On the anniversary of Hurricane Milton's impact, the community in Southwest Florida reflects on a year of recovery and resilience.
Residents of Manasota Key, located approximately 30 miles south of where Milton made landfall in Siesta Key, have spent the past year picking up the pieces.
While the hurricane washed away many possessions, the spirit and sense of community among the residents remain strong.
"The charm of Manasota Key is what brought us here three years ago," said Burton Webb, a local resident. He recalled how the community would gather every Friday under a 100-year-old tree on Friendship Lane, a place where the name truly reflected the spirit of the area.
"There was a 100-year-old tree — twice as big as that one on the corner — where we all gathered every Friday," said Webb.
The hurricane, however, was a force that even the strongest memories could not withstand.
"It crashed into this house," Webb said, describing the devastation that Milton caused.
"Our cameras caught waves going over two homes that are no longer there," Webb added, pointing to the plots where seven homes once stood.
Despite the destruction, the Webbs decided to return and rebuild, understanding that not everyone could or would do the same.
"I think a lot of the community gave up," Webb said, acknowledging the changes to the island.
Karen Webb noted the transformation of the neighborhood as new homes replace the old.
"New builds will be up on stilts, and that's a better thing, however, because it’s meeting codes. And when another hurricane comes through, hopefully the homes will hold," she said.
The island has changed, but the friendships and resilience remain strong. The Webbs have even formed new friendships because of the hurricane.
The Webbs didn't just rebuild a house. They stayed to rebuild a community.