The beer coolers were floating. Owner Peter Czajkowski saw that on his security cameras when Hurricane Helene pushed floodwater over the bar top two years ago.

Last Saturday, Clearwater Beach Bar, formerly known as Jamminz Beach Bar, officially reopened.

The road back was long. Water ruined much of the equipment, and the bar had to be gutted completely. For two years, the doors stayed closed while the rebuild dragged on. Staff said opening day went well, and they hope the renovated space draws more visitors in the coming weeks.

“They knocked us down, but they couldn’t break us,” Czajkowski said.

He said the comeback will not be easy. “We’re starting from scratch,” he said, adding that they plan to win back longtime Jamminz regulars and welcome tourists. Many other businesses along Mandalay Avenue also had to renovate after the storm.

Customer Rob Smith said the neighborhood misses a spot like this when it disappears, and he is glad to see businesses returning. In his view, Clearwater Beach has come out of the storms better than before.

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