The Never Forgotten Coast campaign and the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association today announced 11 additional microgrants that will immediately help businesses in Mexico Beach. This brings the total to 20 microgrants that have been provided to small businesses in the community hardest hit by Hurricane Michael last year.
“Businesses in Mexico Beach are starting to get up and running again, and we’re excited to see how these grants will help that recovery continue,” said Alex Workman, Never Forgotten Coast co-founder. “The road to recovery is long but they are making incredible strides, and we are honored to continue to help share their stories and partner with them to keep rebuilding.”
The following businesses will receive a $1,000 microgrant:
- Sol Siesta, a vacation rental home, was a total loss. The funds will be used to help rebuild the home.
- Absolute Serenity, a vacation rental home, was destroyed. The funds will help replace items not covered by insurance.
- Eric Sigmon Studio LLC lost most of its supplies, equipment and inventory. None of this was covered by insurance, so the funds will help replace these supplies.
- No Worries Vacation Rentals LLC sustained serious damage. The funds will be used to rebuild the business and for tourism marketing to get people back to Mexico Beach.
- White Sands Salon and Boutique sustained damage to the roof, boardwalk and plumbing. The funds will be used to help the business reopen.
- Caribbean Coffee LLC sustained physical damage from the storm. The funds will be used to help repair damage while insurance is pending.
- 98 Real Estate Group had significant damage and flooding. The funds will help during the business’ remodel.
- Mexico Beach Storage LLC was damaged from the storm and wind. The funds will help the business reopen.
- Mexico Beach Sundance Realty, a property management company, has reopened with limited hours. The funds will be used to help get more properties ready to rent, to accommodate residents who need a place to stay temporarily.
- Big Time Charters sustained extensive damage to the charter boat. The funds will help to move the boat off the dock to a boatyard for repairs.
- No Worries Beach Service LLC has reopened with limited hours. The funds will be used to replace buildings and beach rental equipment.
On October 10, Hurricane Michael hit as the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in the Florida Panhandle. The Category 4 Hurricane leveled everything in its path, including most of the homes and businesses that made up the Mexico Beach community.
The microgrant program is in partnership with the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association, a nonprofit that has worked in Mexico Beach for more than two decades and has successfully managed millions of dollars in federal grant programs. The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association amended its mission statement immediately after Hurricane Michael to begin receiving donations for a variety of hurricane recovery programs.
Businesses interested in applying for the microgrant program can fill out the application here: neverforgottencoast.com/microgrant.
The Never Forgotten Coast team has also partnered with award-winning Nashville photographer, Jeremy Cowart, and Tallahassee drone pilot, Jonathan Smith, to capture the stories of Mexico Beach and put faces to the city that has been a home and destination for people all over the world. These powerful images and stories can be seen at NeverForgottenCoast.com.
