GULFPORT, FL: On Thursday April 21, a fire swept through the shopping plaza on the corner of 58th St. S and 15 Ave. S, housing four of our local businesses. Tragically as a result, three of those businesses have closed. We all can imagine the impacts something as devastating as a fire has on our livelihoods. Fortunately, we can also imagine the overwhelming amount of support a family like Gulfport can offer at a time like this. Several fundraisers are being planned by local organizations and individuals to help our neighbors get back in business.

We know that the costs of restoring a shutdown business back to operating conditions can quickly escalate after a disaster like this happens to the point that many are unable to re- open. To give you a general idea, these are the businesses and the damages sustained: Suncoast Laundromat – Total waste, needs to be rebuilt. Fazio’s Pizza – Fire, smoke, water, structure and electrical damage. They have roof damage as well so they won’t be able to reopen until that is secured. Suncoast Convenience Store – has smoke damage.  Gulfport Florist – has smoke damage and the only store able to get back to business on the 2nd day after the fire. 

The first fundraiser is a GoFundMe account set up to help not only the businesses, but their employees as well. This account will continue to raise funds until these businesses can get through all the red tape needed to re-open their doors. To donate from the comfort of your own home, please visit www.gofundme.com/58stfiredisaster.

The second fundraiser will take place on May 4, with local restaurants and retail businesses donating a portion of the day’s sales. Stay tuned for a list of contributing local businesses. If you’re a business interested in participating, please contact John Reisebeck at 214-542-9587.

A third fundraiser, “Gulfport Lights It Up” will take place on May 18, from 5-9 PM at Most Holy Name of Jesus, 5800 15^th Ave S, Gulfport. Food and beverage will be offered for donations as well as live music, silent & live auctions, a 50/50 raffle and more. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. If you’re unable to make the benefit, but would like to make a donation, please contact Barbara Banno at 727-252-9366. If you’d like to volunteer for this portion of the fundraising efforts, please contact Mallory at

If you wish to join this group of supporters please contact Angela at 727-348-6490 and let us know.

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