While many waterfront restaurants in Sarasota and Bradenton reopen after Hurricane Milton and Helene damage, this one has "permanently closed."

While Hurricane Milton’s path was in flux as it approached Florida, the Gulf Coast city of some 55,000 seemed sure to receive a blow.

More than 100 structures were destroyed in unincorporated Sarasota County in Hurricane Milton, county officials say, based on initial assessments.

Sarasota County took a direct hit from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall Wednesday night near Siesta Key as a powerful Category 3 storm.Crews are beginning damage assessments Thursday morning, with officials anticipating "catastrophic" storm impacts.

See which popular waterfront and barrier island restaurants have reopened in Sarasota, Bradenton area following closures caused by Hurricane Milton.

Westshore Marina District restaurant Vela has permanently closed. The restaurant, an Italian concept from the folks behind Cru Cellars, Bouzy and Small Giant, first opened as an offshoot of Cru Cellars in May 2021,

As employees were closing the restaurant after their first day back a fire broke out, the Cape Coral Fire Department said. While everyone was able to get out safely, the restaurant was destroyed