Naples Restaurants Brace for Hurricane Season

## Hurricane Season in Naples: “I Still Have Nightmares” and Other Stories from Our Local Restaurants Here in Naples, Florida, we live in paradise. The sun-kissed beaches, the vibrant arts scene, the world-class dining… it’s easy to understand why so many of us call this place home. But paradise comes with a price, and for those of us who live on the Gulf Coast, that price is called hurricane season. Every year, from June 1st to November 30th, we hold our breath and watch the tropics, hoping that this year will be different, that this year the storms will stay away. But hope isn’t a strategy, and as any seasoned Neapolitan knows, preparation is key. This is especially true for our local restaurant owners. They’re not just responsible for their livelihoods, they’re responsible for the livelihoods of their staff, for providing a sense of normalcy during times of chaos, and for feeding a community hungry for comfort and connection. I recently sat down with some of Naples’ most beloved restaurateurs to discuss their experiences navigating hurricane season, and their stories offer a poignant glimpse into the resilience and resourcefulness of our local businesses. One owner of a popular seafood restaurant on Fifth Avenue South, who wished to remain anonymous, confided, “I still have nightmares about Irma.” Hurricane Irma, which slammed into Southwest Florida in 2017, left an indelible mark on our community, and the memories are still fresh for many. “We were closed for weeks,” she continued, “not just because of the damage, but because our staff was scattered, dealing with their own losses. Getting back up and running was a monumental effort.” Her sentiment is echoed by many in the industry. The impact of a hurricane extends far beyond the immediate physical damage. Supply chains are disrupted, making it difficult to source fresh ingredients. Power outages can spoil inventory and halt operations. And perhaps most importantly, staff members are often forced to evacuate or deal with personal emergencies, leaving restaurants short-handed when they’re needed most. Maria, the owner of a charming Italian trattoria tucked away on Third Street South, emphasized the importance of community support. “During Irma,” she recalled, “our neighbors really stepped up. We helped each other board up windows, shared generators, and checked in on each other. It was that sense of community that helped us get through it.” That spirit of collaboration is a defining characteristic of Naples. In the face of adversity, we come together, and our local restaurants are often at the heart of that effort. They become hubs for information, places of refuge, and providers of much-needed sustenance. But even with the best preparation and the strongest community support, hurricane season remains a challenging time. The uncertainty, the stress, and the potential for devastating loss take a toll. So what are our local restaurants doing to prepare for the inevitable? The answer, it seems, is a combination of practical measures and a healthy dose of hope. Many restaurants have invested in hurricane shutters and generators, and they’ve developed detailed emergency plans. They’re also focusing on building strong relationships with their suppliers and staff, understanding that these connections are crucial in times of crisis. One innovative approach I encountered was a “hurricane meal kit” offered by a local farm-to-table restaurant. These kits, available for pre-order, contain non-perishable ingredients and recipes designed to be prepared without electricity. It’s a creative solution that not only provides a source of income during closures but also helps residents prepare for the possibility of extended power outages. Another restaurant owner I spoke with, the proprietor of a popular beachfront cafe, stressed the importance of communication. “We use social media to keep our customers updated on our hours and any changes to our menu,” he explained. “We also use it to share information about evacuation orders and resources available in the community.” This proactive approach to communication is essential, especially in the age of misinformation. It allows restaurants to connect with their customers directly, provide accurate and timely updates, and dispel rumors that can spread quickly during emergencies. Of course, no amount of preparation can completely eliminate the risk associated with hurricanes. But by taking these steps, our local restaurants are demonstrating their commitment to their staff, their customers, and the community as a whole. They’re acknowledging the reality of living in a hurricane-prone area while refusing to let fear dictate their actions. So, as we navigate another hurricane season here in Naples, let’s remember to support our local restaurants. They are more than just places to eat; they are vital threads in the fabric of our community. They are the places where we gather to celebrate, to commiserate, and to find comfort in the face of the storm. And when the winds die down and the skies clear, they will be there, ready to welcome us back, stronger and more resilient than ever. Let’s remember to patronize them not just during the calm, but also in the aftermath, as their recovery is intricately tied to ours. Every meal purchased, every tip given, contributes to their rebuilding efforts and helps ensure that these beloved establishments remain a vibrant part of our Naples landscape for years to come. After all, they aren’t just businesses, they’re our neighbors, and in Naples, we take care of our neighbors.