In October, a series of tornadoes hit Dunedin, leaving several businesses in the area damaged. Local business owners like Cindy Haynes are facing challenges as they navigate the recovery process. Haynes, who works at The Gym in Dunedin, mentioned that their building was damaged during the storms and had a negative impact on their business.
The Gym is located in the Dunedin Causeway Plaza, which was one of the areas hit hardest by the tornadoes. Many other businesses in the plaza suffered similar damages, such as broken roofs, shattered windows, and faulty air conditioning units. This led to some businesses being boarded up, creating the impression that they were closed.
Alma Hernandez, owner of Happy Cactus Mexican Cocina, also shared a similar experience. Her restaurant’s AC unit was destroyed during the storms, affecting their business operations. Both Hernandez and Haynes stated that potential customers often drive past their establishments thinking they are closed due to damage caused by the tornadoes.
Despite these difficulties, business owners hope to receive enough support to remain operational this summer while waiting for insurance claims to be processed. They rely heavily on community support to stay afloat during this challenging time. Both Haynes and Hernandez emphasized how essential it is for everyone in the plaza to receive support so they can continue operating their businesses successfully.
Meanwhile, ABC Action News reporter Katie LaGrone is following up on a story about Jimmy Klass, a Floridian who recently discovered he was not a U.S. citizen after living in America for 64 years. LaGrone is also sharing the story of another Floridian who found out after nearly 60 years that she was not a legal citizen of the United States.
In conclusion, while local businesses are facing significant challenges due to damage from tornadoes and other natural disasters
