St. Armands Circle and Longboat residents prepare for Hurricane Helene

After Hurricane Debby caused serious flooding to St. Armands Circle in August, businesses are taking extra precautions while Hurricane Helene moves faster to the Gulf coast.

The Beaufort Bonnet Company and Armel Jewelers called up their remodeling company, Ramate Construction, to install hurricane shutters on the morning of Sept. 25.

Photo by Petra Rivera

“We just helped them finish with renovations,” said Justin Robins from Ramate. “We are a company that has been around for 30 years, so we know what it is like to be a business in Florida with these crazy storms. It is all about that trust, and they trust us to prevent as much damage to their businesses as possible.”

Cigar Paradise went down the same route in installing metal shutters. Due to its sensitive windows, Manager Carolyn Conner said they have to take precautions to prevent any damage as they go into their second year on the circle.

Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa Owner Sonia Gauthier’s main concern is getting off the island early Wednesday afternoon. The sudden flooding from Hurricane Debby took her and most business owners by surprise. To prevent being stuck on the island, they plan to close as soon as it starts to rain on Wednesday evening. 

Other businesses on the circle have the same plan to close early for the day. Since many shoppers are vacant from the circle, employees will spend most of their day preparing the shops. This includes taping up windows, placing sandbags by storefronts and moving products to high ground. 

Photo by Petra Rivera

Moving on to the Key, the Publix on Bay Isles Road was packed on Tuesday afternoon, with people stocking up with water and snacks to last them through the rest of the week. Last-minute shoppers trickled in on Wednesday morning. 

While going to Publix, Longboater Ken Brostron said he plans to stay on the island. 

“I honestly had a hankering for chili today,” said Brostron. “But when I came to do my normal shopping, I thought I might as well buy some water bottles just in case. I have gone through a few of these, so I’m not too worried about it.”