Naples Restaurants Brace for Hurricane Season

## Hurricane Season in Naples: “I Still Have Nightmares” and Other Tales from Paradise The air is thick with humidity, the sun beats down with a ferocity only a Floridian summer can muster, and the cicadas are singing their relentless song. It’s that time of year again in Naples, Florida: hurricane season. For some, it’s just another season of sunshine interspersed with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. For others, particularly those who own and operate the restaurants that make our culinary scene so vibrant, it’s a season of anxiety, preparation, and the ever-present fear of the unknown. As a local myself, I’ve seen firsthand the toll these storms can take, not just on the landscape, but on the very fabric of our community. Let’s dive deep into what it means to weather the storm, both literally and figuratively, for Naples’ restaurant owners. The recent news article about Florida restaurant owners navigating another hurricane season really resonated with me. That phrase, “I still have nightmares,” stuck. It’s a stark reminder that the scars left by hurricanes aren’t just physical – they’re emotional, too. And it’s something that echoes through conversations with restaurant owners all across Naples. They remember Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Ian just last year, and even further back, Hurricane Wilma in 2005. These aren’t just names on a list; they’re etched in memory, representing weeks, sometimes months, of lost revenue, damaged property, and the grueling task of rebuilding. For many restaurant owners in Naples, their establishment isn’t just a business; it’s their livelihood, their passion, and often, a significant part of their family history. Some have poured their life savings into creating the perfect ambiance, curating a menu that reflects the flavors of Southwest Florida, and building a loyal customer base that feels like an extension of their own family. The threat of a hurricane puts all of this at risk. Imagine, for a moment, you’re the owner of a popular seafood restaurant on Fifth Avenue South. You’ve just finished a busy season, the snowbirds are heading back north, and you’re finally able to take a breath and start planning for the summer months. Then, the first tropical disturbance of the season forms in the Atlantic. Suddenly, the relaxed atmosphere is replaced by a sense of unease. You check the weather forecasts obsessively, hoping the storm will veer away, but a nagging voice in the back of your head tells you to prepare for the worst. The first step is securing the physical restaurant. This means boarding up windows, moving outdoor furniture and equipment inside, and securing anything that could become a projectile in high winds. In Naples, many restaurants have outdoor seating areas, often elaborately decorated with lush tropical plants, elegant lighting, and comfortable seating. All of this needs to be dismantled and stored safely. It’s a labor-intensive process, and the costs can quickly add up, especially if you need to hire extra help. Next comes the inventory. Perishable goods need to be used or disposed of, which represents a significant financial loss. Restaurants often stock up on non-perishable items, like bottled water and canned goods, in anticipation of potential shortages after the storm. But even these precautions can’t fully mitigate the losses incurred during a forced closure. Then there’s the staff. Many restaurant employees in Naples rely on tips to make ends meet. A hurricane-related closure means lost wages, and for those living paycheck to paycheck, this can be devastating. Restaurant owners grapple with the difficult decision of whether to continue paying staff during the closure, knowing that their own income has been severely impacted. It’s a delicate balancing act, and the human cost of these storms is often overlooked. Even after the storm passes, the challenges continue. Power outages can last for days, even weeks, making it impossible to reopen. There’s the clean-up process, which can be extensive, especially if the restaurant has sustained flood damage. And then there’s the challenge of restocking inventory, often in a market where demand is high and supply is limited. But amidst the anxiety and uncertainty, there’s also a remarkable sense of resilience and community spirit. In the aftermath of past hurricanes, we’ve seen Naples restaurants transform into makeshift relief centers, offering free meals to first responders and those in need. Neighbors help neighbors clear debris, share resources, and offer emotional support. It’s a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. So, what can we do to support our local restaurants during hurricane season? First and foremost, stay informed. Follow reliable sources for weather updates and heed evacuation orders. Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to do so, patronize your favorite restaurants. They need our support now more than ever. Be patient, understanding, and flexible. Remember that they’ve been through a lot, and they’re doing their best to get back on their feet. Beyond immediate support, consider purchasing gift certificates, which can provide restaurants with much-needed cash flow. Leave positive reviews online to boost their visibility. And most importantly, spread the word about the importance of supporting local businesses, especially during challenging times. Hurricane season is a reality of life in Naples, Florida. But it’s also a time when our community comes together, showing its strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. By understanding the challenges faced by our local restaurants and offering our support, we can help ensure that they continue to thrive, serving up delicious food and creating lasting memories for years to come. After all, these restaurants aren’t just businesses; they’re the heart and soul of our community, and we need to protect them, just like they nourish us.