ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In a world where big box stores often dominate, a remarkable story of community resilience is unfolding in St. Petersburg this weekend.
Shopapalooza at Vinoy Park isn't just another market — it's a critical lifeline for local businesses fighting back after Hurricane Milton's devastating impact.
Tricia Bolds of Gulf Coast Custom Designs highlighted the importance of these community events.
"We rely on holiday sales for a lot of our business," she explained.
Her Siesta Key Christmas ornament is more than just a souvenir — it's a beacon of hope.
"A portion of the proceeds will be going back to our local Sarasota area to help those impacted by the hurricane," Bolds said.
Vanessa Moore of Sans Market stands amid the bustling pop-up store, a testament to resilience after Hurricane Milton nearly wiped away her business.
"The store was flooded, product was damaged, drywall was damaged, so a lot of structural damage and inventory damage as well," she recalled.
Despite the challenges, Moore remains optimistic.
"The energy and the feeling that you get interacting with people is super special. It's super memorable," Moore said. "It makes you want to keep coming back year after year to be part of this awesome event."
Loni Arnold of Arnold Jewelers also understands the critical nature of these local markets.
"Some of these local shops won't see 10,000 people a year visit their shops," she explained. "So to have that kind of exposure in one or two days, it's unbelievable for them. They can make their entire year of sales just here at this event."
Event organizer Pat Largo highlighted the economic significance, saying, "About 70 cents of every dollar you spend stays local when you shop local."
Shopapalooza is more than just a market. It's where every purchase writes a story of community strength, of businesses rebuilding and neighbors supporting neighbors in the wake of natural disaster.