PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Some Punta Gorda businesses are recovering faster than others, but the scars left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton run deep. As waters rushed through downtown, especially along the beloved Marion Avenue, many people found themselves confronting more than just physical damage. They faced the emotional weight of loss and uncertainty.
The sheer volume of water introduced a new reality for owners like Alina Cosman. “We had everything boarded up and sandbagged, and still the water found its way in,” she recounted while sifting through the remnants of her shop, HipNotique Boutique. “With Helene, we thought we had learned our lesson, but Milton taught us otherwise. Even the higher ground couldn’t save our inventory this time.”
DRYING OUT: some Punta Gorda businesses are recovering faster than others
Cosman then paused, her eyes reflecting the chaos around her. “There’s so much confusion about where to find help and how long it will take,” she said. The emotional toll of mopping combined with endless calls for assistance created a whirlwind of stress. How could one think of paperwork while knee-deep in muck?
With thousands of dollars lost in merchandise, she was torn between finding a temporary home for her shop and waiting for news from her landlord. The clock was ticking as the busy season approached, and Cosman felt the weight of lost opportunities. “Every day we are closed affects us,” she noted soberly. “During the season, we make up to 90% of our income. If we lose that walk-by traffic, and someone else is open, it could mean permanent damage to our customer base.” In moments like this, time feels both slow and agonizingly fast.
While some establishments struggled, the Celtic Ray Public House had already reopened its doors, albeit with limited menu offerings. Owner Kevin Doyle detailed the recovery as he stood outside the bar, “The surge water from Hurricane Milton reached over the bar. We thought we were ready to go, with just a coat of paint needed, then Milton arrived.”
The steadfast determination in Doyle’s voice revealed a resilience that many in the community shared. “We’ve faced several hurricanes before, and we always bounce back. Locals love this pub too much for it to go anywhere.” Even with the kitchen closed, they were committed to serving the community, pouring pints and lifting spirits.
“Someone once asked me if I thought about moving the pub somewhere safer. I joked, ‘No way, it’s too damn heavy!’ This place has history, it’s a cornerstone in Punta Gorda,” Doyle laughed, though the underlying concern remained palpable.
For the many local businesses still grappling with the aftermath, the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce has stepped in, compiling resources for affected owners. They have even arranged for Florida Commerce to assist with Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans at Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine beginning at 10 a.m. on October 15. Such initiatives offer a glimmer of hope amidst the recovery efforts.
In a community where bonds are deep and shared struggles are common, the spirit of Punta Gorda shines brighter than the challenges it faces. As these business owners clean their shops and share their stories, they remind each other of their resilience and collective strength, forging a path towards a renewed future, one small step at a time.
