ACE Hardware on Longboat Key throws barbecue after Helene

Longboater Chris Sachs stopped at ACE Hardware for a quick trip to get some essentials after Hurricane Helene and left with a full stomach. 

On Oct. 2, owners Reed and Ginny Savidge decided to throw a barbecue at their store to bring joy and camaraderie to the island after the surge of Hurricane Helene destroyed many Longboaters' homes. 

Ginny was saddened by seeing all the people without homes, especially those who lived in mobile homes in the Gulf Shore of Longboat Key. Following her grandchildren's suggestion, they hosted a grill out to provide some free food to anyone who needed it.

The Savidge family grilled about 500 hot dogs along with some hamburgers to go with a side of chips and soda.

"I'm always trying to help in any way I can," said Ginny. "So if it is baby steps like feeding the community, I don't mind. They kept trying to pay, but I would say, 'It just costs your smile.'"

After Hurricane Milton, the Savidges would like to plan another barbecue before the end of October in partnership with Sheila Loccisano's Instagram, Follow Me To Longboat Key. With Locciasano's 214,000 followers, they want to reach as many people as they can.

"It came as a good surprise when I walked into the barbecue," said Sachs. "That is what Longboat is all about, all of us helping each other. It was a spot of light after the darkness. I know it brought that joy that everyone needed."