After months of extensive repairs and emotional recovery, vacation rental properties on Manasota Key are beginning to welcome guests once more. The return of renters marks a significant milestone for property owners like Eddie and Jen Powers, who faced immense challenges in restoring their two vacation homes following the destructive impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Key Takeaways
- Eddie and Jen Powers are welcoming their first renters to their Manasota Key vacation properties since Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- The couple invested their entire retirement savings into repairing the damage.
- Despite reopening, they express uncertainty about their future in the vacation rental business due to the ordeal.
The Road to Recovery
Eddie and Jen Powers have poured their hearts and finances into restoring their two vacation rental properties on Manasota Key. The couple described the process as exhausting, involving meticulous work such as handwashing an estimated 30 tons of contaminated rocks on both properties. Eddie, a retired airline pilot, completely depleted his retirement account to fund the necessary repairs.
While they have received an insurance payout for one property, they are still awaiting an adjuster’s assessment for the second. This financial strain has added to the emotional toll, with Jen expressing the fear of having their entire retirement tied up in the two buildings. The couple emphasized that the experience of recovering from such a devastating event is difficult for outsiders to fully comprehend.
Welcoming Back Visitors
Despite the arduous journey, the Powers are relieved and happy to finally be able to welcome guests back to their revitalized rentals. They have worked diligently to restore the properties to their original condition, sparing no expense in the process. This reopening signifies a return to normalcy for their business and a testament to their resilience.
Uncertain Future
However, the experience has left a lasting impact. Eddie and Jen have expressed doubts about their ability to undertake such a recovery process again. They conveyed that they "don’t have another one of these in us" and are unsure about continuing in the vacation rental business on the island after enduring the aftermath of the hurricanes.
Sources
- Couple who owns Manasota Key vacation rentals welcomes first renters since Hurricanes Helene, Milton, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.