Spring breakers are once again flocking to the barrier islands, months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the area, leaving homes and businesses struggling to rebuild.

Monday marked the start of spring break for many Tampa Bay students.

“Crabby’s on the Pass, gone,” Landis Wilson told WFLA. “PCI’s gone.”

“It just feels really different,” she added. “It’s really different this year.”

For Wilson and her friends from the University of Florida, witnessing the aftermath in Pinellas County’s barrier islands was heartbreaking.

While they were aware of the storms’ impact, Wilson said the area still feels unrecognizable.

“It’s completely displaced—there’s hardly anyone here,” she said. “Not a lot of tourists either.”

City officials reported that the entire island endured a 10-foot storm surge, affecting every structure.

To support local businesses, commissioners approved a measure allowing tents and food trucks in parking lots.

For Treasure Island’s well-known beach bar, Caddy’s, this decision has been a lifeline.

“Obviously, the storms hit us hard—it’ll take about a year to fully reopen in our original space,” said Caddy’s Treasure Island Manager Evan Bradish.

In the meantime, guests can still enjoy Caddy’s under a tent in the parking lot, where staff continue serving food from a truck and drinks from a temporary bar.

“It was built by hand, and honestly, it’s one of the nicest bars I’ve seen,” Bradish explained to WFLA. “And it only took about a week to put up.”

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(Image credit: Here St. Petersburg)

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