As Florida wraps up another hurricane season, questions arise about how well our favorite destinations weather these intense storms. For many, The Polo Club of Boca Raton is a luxurious haven—a serene winter retreat with world-class amenities, from fine dining to pristine golf courses.

But with the recent landfall of Hurricane Milton, how well has our beloved club fared? Is The Polo Club still the winter escape you know and love?

The answer is a resounding yes, thanks to our comprehensive preparation and dedication to member and staff safety.

Let’s dive into how The Polo Club of Boca Raton has maintained its status as a premier destination, even in the face of Florida’s stormy weather.

The Aftermath of Hurricane Milton
On October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Tampa, with winds reaching up to 105 mph before moving across central Florida. Boca Raton, nestled along the southeastern coastline, felt the effects of the storm’s outer bands.

Although Milton exited Florida by the early morning of October 10, leaving behind heavy rains and gusty winds, areas like Boca Raton experienced localized flooding and wind damage​.

Despite these disruptions, The Polo Club remains a secure and well-maintained haven for its members. As with previous hurricanes, the club’s management quickly implemented its hurricane preparedness plan to minimize any impact on the property and ensure that services would resume as soon as possible.

Let’s explore the steps the club takes to protect its grounds, members, and employees during hurricane season.
Proactive Hurricane Preparedness at The Polo Club

The Polo Club understands the risks posed by Florida’s annual hurricane season, and its management has long been committed to ensuring the safety of its premises.

Here are some of the ways the club prepares for and responds to hurricanes like Milton:

Robust Infrastructure: The Polo Club has invested in state-of-the-art facilities designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and rain. Buildings are constructed or retrofitted with materials designed for high-wind resistance, and many structures are elevated to prevent flooding. Essential utilities, such as electrical systems, are equipped with backup generators, ensuring that the club can maintain operations during power outages.

Flood Management Systems: Florida's coastal regions are particularly susceptible to flooding, but The Polo Club has implemented advanced flood management systems. This includes well-maintained drainage systems designed to prevent water buildup around key areas like the golf courses, tennis courts, and main club buildings. After Milton’s heavy rains, these systems proved effective in keeping the grounds safe and operational.

Tree Maintenance and Landscaping: One of the most visible effects of hurricanes is damage to trees and landscaping. The Polo Club takes proactive measures by regularly trimming trees and removing weak or dead branches before storms, reducing the risk of falling limbs during high winds. Additionally, landscape teams are trained to quickly clean up debris after a storm, ensuring the grounds remain aesthetically pleasing and safe for members.

Window and Furniture Protection and Shutters: All windows at the club are equipped with storm-resistant glass or have hurricane shutters in place. Before a storm’s arrival, staff secures any loose items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds. This level of preparedness minimizes potential damage to club buildings and ensures a quicker recovery once the storm passes.

Backup Power and Water Supply: One of the biggest concerns during a hurricane is the loss of essential services like electricity and water. The Polo Club has backup generators capable of powering essential facilities for extended periods. This includes not only lighting and HVAC systems but also the kitchen and water pumps, ensuring that members staying at the club can still access critical amenities.

Dedicated Hurricane Response Team: The Polo Club has a dedicated team in place for hurricane response. This team monitors weather reports from the National Hurricane Center, communicates updates to members, and takes swift action to protect the club’s infrastructure. This year, during Hurricane Milton, the team was instrumental in securing the premises and ensuring that post-storm clean-up was initiated immediately after the storm exited the region.

Communication and Member Safety
During any potential storm, communication is key. The Polo Club ensures that members are informed every step of the way. Here’s how:

Real-Time Updates: Throughout the hurricane season, the club stays in constant communication with local authorities and the National Hurricane Center. Members receive regular updates via email, text, and phone calls, informing them of the club’s status, evacuation plans (if needed), and reopening schedules post-storm. During Milton’s passage, members were kept informed about which facilities were temporarily closed and when they could safely return to enjoy the club’s amenities.

Post-Storm Recovery and Reopening: After any hurricane, The Polo Club quickly pivots to recovery mode. Following Milton’s exit, the club’s response team immediately assessed the property for any damage, cleared debris, and ensured all facilities were safe to use. The golf courses, and tennis and pickleball courts, a central attraction to the club, underwent a thorough inspection to ensure they were in top condition before reopening to members. Within 48 hours of Milton’s departure, the club was back in full operation, welcoming members to resume their winter activities.

A Winter Haven You Can Rely On
So, is The Polo Club still the winter haven you know and love? Absolutely. While hurricanes are an unfortunate reality of life in Florida, The Polo Club’s commitment to preparedness, safety, and quick recovery ensures that it remains a top destination for winter travelers.

Whether you’re drawn to the golf courses, tennis and pickleball matches, the dining experiences, or simply the sunny Boca Raton climate, you can rest assured that The Polo Club is fully equipped to handle whatever hurricane season throws its way.

This season, in the wake of Hurricane Milton, The Polo Club has once again demonstrated its resilience. With minimal disruption and a seamless return to operations, it continues to offer members a luxurious and secure environment to enjoy all the amenities they’ve come to expect.

Final Thoughts
While hurricanes can be a source of concern for anyone living or visiting Florida during the season, The Polo Club has consistently shown that it is more than capable of managing the challenges these storms bring.

Through strategic planning, proactive maintenance, and a dedicated response team, the club has successfully weathered yet another storm while keeping its members and employees safe and its facilities in pristine condition.

As you plan your winter escape to Boca Raton, you can feel confident that The Polo Club remains as welcoming and dependable as ever—no matter what the weather may bring.