As many Bay Area beach communities race to rebuild ahead of the lucrative spring break season, two well-known St. Pete Beach hotels have announced they will remain closed until summer, dealing a blow to both workers and tourists.

The Bellwether Beach Resort and The Beachcomber—home to the popular Jimmy B’s Beach Bar—will not reopen until July, leaving more than 100 employees furloughed and missing out on the bustling spring break crowds.

In a statement, hotel management acknowledged the challenges: “Like so many of our friends and neighbors, Bellwether Beach Resort & The Beachcomber suffered severe damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The recovery process has been long and complex, resulting in unexpected delays. Our top priority is reopening as soon as possible.”

For longtime Jimmy B’s bartender Bill Pruitt, the news comes as a shock.

“There wasn’t that much damage compared to some places that were completely destroyed,” said Pruitt, who has worked at the bar for 25 years. “At first, we were told we’d be back by a certain date, but then they kept pushing it further. I really thought I’d be back by mid-to-late December.”

Now facing another six months without work, Pruitt says the financial strain is overwhelming.

“It’s awful. I’ve been strung along, thinking I’d be back soon. I’ve burned through my savings, my retirement—everything. And I’m not the only one.”

The extended closure also means a significant economic hit for the area, typically seeing an influx of tourism dollars during spring break. According to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the annual event generates tens of millions of dollars for local businesses.

“Anyone who’s been to Jimmy B’s knows how much revenue we bring in,” Pruitt said. “Having this many employees out of work for so long is unbelievable. Jimmy B’s has been my home for 25 years—I have my health benefits, my 401K through them. I just want to go back to work.”

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(Image credit: WTVT)