Kevin and Nicole Berry, owners of Shattered Glass DIY, are working hard to keep their dream alive after a series of setbacks. Their art studio, located in Dolphin Village on St. Pete Beach, was set to open just as Hurricane Helene struck last year, destroying much of their inventory.

“Everything inside was wiped out—we had to tear it all out and rebuild from scratch,” Kevin Berry, a retired Army infantry combat veteran who discovered therapeutic relief from PTSD through art, told WTSP.

The Berrys turned devastation into determination. They reopened in March, strengthening their space with features like a resin-coated floor and improved storm readiness, thanks to insurance consultations and planning.

Still, the challenges haven’t ended. Despite a strong March opening, they saw little tourist traffic during Spring Break—a crucial revenue window.

“We had a great start, but almost no tourists showed up,” Berry said. “People think we’re closed because of the fire last May that damaged much of Dolphin Village.”

Shattered Glass DIY isn’t alone. Many businesses in the area continue to face uncertainty. Eddie Kirsch of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater said Pinellas County brought in over $13.7 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections this March, but St. Pete Beach still saw a $720,000 drop compared to the same period in 2024.

“There are still many properties, especially on St. Pete Beach, that haven’t fully reopened,” Kirsch explained.

The Berrys are prepared for hurricane season—but not for another slow year.

“If we don’t see more tourists, we won’t survive in this location,” Berry said. “We just can’t cover rent and expenses with the numbers we’re seeing.”

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(Image credit: Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times)

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