14-03-2025
Slow recovery frustrates St. Pete Beach business owners ahead of spring break
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Thousands of families around the country pick the beaches in Pinellas County as their destination for spring break, and it is their busiest season.
Delicious treats are on display at Larry's Ice Cream and Gelato. Owner Alison Herman said business has been slow since hurricanes Helene and Milton.
'Being closed has significantly hurt us financially for the couple weeks we were closed. The last few months, the volume hasn't been there because the beach isn't as busy,' Herman said.
Her shop has been a staple in the city since 1984. Herman said they lost thousands of dollars in inventory during each recent storm.
City leaders hope spring break will bring relief to business owners struggling following the hurricanes. City spokesperson Marc Portugal said they've received more than 3,100 storm-specific permit requests and issued more than 2,100 permits for home and business owners.
Officials welcome spring break crowds but admit, the area isn't back to full operation.
'They're not going to see as many restaurants open because there are some that are still working their way back to opening. There are some hotels, same thing, they're either slated to open in April or may not make it back this particular spring break season. It's tough for them and we don't want to see them struggling,' Portugal said.
Beach access points and public parking lots are open. On the beach, tourists will notice the restoration of the dunes and the recovery of the shoreline.
Herman is sticking with the community even when things aren't so sweet. 'We're committed, we're not going anywhere,' Herman said.
The ice cream shop owner embraces the new normal and any visitors who need a slice of an old favorite. Herman adds, 'We're going to just try and make it a great spring break. It may not be like it was last year but we're going to do our best.'
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