DeSantis said in a Saturday afternoon press conference in Bradenton Beach. “This is just too nice an area not to.”

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Director Kristen Mazzarella told the Herald-Tribune that wildlife on the island also suffered losses. She said that a record-setting number of sea turtle nests laid on AMI this year has been devastated, first by Hurricane Debby and finished off by Helene.

Officials said since the water quality is unknown, residents should assume its unsafe to drink and take the appropriate precautions.