Skip to main content

Florida Commerce Secretary Kelly, Lt. Gov. Nuñez visit to support recovery

, ,
October 18, 2024
By Garland Pollard

In a visit aimed at highlighting the importance of local commerce, Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly toured Gasparilla Island on Tuesday, Oct. 15, to meet with small business owners affected by the recent hurricanes. Kelly’s visit focused on businesses still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused significant damage in the area.

Kelly and his staff met with business owners across from Hudson’s at 2 p.m. before visiting local stores and offices to assess the damages as they cleaned up structures. The tour allowed Kelly to hear firsthand from business owners about the challenges they face and to explain the relief programs that the state of Florida is offering to help them rebuild.

He was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez on a walkabout, where they saw damage at Key Lime Bistro, Scarpa’s Coastal, and other businesses in a walk down Park Avenue. The group also toured the Old Theater Building, where Glenn Scarpa discussed his restaurant’s operations and repairs.

The state offers several support programs for small businesses, including the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

The program provides up to $50,000 at zero percent interest, giving businesses immediate financial assistance of up to $100,000. Businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton were eligible to apply for relief from both storms.

The visit came about through Rep. Adam Botana, who represents the island. He contacted resident Mary O’Bannon and asked if he could arrange a meeting with downtown business owners.

She is part of a group raising private funds to help restore island businesses.

About the Program

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.

Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.

Island Fund for Disasters: Applications are available at the Beacon office, Lighthouse United Methodist Church or bocabeacon.com. Contact Mary O’Bannon at (239) 229-1611.