At Tropical Sands Accommodations, the safety and well being of our guests is always our top priority. Because Siesta Key is a barrier island along Florida’s Gulf Coast, tropical storms, hurricanes, storm surge, and flooding can occasionally impact the area during hurricane season.

Our local team closely monitors weather conditions throughout the season and works alongside Sarasota County officials to help keep guests informed and prepared. We encourage all guests visiting during hurricane season to review the information below before arrival.

HURRICANE SEASON IN FLORIDA

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. While most tropical activity occurs during these months, storms can occasionally develop outside of this timeframe.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISK ON SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key is a barrier island connected to Sarasota by two bridges. Due to its location along the Gulf Coast, the island may experience:

  • Tropical storms
  • Hurricanes
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Flooding
  • Storm surge
  • Temporary power outages

Tropical Sands Accommodations maintains emergency communication procedures and works to provide timely updates to guests during active weather situations.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A STORM APPROACHES

Monitor Official Weather Updates

Please stay informed through:

  • Local news stations
  • NOAA Weather Radio
  • Sarasota County Emergency Management
  • National Hurricane Center updates

Hurricane Terms to Know

  • Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours
  • Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours

FOLLOW TROPICAL SANDS ACCOMMODATIONS COMMUNICATION

If a tropical storm or hurricane is forecasted to impact the area, our Guest Services team will communicate important updates by phone, text, and email.

Contact Information

Reservations: 941-312-6156
Email: [email protected]

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS

If Sarasota County issues a MANDATORY evacuation order, all guests must evacuate immediately.

Guests should:

  • Pack all personal belongings and medications
  • Remove food from the property
  • Secure the rental as instructed
  • Follow official evacuation routes and local guidance

Tropical Sands Accommodations and property owners are not responsible for personal belongings left behind.

Please note:

  • No refunds or credits will be issued for voluntary evacuations
  • Please review our Terms and Conditions for full policy details

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Florida weather can change quickly during hurricane season. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect your vacation investment.

Travel insurance may provide coverage for:

  • Trip cancellations
  • Storm related interruptions
  • Delayed travel
  • Mandatory evacuations

No refunds will be issued for:

  • Fear of weather
  • Potential storm threats
  • Voluntary early departures

If travel insurance was purchased, please contact your provider directly regarding coverage questions and claims.

HURRICANE EVACUATION CHECKLIST

  • Prescription medications

  • Medical devices

  • Personal identification

  • Credit cards and cash

  • Car keys

  • Important documents

  • Bottled water

  • Flashlights and batteries

  • First aid supplies

  • Clothing and personal essentials

Whenever possible, evacuate early to avoid traffic congestion and secure accommodations inland.

EVACUATION ROUTES FROM SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key connects to Sarasota via two primary bridges:

North Bridge – Siesta Drive

➡ Head east over Siesta Drive
➡ Continue toward U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail)
➡ Follow official evacuation instructions inland

South Bridge – Stickney Point Road

➡ Head east over Stickney Point Road
➡ Continue toward U.S. 41
➡ Follow posted evacuation signage inland

Always follow directions from law enforcement and emergency personnel during evacuations.

RETURNING AFTER A HURRICANE

Guests should return to Siesta Key only after local officials confirm it is safe to do so.

Following a storm, conditions may include:

  • Power outages
  • Limited fuel availability
  • Road closures
  • Food shortages
  • Water advisories
  • Property damage

Re-entry to Siesta Key is managed in phases by Sarasota County based on safety conditions and infrastructure access.

For updates, please contact:
[email protected]

Please note response times may be delayed depending on storm conditions and recovery efforts.

IF YOU ARE STAYING WITH US DURING A STORM

Our team will continue monitoring weather conditions and communicating important updates throughout the storm event.

Guests will receive:

  • Text communication from Guest Services
  • Email updates regarding evacuation notices and property information

If you purchased travel insurance, please contact your provider directly regarding coverage assistance.

HURRICANE FACTS AND DEFINITIONS

Eye
The calm center of the storm, often with lighter winds and temporary clearing.

Eyewall
The surrounding area of intense thunderstorms containing the strongest winds and heaviest rain.

Storm Surge
A rise in seawater pushed inland by hurricane winds, often causing coastal flooding.

Where Hurricanes Commonly Form

Storms affecting Florida often develop in:

  • The Gulf of Mexico
  • The Western Caribbean
  • The Atlantic Ocean near the Cape Verde Islands

FINAL NOTES

For more than 30 years, Tropical Sands Accommodations has welcomed guests to Siesta Key with comfort, care, and dependable local service. During hurricane season, our team remains committed to keeping guests informed and supporting safe travel decisions whenever tropical weather impacts the area.

We appreciate your cooperation, preparedness, and understanding as we work together to prioritize guest safety throughout hurricane season.