The Brief
- Davis Island Life hosted its third annual Small Business Saturday market with more than 55 local vendors.
- Many storefronts have come a long way since Hurricane Helene destroyed parts of the island last year.
- Community leaders say roughly 40% of residents remain displaced, and support for local businesses is still critical.
TAMPA – The Davis Islands community marked Small Business Saturday with a holiday market. More than 55 vendors, including new and returning businesses, lined the Village Shops area on Saturday, drawing crowds that organizers say far exceeded last year’s turnout.
Ben Gordon, founder of the nonprofit Davis Island Life, said many businesses had to completely rebuild after the storm.
“It was really tough on them after the hurricane,” Gordon said. “Some of them had just opened when the hurricane hit and had to rebuild and start over again.”
L’Atelier, one of the hardest-hit shops, lost nearly everything. Owner Rose Sanabria said most businesses on the strip lacked sufficient insurance. “Being able to open our doors back up is truly a miracle,” she said.…