Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Bradenton Beach, FL

Why is mildew such a problem on the island?

Bradenton Beach occupies the southern part of Anna Maria Island, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Anna Maria Sound on the other, linked to Cortez by the Cortez Bridge. The city states that all of Bradenton Beach lies within a flood zone. Salt air and humidity are constant, and homes that sit empty between visits or rentals can build up moisture fast if the AC is turned up or off. Helene made it worse: its surge pushed sand and dunes onto Gulf Drive and into homes, the mayor reported 2.5 to 3 feet of water inside houses, at least one home was lifted off its foundation, and a state team classed the city a catastrophic area.

What should I save after the surge?

EPA says that if a flooded home couldn't be dried within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume mold is growing. Sorting belongings usually goes like this:

• Glass, ceramic, metal and hard plastic: wash with detergent and water, then dry
• Solid wood furniture: clean and dry fast; discard if warped or soaked through
• Mattresses, upholstery, rugs and pads: usually discard if they took water or grew mold
• Paper and photos: freeze or dry irreplaceable items quickly; discard the rest

Wear gloves, goggles and at least an N-95 respirator, and keep children out of the cleanup, as EPA advises.

Do I need a permit to rebuild?

Possibly. The City of Bradenton Beach Building and Planning Department on Gulf Drive North issues permits and reviews applications for floodplain compliance, and repairs are assessed under FEMA's 50 percent substantial damage and improvement rule. Mold cleanup itself isn't permitted work, but replacing drywall, framing or flooring afterward may be. Make sure framing is clean and dry before it is closed in.

One island note

If you own a rental unit, mildew between guests is a sign the AC setting or exhaust fans aren't keeping up. Keep indoor humidity under 60 percent, as EPA recommends, even when the unit is empty. Running the AC at a moderate setting between stays, leaving bathroom doors open and checking the condensate line before each season costs far less than a cleanup after a guest reports a musty smell.