Small Business Recovery After Helene and Milton: Stress, Support, and Relief

The impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton has left a lasting mark on the St. Pete community.

Businesses were shuttered, homes were damaged, and even now, many are grappling with the aftermath. For small business owners, the stress of trying to rebuild after two deadly storms in such a short time is immense, but it's important to recognize the toll this experience has on mental health, as well as the body’s physical response to stress.

Physical and Mental Impact of Hurricane Stress

Living through these back-to-back hurricanes, adrenaline levels surged as we prepared, waited, and endured. Even after the storms passed, the stress doesn’t disappear overnight. The body continues to hold onto the anxiety and fear, which can manifest as:

• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
• Irritability or emotional overwhelm
• Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue
• Anxiety that lingers long after the physical danger has passed

It’s called “hurricane fatigue,” and it’s real. As Craig Setzer explained in a recent post, many people experience a crash once the adrenaline fades, and this crash can last for weeks or even months. You are not alone in feeling this way.

If the stress begins to impact your daily life, it’s important to seek help. Counseling, mindfulness practices, and somatic exercises can help you release this stored tension and begin the process of mental recovery.

St. Pete Small Business Support Resources

For small businesses affected by Helene and Milton, there are resources available to help with recovery. From grants to rebuilding aid, it's important to get the support you need to get back on your feet.

• SBA Business Recovery Center: Pinellas County now has a Business Recovery Center to assist with disaster loans and recovery. Learn more here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2024/10/04/sba-opens-business-recovery-center-pinellas-county-adds-three-more-counties-florida-declaration
  

Rebuilding Mind and Body

As important as financial recovery is, mental and emotional recovery cannot be ignored. Here are some ways to unwind, support local businesses, and take care of yourself during this time.

Stretch and Sound Bath with Brenda O'Donnell

Monday Nights @ 7:30 - The Collective 

Located at The Collective St. Pete, this stretch and sound bath class offers a floor-based practice inspired by Yin and Restorative Yoga, combined with sacred sound to help calm your nervous system. Whether you're looking to increase flexibility or simply "bathe" in soothing sound, this class can help you relax and release tension. You can sign up through ClassPass for free with a trial membership. It’s a great way to support The Collective and take care of your mental health after the storm. Learn more about their class offerings at thecollectivestpete.com.

Sign up for Class Pass and take this class and others for FREE with a free trial! You can also book wellness appointments like massages, sauna, cold plunge, and facials with Class Pass. 

BlissFit Yoga in the Park with Jenni

Tuesday Night @ 6:15 - Walter Fuller Park

Yoga can also be a powerful tool to help manage stress and anxiety. Starting October 15, join Jenni from BlissFit Yogafor calming yoga sessions at Walter Fuller Park. It’s a beautiful way to reconnect with nature, center your body, and support a local yoga instructor in the process. Keep in touch with BlissFit Yoga via their social media for upcoming events.

Weird Walk to the Pier with 33 Local

Join me for the next Weird Walk to the Pier, an easy-going group walk organized by 33 Local. This meet-up is all about taking a casual walk, connecting with others, and decompressing in a low-pressure environment. It’s a simple yet effective way to support mental health, all while enjoying the beauty of St. Pete.

You can sign up for the next walk here: meetu.ps/e/Ndj1N/5XddW/i

Additional Resources for St. Pete Small Businesses:

For more information and support, check out these resources to help with recovery efforts:

City of St. Petersburg News on Hurricane Recovery: Learn about ongoing recovery efforts and resources in St. Pete at: https://www.stpete.org/news_detail_T30_R1207.php

Pinellas Community Foundation's 'We Are St. Pete' Initiative: Support and donate to help rebuild small businesses in St. Pete at https://pinellascf.org/wearestpete/

Food Pop-Up Trucks in St. Pete: Find local food pop-ups to support small food businesses while you eat at https://stpetecatalyst.com/zaps/food-pop-up-trucks-sunday-in-st-pete/

All St. Pete Disaster Recover Efforts Listed Here: https://www.stpete.org/residents/public_safety/hurricane_helene_recovery_assistance.php

Conclusion

We’ve been through a lot with hurricanes Helene and Milton, but recovery is possible. By taking steps to support both your business and your mental health, we can rebuild together. Remember, it’s okay to seek help, decompress, and reconnect with your community along the way.

Written by Krystina Lisi for 33 Local – dedicated to supporting small businesses through the storms and beyond.