## St. Armand’s Circle Rebounds After Devastating Hurricanes: New Businesses Offer Hope Amidst Recovery
The iconic St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota, Florida, is slowly but surely rebuilding after the devastating back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, left the area in ruins. While the historic shopping and dining district bore the brunt of the storms, with most businesses reduced to mere shells, a few resilient establishments have managed to reopen, offering a beacon of hope to the community.
Lynches Pub and Grub and Venezia Italian Restaurant have joined a small group of survivors, including the Daquiri Deck, Blue Dolphin Café, and KRB Coastal Salon and Extension Bar, who are welcoming customers once again. This spirit of resilience is a testament to the unwavering determination of the merchants and the community.
“Usually after a storm, people jump right into cleanup,” said Rachel Burns, marketing and events director of the St. Armand’s Circle Association, representing about 75 businesses. “But after Helene and then Milton, people didn’t seem to know where to start. Now, people are coming back and fighting for their businesses.”
The nearly 100 merchants in the area are focusing on restoring and renovating their businesses, aiming to be ready for the upcoming peak tourist season. However, the road to recovery is fraught with challenges. Many businesses were inundated with two to four feet of water, and the shortage of contractors has significantly hampered the repair process. Sandbags, debris, and closed signs still serve as stark reminders of the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton at this popular tourist destination on Lido Key.
“For Milton, everybody cleaned out what they could and took it off the island,” Burns explained. “Now the hard thing is getting contractors to come back here.”
Insurance challenges have further compounded the woes of the merchants. Insurance companies have delayed cleanup and repairs while assessing damage, leaving some merchants in a precarious position. Burns explained the complexities: “Merchandise purchased after Helene could be ruined if left mixed with items damaged by Milton, resulting in potential losses in insurance claims.” The financial burden of obtaining insurance has also been a major hurdle, with merchants struggling to obtain renewals even before this year’s hurricanes.
While retail shops are still waiting for new orders of clothing and struggling to obtain display cabinets before the tourist season, Burns noted that merchants have been supporting each other through the cleanup process. “That’s been nice to see,” she said.
Businesses are also taking proactive steps to be more storm-resistant, employing better materials and waterproof coatings to deter mold and mildew in preparation for future hurricanes. Despite the challenges, Burns expressed gratitude that the area was spared the worst of Hurricane Milton’s forecasted 15-foot storm surge. “There’s already so much loss,” she said.
The spirit of resilience in St. Armand’s Circle is truly inspiring. The merchants are determined to rebuild their businesses, drawing strength from the support of the community and their unwavering commitment to their beloved district. As the area gradually heals, the hope remains that St. Armand’s Circle will once again be a vibrant and thriving hub for tourists and locals alike.