Tornado tears through Atlantic Beach landmark
The tornado tore through Sun and Surf Club in Atlantic Beach.
Cleanup is underway at Sun and Surf Beach Club after a confirmed tornado tore through Atlantic Beach Thursday night, destroying dozens of cabanas and damaging vehicles in Nassau County.
Club members and staff were left picking up the pieces, following the storm.
The club remains closed as crews work to clear debris and assess the damage, raising questions about what the rest of the summer season will look like for members.
Sun and Surf Beach Club has been a fixture in the community since 1948.
"It's a family beach club. Generations of kids are here," said Chris Nappi, who has worked at the club for 20 years.
Nappi was on site when the tornado struck.
"I ran outside and ran to the back of the club and kind of just saw the damage, went through and just tried to clear out as many people as you can," he said.
Fire officials said about 200 people were at the club when the storm hit. One person suffered minor injuries.
Drone footage showed cabanas splintered and scattered across the property. Officials with the National Weather Service said that while the tornado is classified as weak, it still packed dangerous winds capable of causing significant destruction.
"Violent winds that can be up to 100 to 110 mph, and we know that can do quite a bit of damage like we saw with the uplift of roofs and quite a bit of structural damage like on these cabanas," said Nelson Vaz, of the National Weather Service.
The storm also damaged several vehicles parked at the club.
Despite the extensive damage, club owner Billy Baumert said efforts are already underway to restore the property.
"I hope that the club will certainly be reopened before Labor Day," Baumert said.
The National Weather Service says that the last tornado to hit Nassau County was in November 2021.
The club released a statement on their website saying:
ATTENTION MEMBERS: A tornado ripped through Sun & Surf this evening, causing significant damage to numerous cabanas and buildings. Out of an abundance of caution, Silver Point and Sun & Surf will be temporarily closed until further notice. We are working with local authorities and assessing the damage to ensure both clubs are safe before reopening. Please do not enter either club until an official all-clear has been issued. We will provide updates through our website, email and social media as soon as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
