Typically, March brings throngs of visitors to the sidewalk outside Walter Loos’ ice cream parlor in Bradenton Beach.

“In the evenings, you’d see a solid crowd filling the space,” Loos recalled when speaking to WTVT.

This year, however, the area stands deserted. The ice cream parlor, as well as Loos’ nearby pizza and donut shops, remain shuttered with boarded-up windows—a costly predicament.

“Financially, March usually brings in around $350,000,” Loos explained.

He’s not the only one affected. Numerous local businesses have yet to resume operations following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which inundated Anna Maria Island twice, effectively bringing the beach into his establishments. Eager to reopen by spring break, they sprang into action.

“We initially aimed for mid-February, with hopes of being ready for this season,” Loos noted to WTVT.

By mid-November, the shops were cleared out and primed for renovation. Yet, nearly five months later, little progress has been made. A FEMA appraisal once stalled Loos for six weeks, and now a backlog of permit applications at the Bradenton Beach building department is holding up construction.

“This series of events has truly overwhelmed our community,” he said. “Patience is key as we navigate these challenges, keeping our focus on recovery.”

But each day that passes deepens Loos’ concern that Bradenton Beach is drifting further from normalcy.

“Small family businesses are the backbone of our coastal towns. Going without income for four, five, or six months simply isn’t sustainable,” he emphasized.

For Loos, the prolonged delay is pushing his businesses toward a breaking point where waiting may no longer make sense. He estimates his total losses could exceed $3 million.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: WTVT)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news