09/29/2026
It's been 2 years now since Hurricane Helene and her flood waters ravaged our beautiful paradise. I've been thinking about this post, the anniversary and how I will always remember the last two years. This could be a little long...lol.
I was the first one on the property when they allowed us back on the island, and I can say I'm glad I was alone. I cried like a baby. I cried for the destruction to the area, the building, what I knew our owners had lost, for the ordeal we were about to undertake, they guests we may not see again and so much more.
There were lots of emotions.
There still are.
I think we all have a little PTSD from 2024.
There wasn't a lot of time for tears though because the photos and drone videos that had been posted on fb before we could have access to the island didn't even come close to the reality that was right before us and there was work to be done.
So much to empty out of the building.
So many things to be cleaned up and carted off. Everyday was more heartbreaking than the last because everyday there was more and more of people's lives piled up along Gulf Blvd.
Fifty Gulfside lost the whole ground floor to flood waters. The deck, the railings, almost the pool and all the units on the gulf side were completely devastated we even had water in the intracoastal units. Sand filled the hallways, water filled the elevator pit.
So much destroyed so much to build back.
No guests in the building for 6 months. 6 months!! That was hard. No people in a building that is constantly full of life. People that are more like OUR family than guests. We were really missing you, but you guys showed up for us. Those that still came to the area while we were closed and stopped by to see us, the cards, the calls...It meant so much to us that you all constantly reached out and checked on us and our progress, the support and good vibes on all of our posts. You showed up for us, you made us feel like YOUR family.
We have lost some of our treasured repeat guests that we didn't get to give a proper goodbye during our recovery time and you will always be missed but we have also acquired a lot of wonderful new guests along the way and part of the reason for that is because our wonderful 50 family that welcomed the newbies with open arms.
We appreciate every one of you that came and stayed regardless of the construction. Who still come to your home away from home without fail. You are one of the reasons Fifty Gulfside is such a wonderful place to be and we wouldn't be what we are without your support.
It has been a long 2 years.
A lot of blood, sweat and tears have been shed to get back to whole, but Baby, we're back!! Better than ever.
THANK YOU to everyone that makes Fifty Gulfside the best place to be.
~Katrina
Some of my photos of our progress over the last two years.