Hurricane Protection and Remodeling Services on Manasota Key

Rebuild Stronger on Manasota Key

Few places on the Gulf Coast were hit harder in 2024 than Manasota Key. Milton’s surge came ashore on October 9, two weeks after Helene, and tore through homes from the north end down past the county line. Part of Manasota Key Road washed out north of Blind Pass Park and stayed closed for more than a year before reopening in early 2026. Many longtime residents came back to houses that were badly damaged or gone.

Manasota Key runs south from Venice past Englewood, with the north end in Sarasota County and the south end in Charlotte County. It has always been a mix of Old Florida beach cottages, newer elevated homes and small condo buildings. West Shore Construction has worked along this coast since 1985, and we install impact windows, hurricane shutters, motorized hurricane screens and hurricane fabric on the key, along with rebuild and remodeling work.

Two Counties, Two Permit Offices

Because the key crosses the county line, where your home sits decides who reviews the work. The Sarasota County side is permitted through Sarasota County, and the Charlotte County side through Charlotte County.

Both apply the FEMA substantial improvement and substantial damage rules to homes in flood zones, which is most of the key. Gulf front lots seaward of the state’s Coastal Construction Control Line can also need state review. We sort out which rules apply to your address before quoting.

Coastal Home Protection & Rebuilding

Rebuilding the Right Way

For owners rebuilding after Milton, this is the best time to get hurricane protection right. Openings, framing and anchoring can be designed together instead of retrofitted later. New homes on the key are generally built with the living floor raised above flood elevation, which puts every window a story or more off the ground. That makes impact windows and motorized systems far more practical than panels that have to be carried up a ladder.

Impact Windows and Doors

Laminated impact glass stays in the frame when struck, keeping the home sealed and pressure from building inside. On a key this exposed, we specify frames and hardware made for direct salt air and Gulf spray. Impact glass also cuts heat and glare, which matters on homes facing the water.

Shutters and Screens

Motorized rolling shutters close in seconds and protect an empty house. Accordion shutters stay mounted and close by hand. Bahama shutters suit the cottage style many owners want to keep. Motorized hurricane screens protect raised decks and porches facing the Gulf or Lemon Bay and work as sun screens the rest of the year. Compare every style on our shutters page.

Hurricane Fabric

Hurricane fabric such as astroGuard is light, strong and easy to store, a good fit for full time residents who prefer to put up their own protection. It lets in daylight during an outage.

Remodeling and Rebuild Work

As a state certified building contractor, West Shore handles whole home remodeling, kitchens and bathrooms. For homes that can be repaired, we look at the substantial damage numbers with you first so the plan holds up at permitting.

Insurance and Grants

Protected openings earn one of the largest wind mitigation credits on a Florida homeowners policy. West Shore is an eligible My Safe Florida Home contractor, a state program offering matching grants to qualifying homesteaded owners, and financing is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Protection on Manasota Key

Who handles permits on Manasota Key?

It depends on your address. The north end is in Sarasota County and the south end is in Charlotte County, and each county runs its own permitting.

I am rebuilding after Milton. When should I plan hurricane protection?

Now, during design. Planning impact windows or shutters into a rebuild is easier and usually more cost effective than adding them after the house is finished.

Is Manasota Key Road open?

The washed out section north of Blind Pass Park reopened in early 2026 after temporary repairs, and Sarasota County is still working on a permanent fix. We schedule around any lane closures.

Nearby Areas We Serve

West Shore also serves homeowners in Casey Key and Venice.

Request a Quote on Manasota Key

West Shore is a state certified building contractor (CBC044653) with more than 40 years of experience. We handle permits on both sides of the county line and can meet you on site for a free estimate.