By Marlene Shaw
Many of us remember the tumultuous summer of 2004 when Florida was battered by four hurricanes in just six weeks, earning the unfortunate nickname of the “Plywood State.” NOAA reported that every inch of our beloved state felt the impact of at least one of those storms. As one storm passed, we found ourselves bracing for the next, the exhaustion weighing heavily on us. Fast forward to today, and we’re facing a similar ordeal: three hurricanes and a devastating flash flood have struck our community within just five weeks. Just as we were grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Milton emerged, delivering another harsh blow to our homes and businesses.
Witnessing devastation anywhere is heartbreaking, but seeing it strike the heart of our own community cuts even deeper. Homes, businesses, and beloved landmarks lay battered and broken, reminders of what once stood strong. Entire neighborhoods took on floodwaters; some structures collapsed entirely under nature’s force. In one home I helped document, the entire back wall had been swept away by massive waves, leaving rooms exposed to the elements. Roofs, boats, and docks, torn loose from their moorings, washed ashore in a chaotic mix, and many families returned only to find their memories and belongings lost beneath murky waters, leaving a heavy weight on our hearts.
For many, the recent storms brought unprecedented flooding; Pia’s restaurant was among those affected for the first time. As she watched tables and chairs float amidst seaweed and mud, tears filled her eyes. Yet, amidst the devastation, Pia reflected, “We are one of the lucky ones. We have an amazing crew who showed up the next day with a ‘can do’ attitude. Together, we shoveled, pressure washed, shop-vac’d, dried everything out, and sanitized – it was truly a herculean effort. We reopened just 48 hours later!”
This resilience was put to the test again with Hurricane Milton. As they prepared for the next storm, they moved their equipment out, but still lost five additional days of sales while cleaning up and returning everything. Pia shared, “People don’t understand what that means for a restaurant and its employees. Between Helene and Milton, we faced flooding, power outages, lost revenue, and damaged equipment, yet payroll still had to be met and bills needed to be paid.” Adding to the strain was the need to purchase new refrigeration,
ovens, and kitchen equipment, fix lights, replace destroyed landscaping, and clear away debris.
Our community grieves together. Some are mourning the loss of their homes, their belongings, even their vehicles – all the pieces that make up daily life. For others, the heartbreak runs even deeper as they fear this disaster may force them to leave the place they’ve long called home. Those less impacted stand alongside them, sharing in the collective sorrow and rallying to offer support. Together, we mourn what was lost.
Amid the heartbreak, a beautiful resilience has emerged as neighbors, friends, and strangers step up in countless ways. The outpouring of support has been nothing short of extraordinary, with acts of kindness and generosity too numerous to fully capture. Here are just a few of the many ways people have come together:
- Volunteers gathered essentials like water, food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items for those in need.
- Local heroes provided meals to lineworkers, first responders, and countless volunteers.
- The Culby Group donated $1,000 to Stella’s, North End Taphouse and Kitchen, and Low Tide Kava Bar, ensuring food and drinks for those affected.
- John and Fiona Prine’s Hello In There Foundation offered a generous matching donation.
- Gulfport Rising, a benefit held at North End Taphouse and Kitchen, raised over $15,000. With the Hello In There Foundation’s match, the total exceeded $25,000.
- A music promoter organized a benefit that raised $950, also donated to the Hello In There Foundation.
- McMahon Gallery and DRV Gallery are fundraising for artists and supporting the American Red Cross.
- The Gulfport Merchants Chamber organized volunteers and coordinated relief efforts.
- Many individuals stepped in to help clear damaged homes, assist with yard cleanup, and provide support wherever needed.
- The city of Gulfport prioritized the reopening of the senior center, recreation center, and playgrounds to restore essential services. Meals on Wheels and similar programs quickly returned, and restorations are underway at the Casino Ballroom and Marina.
- FEMA assistance has been set up at the Gulfport Library.
- GulfPerk is serving morning specialties from 8am to noon, Wednesday through Sunday, at the Wine House.
- The Wednesday night Tiki open mic continues at the Wine House, keeping traditions alive.
- Gulfport Brewery hosted a benefit for the beloved Blueberry Patch.
- World Central Kitchen and Shawarma King have provided nourishing meals to those in need.
- The Gulfport Counseling Center is offering group counseling sessions at the Art Center for emotional support.
- A women’s cancer awareness benefit expanded to collect cleaning and household supplies for the community.
- Jax In and Out and Funky Flamingo are keeping their food banks stocked and extending their offerings to help even more.
What’s Open in Gulfport
Our resilient local businesses are opening their doors, providing familiar comforts and gathering spaces for the community. Here’s a list of what’s open:
- Businesses along Gulfport Blvd., 49th St. S, and 58th St. S
- North End Taphouse and Kitchen
- Sumitra’s
- Golden Dinosaur
- Siri’s
- The Wine House
- Gulfport Brewery
- Peninsula Bed & Cocktails
- Pia’s
- Tommy’s Hideaway Pizza
- GulfPerk (operating at The Wine House from 8am to noon, Wednesday through Sunday, until fully restored)
- O’Maddy’s
- Drunken Taco
- Shops on the northern downtown end of Beach Blvd.
- After School Care (temporarily moved to Scout Hall while the Recreation Center undergoes restoration)
- Moon Landing Yoga on the Beach (temporarily relocated to Clymer Park near the Hickman
If you don’t see a business listed, we encourage you to reach out to them directly. While we hope we haven’t missed anyone, many moving parts and changes are happening as businesses work to reopen.
There is much work ahead, but the Gulfport community has proven its resilience and deep care for one another. The name of the benefit, Gulfport Rising, couldn’t be more fitting. We remain one of the friendliest cities around, welcoming everyone back to enjoy all that Gulfport has to offer.
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