When Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Sarasota area, Longboat Key was among the hardest-hit islands. The devastation forced many businesses to close, including the beloved SeaHorse Beach Resort.

After months of repairs, the resort fully reopened earlier this week, and eager visitors wasted no time returning.

Paul Will, a longtime guest, was relieved to see his favorite getaway back in operation.

“We’ve been coming to the SeaHorse Beach Resort for 14 years and visiting the island for almost 23 years,” he shared.

Paul and his fiancée, Jolanta, make an annual trip to Longboat Key, where they reconnect with their friend Sam McCarter, the resort’s director. But this year, things felt different.

“Seeing the photos and hearing about the damage, we were really concerned,” Paul said.

The destruction was extensive. According to McCarter, the resort suffered over half a million dollars in damages.

“Water seeped in under the door walls, leaving several inches in each of the ground-floor units. Even a small amount of water can cause major issues—drywall absorbs it, and kitchen cabinets get ruined,” McCarter explained.

After more than four months of remediation and renovations, Paul is finally back in the room he’s stayed in for years.

“The view—first and foremost. You never get tired of it,” he said.

For Paul, this place is more than just a vacation spot—it’s a cherished tradition. Now, he’s passing it on to the next generation.

“We have fun, but now there’s an added youthful energy with the grandkids,” he said.

For Paul, Jolanta, and many others, the SeaHorse Beach Resort isn’t just a destination; it’s a place filled with memories, ready to create many more in the years to come.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

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