Dear Friends,

In the wake of Sarasota's direct hit from Hurricane Milton, I very much hope that you and your loved ones are safe. You are all in my thoughts. Needless to say, the aftermath is difficult — but I know that this community is resilient and will pull through together!

Many people have asked about how both campuses of our beloved Selby Gardens fared during this major storm event.  I have been able to do initial assessments with my team.  As you can imagine, we do have damage and considerable clean up to do.  Both campuses will need to remain closed until further notice. In addition, Lights at Spooky Point at our Historic Spanish Point campus is canceled. Here are some initial observations from both campuses:

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA CAMPUS

• Power is out and some power lines are down
• 20% of solar panels came loose and were damaged
• New buildings appear in good condition
• Historic structures appear in good condition
• A portion of glass in the conservatory and in all greenhouses is broken — but the structures are still standing and the living collections are unharmed
• Numerous downed trees (but not our Bunya Bunya, Banyans, or Moreton Bay Fig)
• Large quantities of debris
• Several shipwrecked boats came ashore that are not ours
• Damaged boardwalk in the Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden
• Similar storm surge effects to Hurricane Helene (with docks and decks already damaged from that storm)

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT CAMPUS

• Power out/some power lines down
• Approximately 20 major trees are down blocking access/paths
• Large quantities of debris
• Historic structures appear in good condition except a chimney of the White Cottage came down
• Some pathways washed out
• Cock's Footbridge has major damage
• Similar storm surge effects to Hurricane Helene (with docks and decks already damaged from that storm)
• Preparations for Lights at Spooky Point were significantly damaged — so the event is canceled.

I know that so many of you are dealing with your own recovery efforts at your homes or with your businesses.  Our hearts are with you.  Others have asked how they can support Selby Gardens during this challenging time.  Here are a number of ways you can help Selby Gardens:

• Make a contribution to our Hurricane Milton Recovery Fund here. 
• Donate your Lights at Spooky Point tickets to the Hurricane Milton Recovery Fund or request a refund by contacting [email protected].
• Renew your membership to continue your vital annual support here.
• Volunteer for our clean up efforts at both campuses and sign up by contacting [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support of Selby Gardens, and I wish you all the best with your own hurricane recovery efforts. Our extraordinary community will get through this together!

With heartfelt solidarity,