Planning for the unthinkable:
How Tropic Isles co-op’ s five-year strategy helped us weather two back-to-back hurricanes
By Jose Torres, Treasurer & Bobbie McEvoy, Licensed Community Manager, Tropic Isles Co-Op Waterfront Community Palmetto, Florida
When Hurricanes Helene and Milton roared through Florida’ s gulf Coast, they brought record-breaking storm surge, punishing winds, and widespread destruction. In Palmetto, our community— Tropic Isles Co-Op— saw nearly two feet of water inside every building, from our marina and yacht club to our auditorium, pool facilities, and seven apartment buildings.
More than 40 homes were damaged beyond repair. And yet, amid the chaos, we were ready.
For more than five years, Tropic Isles has been guided by a philosophy of financial discipline, operational independence, and proactive planning. What began as a small, resident-owned waterfront community years ago has grown into a model of resiliency for independentlymanaged associations. When the storms came, our preparation paid off— literally and operationally.
Laying the foundation: Financial preparedness without burdening residents
long before Helene or Milton appeared on radar, our board— led by the treasurer— implemented a multi-layered financial plan designed to prepare for catastrophic events.
30 community • June 2026 WWW. CAIWESTFlORIDA. ORg