The Plant City Chamber of Commerce has launched a new disaster preparedness resource page to help local businesses prepare for and recover from hurricanes during the 2026 storm season.

The online resource provides business owners with access to emergency information, storm preparation tools, recovery assistance programs, and other resources before and after severe weather events. Chamber officials said the initiative was developed after nearly one-third of its member businesses were affected during the 2024 hurricane season.

Jerilyn Rumbarger, the chamber’s president and CEO, said the resource is intended to help business owners better prepare for potential storm impacts and manage their personal hurricane plans.

Among those benefiting from past chamber recovery efforts is Tim Bosko, owner of a local CBD business. Although his store avoided major damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it was forced to close for five days, resulting in lost revenue. Bosko said a chamber-connected recovery grant helped his business continue operating without significant disruption.

The chamber reported that 31 local businesses previously received $5,000 recovery grants and said it plans to continue partnering with the Glazier family to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by future storms.

Bosko said he plans to use the new preparedness resources this hurricane season and is encouraging fellow business owners and residents to review the available information and prepare early.

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

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