As Hurricane Milton intensifies offshore, Florida’s Gulf Coast is once again facing the threat of severe weather just weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the region. Numerous hotels and resorts along the coast are taking precautionary measures by suspending operations and implementing evacuation plans to ensure the safety of guests and staff.
The St. Regis Longboat Key, located in one of the areas expected to be most affected by Hurricane Milton, has announced its closure and will waive cancellation fees through October 14. This decision reflects the hotel’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its guests during this challenging time. Similarly, the Don CeSar and the Sirata in St. Pete Beach have also closed their doors in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
In St. Pete Beach, the TradeWinds Resort has decided to remain closed until further notice. The property is focusing on post-Helene restoration efforts and plans to resume operations once Hurricane Milton has passed. The resort aims to reopen in phases, starting with the less affected areas, as soon as it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, city officials in Anna Maria Island have issued a mandatory island-wide evacuation order. Many hotels on the island, such as the Mainsail Beach Inn, BridgeWalk, and Silver Surf, are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene and have remained closed. The reopening timeline for Silver Surf remains uncertain, as the property assesses the situation and ensures the safety of its guests and staff.
In Fort Myers Beach, a mandatory evacuation has also been issued, prompting properties like the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, and DiamondHead Beach Resort to suspend operations. These hotels are taking proactive measures to protect their guests and employees from the potential dangers posed by Hurricane Milton.
The Opal Collection, which includes several luxury properties along the Florida Gulf Coast, has paused direct bookings for most of its portfolio through at least October 10. Impacted properties like the Opal Sands Resort and Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, as well as the Zota Beach Resort and The Resort at Longboat Key Club, are closely monitoring the situation and will resume operations once it is safe to do so.
Allegiant Travel Co.’s Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor has also announced the suspension of all hotel operations starting October 8. The property is offering waivers for cancellation fees for stays booked directly with Sunseeker Resort through October 11, with refunds for deposits and prepayments on canceled stays during this period. Sunseeker expects to resume limited hotel operations by October 11, pending further updates on the storm’s impact.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, hotels and resorts are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests and staff. By temporarily suspending operations and implementing evacuation plans, these properties are prioritizing the protection of individuals in the face of unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather conditions.