa Bay is still standing, and we’re honored to be able to keep offering tours of the gorgeous Shell Key Preserve!
Hurricane Hotspot: How the storms impacted the area
Hurricane Helene hit the Tampa Bay area late September of 2024 as a Category 3 storm, bringing with it immense flooding, storm surge, and high winds. Just barely 2 weeks after Helene, Hurricane Milton struck the area at a Category 4, compounding on damages Helene left behind and reshaping the area as we know it. Shell Key Preserve, along with Tierra Verde, were heavily impacted and Get Up and Go Kayaking – Tampa Bay was closed until the first week of November. Fort Desoto, a nearby popular destination, received heavy damages to their beaches and campgrounds, which only recently began reopening. But that didn’t keep our team from rallying behind the community! As we kept tabs on the latest water quality and red tide reports that prevented us from paddling out into Shell Key to assess the damages, we fundraised for our team members who were impacted by the storm. Using our social media influence, we worked to raise funds for those who needed it, and spread awareness of the groups in our community who were there to help. Once the water was safe enough to paddle, we set out into the Preserve to assist with cleanup efforts, which allowed us to give back to the environment we hold so dearly.
Aftermath Assessment: What had happened to Shell Key?
As we pulled storm debris out of the water, we began to notice the changes to our usual routes, and the shift in the ecosystem post- hurricane. Much of the shoreline at Shell Island had been eroded, and plenty of mangroves had been disturbed due to the fierce winds and waves. With the water churned up from the storm surge and debris, it was hard to tell if we’d see the gorgeous blue-green water in the Preserve any time soon. However, despite the damages to the area, we were hopeful. The channels we were so used to paddling had shifted, and new paths gave us access to areas that we wouldn’t have been able to navigate previously. To our surprise, we even had a new route to explore with our guests during lower tides, which previously kept us from certain areas! Now, almost 3 months after Helene made landfall, we can confidently say Shell Key is in the midst of returning to its gorgeous glow. Dolphins and many species of birds have returned to the Preserve, and we’re experiencing that serene beauty of the mangrove tunnels and aquamarine waters. Each day we’re able to be out on the water in Shell Key is a great one!
Still Shining: The path forward
While we acknowledge the profound effect that these storms have had on the Tampa Bay area and its people, we are proud of the resilience of our team and community, and pledge to continue our efforts of safeguarding Shell Key for future generations to enjoy. This barrier island not only protects our inland homes and businesses, but also provides us with a unique opportunity to explore and connect with nature. Our team continues to keep environmental stewardship at the front of our minds, and we’re proud to be able to serve and educate our guests on our clear kayak tours. Shell Key is back to life after the storms, but we are dedicated to appreciating the environment in all its stages, and are honored to be able to share information with our paddlers about how the preserve withstood one of the most devastating hurricane seasons Tampa Bay has seen in years. We’re still shining, and we hope to adventure with you soon!