The Madeira Beach City Commission knows times are hard for
everyone, particularly small businesses that have been forced to close their doors due to Covid-19. The impact of the virus is being felt by everyone; business owners, their employees, and landlords who are having to collect rent from people who may not be able to make ends meet. That’s why Madeira Beach Mayor John Hendricks proposed temporary relief for residents and businesses. The new initiative has been dubbed “Neighbor’s Helping Neighbor’s”.
Mayor Hendricks first spoke of the idea to not collect rent from three local businesses that operate on city property. “These folks work hard and all of a sudden, through no fault of their own, all of their customers just went away,” said Hendricks. “We wanted to do something to help, so the board decided to waive the monthly rent for the Snack Shack, Saltwater Destination, and Fantasy Planet.” The local businesses all cater to mostly
tourists which across the country are under a stay at home order.
Mayor Hendricks and the commission are also encouraging other landlords in Madeira Beach to follow their lead by offering a helping hand to their tenants, both commercial and residential. “Small business and the people who work in them are the backbone of our community and they need our help now. When your neighbor’s house is on fire you don’t haggle over the cost of your garden hose, you help put the fire out and deal with the rest
later,” said Hendricks.
The Neighbor’s Helping Neighbor’s initiative will continue for as long the city’s emergency declaration remains in place. Currently the Governor’s Executive order is scheduled to run through the end of the month, however, that could be extended if the risk to public health and safety continues at its current pace.
City Manager Bob Daniels said the city is in decent financial shape, but that will not last forever. “We want this to end just like everyone else, but we need to heed the advice of our public health experts,” said Daniels. “In the meantime, we are all in this together and that means if you are able to help a neighbor, that’s exactly what you should do.”
For more information, contact Curt Preisser, City of Madeira Beach Public Information Officer at 727-391-9951 x299 or cpreisser@madeirabeachfl.gov.