Treasure Island leaders are making strides toward aiding local businesses in hurricane recovery. City officials have unanimously advanced an ordinance designed to support restaurants and bars impacted by recent storms.

With beachgoers returning, commissioners acknowledge the need for ample dining and leisure options. Mayor John Doctor emphasized, “Without our hotels, without our restaurants, without the bars and the retail and everything else, we wouldn’t be a beach community.”

The proposed ordinance would permit business owners to set up food trucks, tents, trailers, and bars in parking lots and outdoor areas. While the current option allows for 36 days, the new measure would extend this timeframe significantly.

Additionally, the revised proposal grants commissioners the flexibility to implement this option during any state of emergency.

Caddy’s owner highlighted the importance of the changes, stating, “This is going to help a lot of families, a lot of people eager to return to work. We sustained considerable damage, but fortunately, we have ample space to do it safely and provide parking. It means a future for us as a business.”

A final vote is needed to pass the ordinance, which is scheduled for March 4.

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