The beaches bounce back

By Joey Lachman

ST. PETE BEACH— Post hurricane life has been full of sadness, doubt, and despair for many across the beaches in the Tampa Bay area. It has also been full of hope recently as many of the hotels and businesses throughout the area have begun re-opening.

Billions of dollars in government funds through FEMA helped to jumpstart repairs and construction on the devastated areas. President Biden was here on St. Pete Beach just days after the storm and approved one billion dollars according to white house officials.

Just driving through the beaches, you can see that there is still work to be done. Hotel manager Matt Hannon says that the FEMA projects were crucial to the longevity of the beaches.

“Just to ensure the longevity of the beach, its definitely something the community had to come together on to make sure it got done” says Hannon.

Local resident Berenice Barboza says that the area has rebounded, and spring break is getting busy.

“I’m really surprised, after the storms we got, spring break has been pretty good on the beach there’s a lot of people here.” Barboza says

Hotels like the Tradewinds and Don Cesar have begun to open, and the weather is perfect for a day at the beach. And there isn’t a better way to help a community in need.