Florida restaurateur rebuilding after Hurricane Helene: 'An absolute gut punch'

Published On Oct 14, 2024, 3:43 PM

Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, particularly hitting businesses like Café L'Europe in St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. The storm caused significant flooding, resulting in extensive damage to the café and other businesses, pushing total private market insured losses between $8 billion to $14 billion. Restaurant owner John Horne highlighted the emotional and financial toll the hurricane has taken, expressing concerns for the future of his business, especially regarding the increasing cost of insurance and the need for better storm water management.

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Given the substantial impact of Hurricane Helene on the businesses along Florida's Gulf Coast, particularly in areas that depend on tourism and hospitality, it may lead to increased demand for disaster recovery and rebuilding services. However, the rising costs associated with insurance might deter new investments in the area, potentially leading to a downturn in local economic activity. Additionally, the increased frequency and intensity of storms could make investors wary of businesses in these vulnerable regions.

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