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BRADENTON BEACH, FL — As parts of Florida went dark and homes were ravaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, one waterfront community emerged as a beacon of resilience. In Hunters Point, a net-zero, storm-proof development located between Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay, the lights stayed on, even as surrounding areas plunged into darkness.
Hunters Point, developed by Pearl Homes, is the first net-zero single-family home community in the U.S., where residents generate more energy from solar panels than they consume. The excess energy is stored or sold back to the grid, helping reduce reliance on natural gas, Florida’s primary energy source.
In addition to their energy efficiency, the homes are built to withstand Florida’s most violent storms. With features such as flood-resistant streets, buried utility lines, and hurricane-proof construction, the community’s homes were designed with climate resiliency in mind.
William Fulford, a retired homebuilder who moved to the area from Virginia Beach in 2023, stayed behind with his wife during both storms. Despite mandatory evacuation orders ahead of Hurricane Milton, the couple decided to trust their fortified home. “I’m just convinced in the strength of this house,” Fulford said. “I feel comfortable.”
Tested by two Hurricanes
Hunters Point’s homes were put to the test as both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton struck the area within a month. While Milton’s landfall near Siesta Key wreaked havoc across Florida, knocking out power to more than 2.5 million people, Hunters Point residents reported little to no damage, and their solar-powered homes stayed illuminated.
“Everyone around us was completely dark, but the lights were still on in our houses,” said Marshall Gobuty, founder of Pearl Homes. “This really was a test of why we did this.”
With solar power and battery storage systems in place, residents remained powered up throughout the storms, highlighting the importance of net-zero, storm-proof homes in a changing climate.
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Built for the future
Hunters Point homes are designed to endure Category 5 hurricanes, with concrete walls, hurricane-proof windows, and doors reinforced by foam insulation. The living areas start on the second floor, 16 feet above sea level, while garages on the ground floor feature flood vents to drain rising water. Solar panels are securely attached to the roofs to prevent damage during strong winds.
Although the homes come with a hefty price tag — ranging from $1.4 million to $1.9 million — residents, like Fulford, believe the investment is worthwhile for the peace of mind and sustainability the development offers.
“We’re seeing stronger storms each year, and we need to prepare for what’s to come,” said Fulford.
The future of storm-proof housing
While Hunters Point survived the hurricanes, the community underscores the need for more homes designed with climate change in mind. Gobuty emphasized that the success of Hunters Point serves as a model for future construction. “Solar, batteries, and the way we construct homes will be part of the future,” he said. “The world is changing, and this is the test people were waiting to see.”
As climate change intensifies storms and extreme weather, Hunters Point stands as a testament to the power of innovative design and sustainable living.
Source: CNN
