Hurricane season is just around the corner, so now is the time to prepare.
And if you live or own a business in Anna Maria, that preparation should include obtaining a new reentry tag.
Mayor Mark Short wrote in a May 23 email to The Islander that property owners must obtain new reentry tags to return to the city following any potential disasters this storm season, which begins June 1.
Reentry passes issued before this year are not valid.
New passes will expire in January 2027.
Property and business owners can obtain up to two reentry passes per property/business by bringing identification and other documentation to the clerk’s window 8 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Residents must bring identification with an Anna Maria address or other documentation to confirm their residency.
On top of identification, non-resident property owners must bring documentation that confirms property ownership, while business owners must provide documentation of an Anna Maria business address.
While it is best to have a reentry pass ahead of a disaster, those unable to obtain them will be able to show proof of residency to receive a tag from Manatee County sheriff’s deputies at the police checkpoint at the entrance to the city following disasters.
Going into the new season, there are some concerns regarding unimproved and damaged properties, according to Short.
He wrote that significantly damaged properties within the city have been addressed, mostly with demolition, and the city has proactively been in contact with property owners with clearly visible damages.
Short asked property owners to follow any issued evacuation orders during season and to be prepared beforehand.
“Our advice is to complete preparations now and be ready for the upcoming season,” he wrote. “And anticipate in the case of a major storm that the power and water may be shut off to the island.”
People can learn more about reentry passes and stay up to date with the municipality’s emergency notifications on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.