The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be felt in the Tampa Bay region for a long time. Our wonderful small businesses are currently working to reopen following the devastating storms. At its most basic, this blog’s purpose is to support local businesses. That’s why we’ve gathered GoFundMe/fundraisers launched by some of our favorite local spots following the storms.
We understand not everyone can donate right now. That’s fine and our hearts go out to everyone recovering right now. Our finances and time are stretched equally stretched thin. However, if you have time, funds, and the ability, we encourage you to support local businesses however possible.
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You can purchase gift cards, leave good reviews, share posts, and hype up these spots to others. Below we’ve assembled a few fundraisers currently running for spots across the county.
Book + Bottle, 17 6th Street North
This curated bookstore and wine/coffee shop is a bright spot in downtown St. Pete. They host author events, book clubs, wine tastings, journaling groups, and even dance classes. Now, this locally owned store is seeing the support of their community. They’re of course encouraging folks to come and buy books, wine, pastries, and gift cards, but also have added a Venmo in case anyone wants to support from afar.
See their full Instagram post here.
Sans Market, 1037 Central Avenue
St. Pete’s zero waste shop works every single day to make this world a better place. Through educational workshops, ethically sourced items, and a tasty array of pastries and produce, Sans stands as one of the most unique shops on Central Avenue. Their beautiful shop incurred some damage from Milton, and now they’re looking for assistance. As a shop that’s dedicated so many hours to community cleanups across Pinellas County, it feels appropriate we band together to help them out now.
“Pieces of the roof flew off and let water into the store for 2 days straight, soaking and damaging so many items in the store. Clean-up and insurance claims have just begun, but it will take weeks and months to get these items sorted out and funds are needed now to keep the lights on, pay staff, and rebuild/replace what was damaged” wrote the owner on the GoFundMe page.
Wild Roots St. Pete, 1949 1st Ave S Unit A
Wild Roots sells plants and treasures for those who are wild at heart. It’s a lovely shop in the Grand Central District that remains a must-visit destination for all the folks with a green thumb in the ‘Burg. After helping add so much beauty to St. Pete, the owners are now looking for a helping hand.
“The reality is a lot of local businesses were struggling before these back-to-back hurricanes. Summer is our slow season, and this one was the slowest we’ve had in years,” wrote the owners on Instagram.
Nightshift Wax Co
This company makes the best candles ever. Seriously I’m obsessed. After years of popping up at local markets, operating a brick-and-mortar, and being a holiday shopping staple in the Sunshine City, the owners are now seeking the support of the local community.
“Every order, donation, and reshare would help us more than you know. We are going to rebuild this together so we can continue to hopefully keep creating our beautiful fragrances to fill your homes and bring you happiness for years to come,” wrote owner Samantha Cipriani.
Gypsy Soul Coffee, 515 Dr MLK Jr St N
The charming coffee shop operates locations on MLK Street in St. Pete and Indian Rocks Beach. The beloved community hangout now needs help opening the doors. The damage done to the shop is considerable:
“Not only did we lose power, internet, and cell phone service, but we also lost the roof of the building by the roaster area. Water and debris came into the building from the hole in the roof and soaked supplies, green coffee, the roaster, the sealer, and much more. Water dripped down the sides of the walls from the roof area. We had water covering the floor over half of the building. And, we once again had to throw out all of the food and the milk. This time, however, because of the wind and rain damage, we also had to throw out most of the cups, napkins, deli paper, other paper products, paperwork, and much more.”
Zubrick Magic Theatre, 1211 1st Ave N Suite 101
Zubrick Magic Theatre is an enchanting venue in the heart of St. Pete. They have captivated audiences with their magic shows, and dazzling showmanship. The closures due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton have added significant hurdles to Zubrick’s schedule.
“While we are fortunate that the Zubrick Magic Theatre itself remains unharmed, the impact of the storms has created ongoing difficulties in sustaining our normal operations,” write the owners.
“Your generosity, in any amount, will help ensure we can keep the magic alive in our local community.”
Grove Surf & Coffee, 7370 Gulf Blvd
Grove Surf & Coffee is a must-visit destination for anyone headed out to St. Pete Beach. This charming surf shop and cafe was hit hard by Helene, and dealt an additional blow by Hurricane Milton. Despite the adversity and hardship, the owners are ready to rebuild.
While insurance will help towards the cost of the contents that were lost, it does not cover many expenses like the rebuild and labor involved to get it back up and running.
You can soon visit their sister shop, Grove Surf Cafe at 1309 Gulf Blvd.
Ten Pin Lanes, 1453 Pasadena Ave S
Ten Pin Lanes in Pasadena, FL, is calling on the community for support after Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding throughout the building. The damage includes extensive repairs needed for the floors, refrigeration equipment, and bowling machinery, much of which must be replaced.
To continue supporting the staff during the rebuilding process, Ten Pin Lanes is seeking financial help. Donations will go directly toward assisting the employees and helping the beloved bowling alley reopen its doors as soon as possible.
Indian Shores Coffee, 19221 Gulf Blvd
Indian Shores Coffee Company, a cherished local institution serving the Gulf Coast beaches of Clearwater and St. Petersburg for 17 years, has been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Known for its exceptional coffee, mouthwatering muffins, and vibrant open-mic nights, the shop has consistently been ranked among the best coffee spots in the region.
The business was hit by a devastating storm surge of four to five feet, causing extensive damage to its floors, counters, plumbing, electrical systems, and equipment. The total damage is estimated between $75,000 and $150,000, with repairs expected to take three to six months.
Facing the additional challenge of being closed during peak season, Indian Shores Coffee Company is calling on the community for help. Donations will go toward repairs and supporting staff who have also suffered losses.
La Croisette,7401 Gulf Blvd
La Croisette on St. Pete Beach, a beloved café owned by a young family from France, faces an uphill battle after Hurricane Helene left both their restaurant and home severely damaged. Known for their warm smiles and dedicated service, Michael and Natalie have become a cherished part of the local community. Michael can often be seen running out orders of their famous Eggs Benedict, while Natalie is known for her friendly demeanor as she keeps coffee cups full for their regulars and vacationers alike.
A fundraiser has been organized to support La Croisette, with all donations directly funding the restoration of the restaurant. If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at this cozy spot—whether you’re a regular or visited while on vacation—the family and staff are asking for your support. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help restore a local gem.
Gulfport Beach Bazaar, 3115 Beach Blvd S
The city of Gulfport has been through a lot in the lat few weeks. One beloved gem, Gulfport Beach Bazaar sustained so much damage that it cannot currently reopen.
Loyal customer and the organizer of the fundraiser wrote the following: “I am reaching out to you today on behalf of Mike and Gini Fagan, owners of “Beach Bazaar” and “More Bazaar” in Gulfport, FL as well as their faithful employees, to ask for your help in supporting them as they try to rebuild after being devastated by the recent hurricanes. As many of you know Mike and Gini, have lost their home and their businesses have been devastated due to the destructive forces of Hurricane Helene.”
Let It Be Ice Cream, 3127 Beach Blvd S
Let It Be Ice Cream in Gulfport was devastated by Hurricane Helene, with the shop completely flooded and everything inside lost. Now, they need the community’s help to rebuild the beloved ice cream spot. Every donation will make a difference in restoring this small business and bringing back a place so many love. Any support is appreciated.
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