MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Tomorrow marks one year since Hurricane Milton hit our area. The storm took a toll on Manatee County’s barrier islands — especially the businesses.
What You Need To Know
- Hurricane Milton took a toll on Manatee County’s barrier islands — especially the businesses
- Manager Joey Garbus says Island Lumber and Hardware looks a little different after last year’s storms
- Island Lumber and Hardware has seen an uptick in customers during recovery and is looking to a brighter future
The storm took a toll on Manatee County’s barrier islands — especially the businesses.
One of those businesses is Island Lumber and Hardware in Holmes Beach.
Mold grew on their wooden floors because their power was out, leaving behind serious damage.
Joey Garbus, manager of Island Lumber and Hardware, says the business has looked a little different after last year’s storms.
“This business has been extremely great for us, definitely. The rush of everybody trying to rebuild their homes has definitely slowed down. But now we’re in the process of helping them rebuild. A lot of people lost houses and had to tear everything down,” he said.
Their business was flooded by Hurricane Helene — and suffered more damage from Hurricane Milton. The building was without power for two weeks. Rebuilding and returning to normal took some time.
But as their business grew in the aftermath of the hurricanes, new opportunities came. Island Lumber and Hardware now has a showroom.
“Since the flood came in, we were able to revamp everything and give the whole store a facelift,” said Garbus.
And inside, there are new products — like hurricane windows for storm season.
“There’s a lot of demand right now for windows, especially out here after the storm, Garbus said. “We finally found someone who would take us on as a buyer.”
Garbus says the company has invested in new software that helps clients visualize their projects. Investments like this all stem from the exposure the business received while helping the community recover.
“Ever since the storm, we’ve seen an uptick in customers saying, ‘Wow, I’ve been here for 20 years and just realized you guys are here. I’ve been going into town this whole time.’ It’s nice to hear more of that,” Garbus said.
He is inspired by this new growth. The help Island Lumber and Hardware provided after last year’s storms has now led to a brighter future for the business.
Julia Hazel
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