Since October, Plaza Beach Resorts in St. Pete Beach has opened its doors exclusively to storm survivors, a commitment owner Rob Czyszczon plans to maintain even through the profitable spring break season.

“Every guest here was impacted by the hurricanes,” Czyszczon told Bay News 9. “We’re doing what’s right for our community—providing shelter to those who truly need it.”

Though hosting tourists could bring in significantly more revenue, Czyszczon prioritizes supporting his hurricane-ravaged community after last year’s consecutive storms. “FEMA covers some costs, but it’s far less than our usual spring break rates,” he explained. “Still, it’s the right choice. We’re taking care of our neighbors.”

Andrea Simhony, 57, checked into the Plaza Beach Hotel in late January through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which directly funds the hotel. After feeling mistreated as a FEMA guest elsewhere, she found a stark contrast here. “It’s like a family,” she said. “They genuinely care and treat you with kindness.”

Simhony’s ground-floor condo in St. Pete Beach was inundated by Hurricane Helene in September. Though repairs are underway, her FEMA aid expires March 24, potentially forcing her back into an unfinished home. “I’ve pleaded for an extension,” she said. “A few more weeks would make all the difference.”

Lawrence Blackbourn, 62, moved into the hotel on January 15, grateful for its proximity to his flooded Belle Vista home. “It’s been a lifeline,” he said. “I can walk to meet contractors and manage repairs.” Delays in his rebuilding process—stemming from a city assessment on February 6 deeming his home 36 percent damaged—mean his FEMA aid ends this Thursday. “Spring break prices are unaffordable,” he said. “I don’t know where I’ll go. An extension would help so much.”

FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance provides up to 180 days of support following a major disaster declaration. With Hurricane Milton striking Siesta Key on October 9, that aid expires next month. Czyszczon worries about his guests’ next steps. “On April 10, everyone here could be homeless,” he said. “Many just need a little more time—April’s too soon, and they’ve got nowhere else.”

Simhony praised Czyszczon’s dedication, noting he’s reserved all three of his properties for survivors. “He’s not just offering a room—he’s giving us stability,” she said. “We’re so thankful he’s holding this space for us.”

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