Supporting Sarasota & Manatee Small Businesses After Hurricane Helene
Our Mission
In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation, we're rallying support for small businesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties. As a local business owner myself, I've seen firsthand the struggles our community faces. Many who were already battling tough economic times have now lost everything to the storm.
This page serves to:
Promote small businesses directly impacted by Hurricane Helene
Showcase side-gigs of hospitality workers affected by the storm
Provide an easy-to-search directory of impacted local businesses
Offer clear information on how to support these businesses through gift card purchases, online shopping, and donations
Why This Matters
While insurance and government loans can help, the process is often slow and burdensome. Our local economy, heavily reliant on hospitality and tourism, needs immediate support to recover and thrive.
By supporting these businesses, you're not just making a purchase – you're investing in our community's resilience and future.
How You Can Help
Browse our listings to find businesses you can support. Every gift card purchased, online order made, or donation given helps a local entrepreneur get back on their feet.
Together, we can rebuild our vibrant local business community.
This project is just beginning. Check back often as we grow and improve our support for Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Jen
Sarasota Resident & Small Business Owner
SUPPORT THESE SMALL BUSINESSES
BEACH LIFE AMI
Website: instagram.com/beachlifeonline/
Gift Cards Available: YES! You can purchase gift cards at their other location: 7439 Manatee Ave W., or email them with your request to purchase a gift card.
Physical Location: 107 7th St. N., Bradenton Beach, Florida 34217
About: Boutique gift shop with a coastal style and lots of AMI love!
Driftwood Beach Home & Garden
Website: driftwoodbeachhome.com
Gift Cards Available: YES! Purchase here.
Physical Location: 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
About: Beautiful, colorful, handmade items from local artists as well as international artisans. Clothing, jewelry, books, baskets, linens, home items. Driftwood Beach Home & Garden is also home to over 40 local artists.
GREEN ZEBRA CAFE ST. ARMANDS
Website: greenzebracafe.com
Gift Cards Available: YES! Purchase here.
Physical Location: 476 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL
Downtown Location is at 1377 Main St, Sarasota
About: Green Zebra's Downtown Sarasota location is open! Purchase a gift card and/or patronize their downtown location to help.
MARMALADE SURFSIDE
Website: marmaladelifestyle.com
Gift Cards Available: YES! Click here.
About: Women’s free spirited apparel, coastal inspired jewelry, boho accessories along with cool beachy home decor and fun gifts.
Physical Location: 5129 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key
How to Support: Shop and support their two other locations so they can get their Siesta Key store rebuilt and opened.
Marmalade Southside: 1927 S. Osprey Ave.
Marmalade Waterside: 1561 Lakefront Drive Unit 108, Lakewood Ranch
ODDITY TATTOO AMI
Website: odditytattoo.com/
Gift Cards Available: YES! Click here.
Gift cards may also be purchased at any of their other locations. AMI artists will be working out of the Downtown Sarasota location until AMI is back up and running.
Physical Location:
Anna Maria: 5337 Gulf Drive, suite 100, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
UTC: 6307 Center Ring Road Sarasota, FL 34243
Sarasota/Bee Ridge: 2775 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239
Downtown: 1778 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236
SARASOTA CANDLE COMPANY
How To Shop: sarasotacandle.com
Gift Cards Available: No
About: The owner of Sarasota Candle Company is employed at a cafe on St. Armand's Circle that is closed temporarily due to damage.
VINTAGE KEY LLC
Website: vintagekeyfl.com
Gift Cards Available: No
Shop Online: Click Here
Physical Locations: Located inside Scavenger's Marketplace Sarasota, Venice Mercato and Left Coast Sol in Bradenton
About: Refinished vintage and antique furniture and unique small decor items with a vintage twist. The owner lost 80% of her furniture inventory, merchandise and tools when the storm surge flooded her garage studio on Siesta Key.
