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CBS News
02-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Ravaged by back-to-back hurricanes last year, Florida businesses hope to draw in tourists as rebuilding continues
Hurricane-ravaged communities in Florida hope to draw back tourists as some continue to rebuild Some areas along Florida's Gulf Coast are still rebuilding after being slammed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit the Sunshine State back-to-back during the 2024 hurricane season. But the hot-spot tourist communities are also trying to share a simple, but vital message that they're open for business. Caddy's Waterfront Restaurant in Treasure Island, Florida, has set up a temporary restaurant in a parking lot next door, complete with a food truck, as its physical building undergoes repairs from last year's storms. "We have all the tables. We have a full bar. We have the TVs. We have the sound, the music. It really is a restaurant that we built from the ground up," said Stephen Santasieri, the general manager of Caddy's. Santasieri said it was important to get his employees back up and running and just as important to get tourists to come back. "I think that tourism has not been where it was. We've been getting quite a bit of tourism around the holidays, though, which has been great," he said. Tourism impact on the Gulf coast Tourism is the main economic engine for communities along the Gulf Coast. Last year, more than 15 million visitors had an $11 billion impact on the St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida, area. This year, it remains to be seen. While businesses and hotels are back up and running, scars from the storms remain. In Madeira Beach, more than 1,400 structures were damaged. The city has issued about as many building permits as it has residents, around 2,000. "We were consumed by the Gulf," said Madeira Beach city manager Robin Gomez about when Hurricane Helene hit. "The surge pushed up, upwards of 7 feet." Sand and water on the streets after Hurricane Milton, in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, Florida. Maxar Technologies After struggling to rebuild, businesses are thankful for the support they've received and are hopeful for the future. "We have a lot of families that come every year, that are still coming, but we just need more support from everyone right now," said Savannah Huskie, the store manager of The Bronze Lady in Madeira Beach. For some, there's still work to do. "When you live here, you have to expect something like that can happen," said Andreas Bieri, one of the owners of The Mucky Duck Bar and Restaurant, a staple in Captiva Island, Florida, for decades. They started the restaurant 50 years ago before it was leveled by last year's fierce storms, but Bieri says they still feel lucky while continuing to rebuild nine months later. "I can't really complain too much that you know, we are here. We see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are rebuilding everything … and we hope to be back in business by Christmas." While the past destruction is still fresh in their minds, the coastal communities haven't forgotten about the upcoming hurricane season. "It's always in my mind. But we'll be prepared. We're ready, and it's just something you have to — living in this environment, this is what we call our 'two miles long and a smile wide' in our paradise, but it does come with a little bit of cost … the price we pay for living next to the Gulf," Gomez said. 2025 NOAA Atlantic hurricane season forecast Last month, NOAA announced its forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal season. NOAA expects between 13 and 19 named storms, with six to 10 of them becoming hurricanes. Forecasters said around three to five could become major hurricanes. NOAA predicts an "above-normal" hurricane season for its 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast. CBS News The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season saw 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, which is defined as a Category 3 or larger storm.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day marks first American Legion Post 273 ceremony since reopening after hurricanes
The Brief The American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach hosted a Memorial Day ceremony. The ceremony was its first official American Legion-type ceremony since they reopened in February after last year's hurricanes. Hurricane Helene flooded the post with three and a half feet of water. MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. - It was standing room only at American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach on Memorial Day. "Today, we honor those who never came home, the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation," Post Commander Anthony Torregrossa said. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Big picture view Torregrossa said the ceremony was the post's first official American Legion-type ceremony since they reopened in February after last year's hurricanes. "The fact that we did open, and we were able to pick up steam before Memorial Day is very pleasing to me," he said. Hurricane Helene flooded the post with three and a half feet of water. They had to demo almost everything and start from scratch. READ: Bay Area fallen hero's legacy lives on in his hometown "I was genuinely pleased and surprised and delighted that we did have so many people show up today," Torregrossa said. "I think we had our largest crowd for a Memorial Day service, which is very important, because it's the one day of the year we actually get to solemnly dedicate it to the falling heroes a day that they deserve." Dig deeper Torregrossa explained to the crowd the significance of the POW MIA tables at all American Legion posts. "I call your attention to this small table which occupies a place of dignity and honor at the entry to the Post of 273. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our corps are missing from our ranks," he said. "The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they have waited for their return. The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate the way home, away from their captors, in the open arms of a grateful nation. The inverted glass, they cannot toast with us at this time. The chair empty. They are not here, but they are not forgotten." "The American flag reminds us that many of them have never returned and have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom," Torregrossa said. MORE: St. Pete to resume late water bill fee collection. Here's what to know They honored those who gave the ultimate sacrifice with a 21-gun salute and a wreath laying in the Intracoastal. Bagpiper Sunsan Lindermann also played Taps and Amazing Grace. "It's a national holiday. People celebrate that, the opening to summer. Our goal is the American Legion. My goal as commander of this post is to understand there's a reason behind that. If you want to celebrate, that fine, but please take to heart why you are celebrating. You wouldn't be here probably if it wasn't for these fallen heroes that we are honoring today," Torregrossa said. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kailey Tracy. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
