Two storms, two weeks apart
Helene's surge in late September 2024 reached nearly seven feet at Longboat Key, and emergency managers estimated that most structures on Bradenton Beach were destroyed or heavily damaged. On October 9, Milton came ashore on Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, with surge of four to six feet from Longboat Key to Venice and higher water farther south toward Boca Grande. Many associations dealt with both events in the same insurance year.
The Sarasota and Manatee condo market, August 2026
According to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, Sarasota County's median condo price was $310,000 in August 2026 on 281 sales, up nearly 14%, with 5.2 months of supply and about 60% of sales in cash. Manatee's median was $307,000 on 241 sales, up about 20%, with 4.9 months of supply. Both counties' inventories fell by double digits from a year earlier.
What to ask about a barrier-island building
- What storm damage the building had, and whether repairs are complete.
- Whether insurance claims are closed, and whether any shortfall was assessed to owners.
- The current master policy, flood coverage and deductible.
- Where the building is in its milestone inspection and reserve study.
Where buyers here get stuck
- Siesta, Longboat and Anna Maria buildings with open repairs — see assessments.
- Seasonal rental buildings on the keys — see condotels and rentals.
- Insurance and deductibles — see insurance.
Sources, checked September 2026: Florida DBPR condominium project counts (downloaded September 29, 2026) · National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Milton report · National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene report · Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, August 2026. Agency guides change; a lender confirms the rules in force on your application date.
Common questions
Where did Hurricane Milton make landfall?
On Siesta Key in Sarasota County, on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 hurricane, per the National Hurricane Center.
Can I buy a Siesta Key condo in a building still repairing storm damage?
Often, through a portfolio lender, once repairs are funded and underway. Conventional loans usually wait for completion.
What is the median condo price in Sarasota County?
$310,000 in August 2026, according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.
Do you have a local presence in Sarasota?
Yes. West Capital has a presence in Sarasota and Parrish, and Korbin works across both counties.