While visiting Anna Maria Island Thursday morning, Governor Ron DeSantis said within a week, utility crews have restored power to four-million households and businesses. The Governor said this is the fastest power restoration following a major storm the state has seen.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced executive actions aimed at speeding up Hurricane Helene recovery efforts during a visit to Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island was among the areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene. The small island was underwater, with 100% of single family homes seeing 3-4 feet of floodwaters.

The Center of Anna Maria Island organizes volunteers like Ryan Quigley, Danny Whitley and the Sullivan family. At times, there are more people to help, than volunteers to respond. "We have 92, 80s, 60s,

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed topics related to vacation rentals, and other matters of local importance, during a visit to Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island took the brunt of the damage in Manatee County, and NewsNation affiliate WFLA got a look at the damage on Holmes Beach with a ride along with Holmes Beach Chief of Police. Driving through Holmes Beach,

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.