Pinellas County sets $22 million plan for storm-hit businesses

Pinellas County will distribute $22.1 million in hurricane recovery grants to local businesses, including establishments that closed after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Small Business Community Recovery Program aims to help firms repair damage, maintain operations, and generate employment. Officials presented the proposal at an Oct. 22 commission work session, more than two years after the storms damaged commercial areas along the Gulf beaches.

Initial assessments placed the financial impact at $136 million, affecting roughly 1,100 businesses. A later county assessment identified $525 million in unmet recovery needs after subtracting insurance payouts and other aid. The proposed grant pool covers about 4% of that estimated gap. Beyond physical damage, reopened businesses faced prolonged slow tourism. Tourist tax collections in St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach dropped 35% in January 2025 compared to the prior year, while other county areas fared better.

Woody’s Waterfront, a St. Pete Beach restaurant open for over 35 years, shut down following Hurricane Helene. Its former property sold for $2.4 million in January. Commissioner Kathleen Peters questioned the delay in launching business assistance. “I think we’ve waited too long to launch the business portion of this,” Peters said. She noted that some beach businesses struggled to survive the aftermath and closed before the program became ready.

Peters asked if those closed businesses could still receive funding. Ryan Flannery, program director for BDO Government Services, said firms operating at the time of the hurricanes might qualify even if they have since closed. “We’re finalizing program policies and procedures, but generally yes,” Flannery said. Businesses seeking to reopen must provide a plan showing they can operate sustainably and create jobs. Specific requirements are still being determined.

Grants will cover eligible operating expenses, equipment, commercial vehicles, and furnishings. The county will prioritize future expenses over reimbursements for money already spent. Applications will open in phases, starting with food service, hospitality, tourism, transportation, and childcare. Other eligible businesses may apply as funding allows. Flannery acknowledged that the available funds are limited compared to the outstanding need, making allocation decisions critical.

County officials have consulted local business groups but have not set an application date. The program is expected to launch before the end of 2026. Peters urged officials to begin informing business owners now so they can prepare. “If you’re launching this by the end of the year, you need to give people a heads up so they can get prepared,” Peters said.