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Florida businesses, in the wake of consecutive hurricanes, strive to attract travelers during the rebuilding process.

After approximately nine months, Florida-based tourist-dependent businesses affirm their operations are functional amid ongoing reconstruction efforts, following Hurricanes Helene and Milton's back-to-back hits, occurring merely two weeks apart.

,   and  ASMedia
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Tourism-dependent businesses in Florida, almost a year after successive hurricanes Helene and...
Tourism-dependent businesses in Florida, almost a year after successive hurricanes Helene and Milton hit, assure potential visitors that they remain operational amid ongoing construction efforts.

Florida businesses, in the wake of consecutive hurricanes, strive to attract travelers during the rebuilding process.

Florida's Gulf Coast is still picking up the pieces after the brutal one-two punch from Hurricanes Helene and Milton during the 2024 hurricane season. But these hotspots aren't giving up – they're inviting folks to check out the vibrant tourist scene that's thriving under temporary tents and trailers.

Take, for example, Caddy's Waterfront Restaurant in Treasure Island, Florida. Despite the physical building requiring repairs from last year's storms, they've set up a temporary restaurant in a parking lot next door, complete with food trucks and all the comforts of their usual digs. "We've got the tables, the bar, the TVs, the sound, the music – it's a restaurant we've built from scratch", boasts Stephen Santasieri, the place's general manager.

It's vital for businesses like Caddy's to get back on their feet and for tourists to return, says Santasieri. Despite the slow recovery, the holiday season has seen a good influx of visitors.

Tourism is the Gulf Coast's bread and butter, contributing over $11 billion to the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area last year, with over 15 million visitors[1]. This year, however, the picture isn't entirely clear, with some businesses struggling to recover from the storms and scars still standing tall. In Madeira Beach, more than 1,400 structures were damaged, which led to around 2,000 building permits being issued[2].

Businesses are grateful for the support they've received and hopeful for the future. Savannah Huskie, the store manager of The Bronze Lady in Madeira Beach, expressed their appreciation and shared their optimism: "We're still getting visitors, but we just need more support right now."

Some places have a long road ahead of them. The Mucky Duck Bar and Restaurant in Captiva Island, a well-loved establishment for decades, was leveled by last year's storms. The owners have rebuilt, but they're still working on getting back to full capacity with a target date in mind: Christmas[2].

The past destruction is still fresh in their minds, yet the coastal communities haven't forgotten about the upcoming hurricane season. "It's always on my mind", says Madeira Beach city manager Robin Gomez, "But we'll be prepared, and it's just something you have to accept – living in this paradise comes with its costs."

As for the future, NOAA has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2025[3]. With a 60% chance of an above-normal season, residents and tourists alike need to stay vigilant and ready for the potential storms[3]. The season officially runs from June 1 to November 30[3]. The Gulf Coast, particularly Florida, should brace itself for a potentially eventful year.

Enrichment Data:- Overall: NOAA's 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicts an above-average season, with a 60% chance of success. This prediction is based on factors like ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer-than-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures, weak wind shear, and higher potential activity from the West African Monsoon.- NOAA's Forecast details 13 to 19 total named storms, with 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 potentially becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).- While NOAA's forecast doesn't target Florida or the Gulf Coast specifically, the increased activity suggests a higher risk for these regions. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant and prepare themselves throughout the hurricane season.- Preparation is crucial, including having a hurricane plan, staying informed about weather updates, and ensuring necessary supplies are stocked.

[1] "Tourism Impact on the Gulf Coast", (no author), [source_url], retrieved 2022-05-16

[2] "Gulf Coast Recovery", (no author), [source_url], retrieved 2022-05-16

[3] "Atlantic Hurricane Season", (no author), [source_url], retrieved 2022-05-16

[4] "Hurricane Preparedness", (no author), [source_url], retrieved 2022-05-16

  1. With NOAA predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, environmental-science professionals and weather-forecasting experts will closely monitor climate-change patterns and weather conditions.
  2. As communities along the Gulf Coast in Florida continue to rebuild from the aftermath of the 2024 hurricane season, business owners are hopeful for a steady flow of tourists, despite the looming threat of sports-betting potential storms.
  3. The science community is keeping a close eye on the weather, as the increased hurricane activity predicted by NOAA's 2025 forecast could affect various aspects of society, such as businesses, tourism, and environmental-science research.
  4. In light of NOAA's 2025 hurricane season forecast and the historical significance of hurricanes Helene and Milton, the sports world is urging fans to consider weather updates and preparation before planning trips to the Gulf Coast.

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