11 ways to help struggling Tampa Bay businesses after Milton and Helene

Amanda Hill started to panic the weekend after Hurricane Milton hit.

She was able to reopen her St. Petersburg plant store, Wild Roots, following the storm. But as she sat by herself, waiting for customers that never came, Hill had an epiphany.

If she didn’t reach out to the community, small businesses like hers might not make it.

“So many people have had their things destroyed and lost their homes,” she said. “It feels hard to ask for help right now when so many people need help. I guess I just realized that we didn’t have any other options.”

After an already hard year for small businesses in Tampa Bay, hurricanes Helene and Milton have brought a nightmarish new set of challenges.

Some businesses lost thousands of dollars of destroyed inventory, like Sans Market in St. Petersburg. The zero-waste store has posted on Instagram asking for donations and volunteers after Milton tore holes in its roof.

Others, such as the owners of Beach Bazaar and More Bazaar in Gulfport, are having to rebuild their businesses as well as their homes.

Earlier this week, Hill took to the Wild Roots Instagram to ask followers for help.

“Sales have plummeted,” she wrote. “Workshops, markets and private events have been canceled. I was hopeful when we were able to reopen quickly after a week of being closed for Milton, but we’ve had very few sales since reopening. I’m now scrambling to figure out how to pay rent, upcoming bills, and staff payroll.”

It was hard to be vulnerable. But as thousands started to share her post, Hill noticed two things.

First, fellow small business owners reached out to say thank you. Hill wasn’t alone in her worries.

Second, customers started to trickle in.

“They’re worried about us even though they’ve lost so much more and that makes me want to cry,” Hill said. “I do have hope that we have an amazing community in St. Pete and that people are going to support us and help us get through this.”

Book + Bottle in St. Petersburg also posted a list of ways that shoppers can be supportive during this time.

“It’s tough because we do want our business to be an escape. We want people to walk into our store and not have to worry,” said Andi Pignato, the bookstore’s marketing director. “In that same breath, we realize if we don’t call on our community we might not be able to be that space.”

Hill and Pignato shared some tips for people who want to help small businesses. As a bonus — these things might help you feel a little better after the storms, too.

1. Visit in person

Seeing other people provides a sense of normalcy to both vendors and shoppers, Pignato said.

“We love seeing everyone’s faces and we want people to come into the shop, just because it helps us keep fostering that community and it does lighten the load,” she said.

2. Indulge in a small treat for yourself

Whether you lost power for a few days or lost your home, Milton and Helene had an emotional toll on everyone.

“They call it retail therapy for a reason,” Pignato said.

3. Attend an event

Book clubs, classes and craft workshops are returning. Book + Bottle, for instance, is hosting a swing dancing class this Sunday.

You can also buy tickets for future performances. St. Pete Rising reported that the home of Chris and Ryan Zubrick, the magicians behind Zubrick Magic Theatre, flooded during Milton. The Zubricks are asking people to book seats for future shows as a way of showing support.

4. Buy a gift card for a friend

Purchasing gift cards brings much-needed cash flow to small businesses.

“A really beautiful thing has happened where people who live out of state are buying gift cards for friend who live in state,” Pignato said. “I think sometimes people think gift cards are impersonal, but I’ve always felt like you’re giving someone an experience.”

5. Get your holiday shopping done early

Christmas presents may be the last thing on your mind right now, but it’s not too soon to start picking up items for your loved ones. As you save yourself some stress later, your purchase uplifts local shops.

6. Volunteer to help clean up

Sans Market is one of several businesses that has posted about needing volunteers. Some places need help removing drywall, patching holes or restocking shelves. Check social media pages or reach out to local businesses that have posted about their struggles to see how you can help.

7. Book an event

In her Wild Roots Instagram post, Hill reminded customers that her space can be booked for baby showers, photo shoots, weddings and more. Pignato said stores like hers can help you purchase wine or other party supplies in bulk.

Thinking about events can also create something for you to look forward to in the future, which is important during times of stress.

8. Seek out a curator

Want to buy something fun, but can’t fathom making another choice right now? Head to a local specialty store and have an expert help you pick something out, such as a bottle of booze or a new candle. You can also reach out via direct message to ask businesses for recommendations before placing an online order.

“Everyone is going through this level of decision fatigue. If you are wanting to support and you want a really good book, ask us,” Pignato said.

9. Grab a friend and attend a market

There’s no shortage of markets around town if you’re looking to shop small.

Hill just organized the Wild Roots Fall Market, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 19. It will feature plants, vintage clothes, food from Nah Dogs vegan hot dog cart, vinyl records and more.

10. Use social media

Engage with posts from your favorite businesses — like, share and tag your friends.

11. Donate to a fundraiser

Below, we’ve compiled a list of GoFundMe fundraisers for local businesses. If you’d like to see another added to the list, please email gcalise@tampabay.com.

• Rebuild several John’s Pass businesses, including Overhead Surf Shop, Windworks and Things, Etc.
• Help Restore QRI Therapy Center for Special Needs in Crystal River
• Support Pristine Art Barber Shop’s recovery in New Port Richey

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