Hurricane Milton reached Category 5 strength before weakening slightly and making landfall as a major Category 3 hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Siesta Key. As it moved inland, the storm gradually lost strength but continued to produce powerful winds and torrential rainfall. By the time it reached Daytona Beach, it had weakened to a Category 1 hurricane, yet its impact remained severe.
The storm’s strongest winds and heaviest rain battered Daytona from the “dirty side” of the hurricane—the northeastern quadrant, where wind speeds are highest and storm conditions persist the longest. Relentless winds and driving rain forced water through fresh air ducts, windows, and other vulnerable points, severely impacting nearly 270 of the resort’s 700 ocean-facing suites. Floors, walls, ceilings, and furnishings sustained extensive water damage. Despite thorough storm preparations, structural penetration and prolonged exposure led to significant challenges. A rapid and coordinated response was critical to mitigating damage and restoring full operations.
Several factors contributed to the complexity of this project. The resort remained at full occupancy when the hurricane struck, requiring careful coordination to minimize disruptions. Suites had to be transitioned one by one, allowing for systematic drying and restoration while accommodating guests already on site.
In addition to occupancy challenges, logistical constraints added further complications. Four separate ownership groups managed different sections of the property, making coordination crucial. The resort’s two high-rise towers, standing 25 and 19 stories, created additional obstacles. A single service elevator and crowded stairwells slowed equipment transport, requiring careful staging to move over 2,000 pieces of drying and restoration equipment efficiently.
Time was also a critical factor. The annual fall motorcycle rally, one of the area's busiest events, was approaching. The resort needed to be fully operational as soon as possible. Restoring full occupancy while ensuring a positive guest experience was the top priority.
A well-established partnership with the resort’s ownership group enabled a rapid and efficient response. Preparations had already been set in motion before the hurricane made landfall, ensuring immediate action could be taken once conditions allowed.
As soon as access was possible, mitigation efforts began. Despite lingering high winds, restoration teams prioritized the most heavily damaged areas, working in alignment with resort management to systematically return 10-14 suites to service each day.
Six semi-trucks delivered critical drying and restoration equipment, which was carefully staged and transported floor by floor. At peak operations, up to 180 workers were deployed to accelerate drying, cleaning, and reconstruction. Advanced drying techniques preserved most structural elements, reducing the need for extensive rebuilding and minimizing business disruption.
Beyond structural recovery, crews power-washed pool decks, repositioned outdoor furniture, and restored key common areas, including restaurants and sales offices. Despite the project’s scale, strict safety protocols were maintained, ensuring the entire operation was completed without injury.
A comprehensive and strategic approach allowed for the full restoration of resort operations within two weeks. By focusing on drying affected areas in place, reconstruction was limited to approximately one-quarter of the 270 impacted suites, significantly reducing costs and downtime.
Coordination with resort management ensured that restoration efforts aligned with guest needs, allowing the property to return to full occupancy as scheduled. Despite logistical challenges, the project was completed on time with minimal disruption to guest services.
The fast and efficient recovery of this major resort shows what it takes to handle large-scale disaster restoration in challenging conditions. Industry knowledge, careful planning, and strong partnerships were key to getting the job done.
Facing hurricane-related property damage and need assistance? Call CRC at 855-584-7887.
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