As hurricane season begins, learn how we helped our community recover—and how you can prepare your home now.
Hurricane season is here, and preparing your home isn’t just a checklist—it’s a promise to protect what matters most. When powerful storms strike, they can turn lives upside down in an instant—tearing off roofs, flooding cherished spaces, and leaving families in the dark for days. But with a few thoughtful steps—like securing your HVAC system, checking for weak spots, and having a plan in place—you can face the season with strength and confidence. Preparation means more than safety; it’s about holding onto comfort, protecting your loved ones, and knowing you’ve done everything you can to weather the storm together.
When Hurricane Helene struck Palmetto, Florida, on September 26th, 2024, followed closely by Hurricane Milton, the waterfront Tropic Isles community was left devastated. Known for its scenic canals, yacht club, and marina, Tropic Isles faced severe destruction, with many homes missing roofs, interiors and exteriors damaged, and debris scattered across the grounds. Some residents endured weeks without power or running water, waiting for the chance to rebuild.
Amid the destruction, Arctic Air Home Services— dedicated to supporting the community—quickly stepped up to help. Arctic Air’s team of volunteers, equipped with trucks and tools, arrived on-site to assist residents with clearing debris from their properties. Their presence provided critical support, helping to remove piles of flood debris, downed trees, and scattered remnants left by the storms.
In addition to Arctic Air, several local organizations joined the effort to help Tropic Isles residents recover. Volunteers from Palmetto High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, and Bradenton Schools came together to offer their time and manpower, while First Baptist Church of Palmetto provided additional support and resources. Together, these organizations showcased the strength of a united community, rallying around those in need.
Residents like Pat Delbrocco shared their stories of resilience and gratitude. “We haven’t had power since September 26th. The water was shut off before the hurricane landed,” she said, reflecting on the challenges she and her husband faced after the storm. Despite the hardships, the community spirit during the volunteer efforts on October 19th, 2024, lifted her spirits.
Beverly Butts, another resident, expressed her appreciation for Arctic Air’s team, saying, “Your team came along and lifted a very heavy bag for me. We basically cleaned up all the stones.” She explained how difficult it was to handle the flood debris alone and how Arctic Air’s assistance made a world of difference.
Barbara McEvoy, the General Manager for Tropic Isles, was deeply moved by the overwhelming community response. “When you are here in the community every day, you get very involved with the people,” she shared. After reaching out to news channels and posting on social media for help, McEvoy received an outpouring of support. “There was an overwhelming amount of support. Look what happens when a community pulls together. Look at the good you can get out of social media. I’m just amazed,” she said.
Here for Our Neighbors, Now and Always
Arctic Air Home Services is honored to serve a community that comes together so powerfully in times of need. We’re proud to work alongside organizations like Palmetto High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, Bradenton Schools, and First Baptist Church of Palmetto to help restore Tropic Isles. It wasn’t just about service—it was about standing by our neighbors when they needed us most.
We’re proud of the role we played in helping residents across Palmetto, Bradenton, Ellenton, Parrish, and Lakewood Ranch get back on their feet. And now, as hurricane season begins again, we want to help homeowners throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties prepare—not just react.
Here’s How to Storm-Proof Your Comfort System Before Disaster Strikes:
- Secure your outdoor unit – Anchor it properly or add storm straps to prevent shifting or damage.
- Schedule a pre-season inspection – A professional tune-up ensures your system is running efficiently and ready to handle outages or surges.
- Invest in a surge protector – Lightning and power surges are common during storms. A whole-home or HVAC-specific surge protector can save you thousands.
- Elevate your system – If you’re in a flood-prone zone, consider raising your condenser above ground level to reduce risk.
- Have a backup plan – Know how to contact your HVAC service provider for emergency repairs and what your warranty or maintenance plan covers.