- April 18, 2025
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Kay Kouvatsos said when Village Café reopened in mid-November, after the hurricanes, she and her husband and co-owner Tom Kouvatsos were asking the question, “Where is anybody?”
Nonetheless, she said "extremely generous" customers handed over extra money to help support employees who had been out of work at the Siesta Key restaurant.
"We didn't lose anybody. Every server came back," she said.
The month of March finally brought a return to normal numbers for the restaurant.
Business owners said after hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, supportive visitors and a supportive community are aiding the return of local tourism in areas from Siesta Key to Longboat Key.
Sarasota County records show a county-wide increase in tourism tax revenue, from $1,707,367.57 in October to $5,633,478.08 in February.
They also show that revenue in 2025 has been less than that of 2024, with $5,633,478.08 in February 2025, compared to $6,026,516.18 in February 2024.
Ann Frescura, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, says for many establishments on the Key, it’s business as usual.
“We're very happy to report that the majority of the businesses are up and running and rolling out the red carpet for visitors and residents alike, and they’re functioning at full capacity, but I think we need to be mindful that some could also still be financially trying to catch up from the loss or reduction of business that occurred previously due to the impact of the hurricane,” Frescura said.
She said most accommodations are taking reservations, although some are working to complete repairs.
Visitor Andrew Cangelosi of New York said although signs of hurricane damage remained, the scenery was “nice.”
“They’re doing a good job with it, but you can definitely still see it, which is understandable,” he said.
Steven Zarnecki hadn’t returned to Florida since before Hurricane Ian struck in 2022. His family comes from Illinois to visit relatives in Fort Myers.
“It really is nice being back out here,” he said of Florida, saying that “everything’s great.”
Zarnecki, when asked if he could see signs of hurricanes, replied, “Not here.”
Kristin Hale, operations director of Siesta Key Oyster Bar, said the restaurant being a local staple helps with business.
“I feel like we are maybe slightly slower, but for the most part, pretty much the entire month of March was rocking, which was great, and a few days we actually exceeded sales from last year,” she said.
“Actually, I see more (people) than usual,” said Nara Horn, a manager at Siesta Key Fudge factory. “I feel a lot of people are coming in to help our economy on our little island here.”
Businesses on Longboat Key continue to work toward fully recovering from the storms that devastated many neighborhoods and businesses, particularly those in low-lying areas that experienced extensive damage.
But Longboat Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kim Verreault said both tourists and fellow residents have stepped up to support the Key's recovery, which she hopes will steadily continue.
"We all saw how the local business community came together to support one another when they needed it the most," she said.
Many hospitality businesses made quick work of their initial cleanup, including Zota Beach Resort and Casa Del Mar Beach Resort. Rebuilding works continue, especially in residential areas, but she noted that almost all the businesses on the Key that closed after the storms have since reopened.
The timing of the storms posed a particular challenge, as many businesses were preparing for the start of the peak season. But locals supported one another in getting the sector up and running as quickly as possible, which "allows people to get back to having joy and being a community again."
Community stalwarts, like Harry's Continental Kitchen, have also forged a way forward. Verrault noted the business, which recently celebrated its 45th anniversary, had to juggle the three arms of the combined restaurant, deli and convenience store.
Seeing such staples in the community return to form is heartwarming, she said, and vital to the tourism industry as many visitors plan to pack lunches for beach trips and other plans.
Verrault said the community made the most of the season, even seeing the launch of new businesses including Three Island Monkeys and Lo' Key Island Grille. Some shops also took the opportunity to renovate their spaces while rebuilding.
In the long run, the community has built up its resiliency to such extreme weather, and Verrault commended those who stepped up to help the Key start its path to recovery.
As the peak season winds down, she encourages residents to take advantage of the amenities in their own backyard. Besides shopping, she said there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy local events, charters, trips to nearby parks and the cleared beaches that once again have their aquamarine sparkle.
