Although the crowds were smaller and the shopping options fewer, people still came out to enjoy the day at St. Armands Circle on Monday.
A popular place for locals and tourists alike, St. Armands Circle usually has about 140 restaurants, shops, and other businesses.
But as of Monday, only half of those businesses have reopened their doors since the devastation of two storms, especially Helene, which brought in four feet of storm surge.
“It’s definitely different than what it was last year, but we’ve been trying to do tent sales every few weekends,” Jodi Frauhiger said.
Foxy Lady, located at 481 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, reopened on Nov. 1 and is the only business that spoke of the circle that has reopened. Frauhiger said it is because the shop’s owner also owns the building and had the right resources, and they were able to open quickly.
However, they are doing what they can to help other shops, inviting them to set up booths during the tent sales.
“Almost all the restaurants are back open and we keep getting new stores every day back open so we are here, we are open for business and we want you to come shop with us,” Frauhiger said.