St. Pete businesses donate time, food, and resources to those who may be struggling during a global pandemic.
As the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads across the globe, people all over the world are taking precautions. Grocery stores are clearing out as people stock up for the long haul. Working from home has become the new normal. However, something else has been spreading across the St. Petersburg area as well: generosity.
During a time when many are vulnerable, experiencing anxiety, out of work, and even at risk of serious illness, local businesses have stepped up to the plate in a big way. While social distancing and harsh restrictions have become the law of the land, St. Petersburg residents are being offered a bit of hope via free hand sanitizer, digital yoga classes, and even free meals for those who need them.
3 Daughters Brewing
St. Petersburg-based brewery 3 Daughters has begun using their equipment to produce free hand sanitizer for the community. 4oz bottles of the important – and recently hard to find – sanitizer can be picked up at the brewery from 10am – 3pm for as long as supplies last. “We wanted to look for a way our large brewing capacity could help the community” Mike Harting, Owner of 3 Daughters Brewing, said. “We are all in this together and this is an opportunity to give back to people who may not have been able to find it in stores.”
Pia’s Trattoria
Pia’s Trattoria is doing their part by donating meals to people 65 and older that can be picked up curbside at the Gulfport Italian eatery between 11am and 4pm at no cost. Pia’s asks that you simply call ahead for your free pasta dish, (727-327-2190), leave your name, and they will bring it outside to your car. In the first day alone, Pia’s was able to provide 126 pasta dishes at no charge so that those in their community did not go hungry.
The Littlest Trunk
Toilet paper is not the only resource that has become scarce as the panic rises. Shoppers have also emptied shelves of many critical baby products in the last month – which is where The Littlest Trunk comes in. The Littlest Trunk has been collecting and donating baby formula to families who need it due to shortages and loss of income. Because The Littlest Trunk is helping others, now they need our help! If you have access to baby formula of all kinds, they are now accepting and encouraging donations.
Made Coffee and Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails
Local canned cold brew company MADE Coffee has teamed up with Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails to give back to hospital employees, first responders, and those in the hospitality industry who are no longer able to work. Swing by Intermezzo in the Edge District of St. Pete to pick up a free case of Made coffee between the hours of 8am and 5pm until supplies run out.
Bob Lee’s Tire Company
Local landmark Bob Lee’s Tire Company extended an offer to those who are high-risk for COVID-19 and aren’t too far from their 4th street repair shop. The company announced “If you live within 5 miles of Bob Lee’s and have a problem with your engine, brakes, or tires, Bob Lee’s will pick up and deliver your car at no charge.” If you are experiencing car trouble and are vulnerable to the Coronavirus, call Bob Lee’s at (727-822-3981) and ask for Bob or Todd.
Taquitos Mexican
Taquitos Mexican, located on Bay Pines Boulevard, announced this week that they would be donating free meals to those who are out of work and cannot afford a meal, no questions asked. Using the honor system, simply call in your order, (727-256-1617) and you can pick it up curbside.
The Body Electric Yoga Company
Due to social distancing and state-wide mandates, gyms and studios across Florida have had to shut their doors. In response, The Body Electric has decided to produce a packed schedule of yoga classes from Power Hour to Prenatal Yoga streaming for free on Facebook Live. We’re living in a stressful time, but when it comes to relaxing for a bit, The Body Electric has your back!
Westshore Pizza
The St. Petersburg – 4th Street location of Westshore Pizza is providing all kids in the surrounding area, from kindergarten through high school seniors with a free pizza lunch while schools are closed. Monday through Friday from 12 to 3pm, school aged children are able swing by for 2 free slices of cheese pizza.
Feeding Tampa Bay
Every day of the year, Feeding Tampa Bay provides food to hundreds of thousands of families in West Central Florida, and during the current pandemic their mission remains the same. Students rely on school provided meals during the week, but with schools shut down across the country, places like Feeding Tampa Bay become as essential as ever. During times of crisis, donations to places like Feeding Tampa Bay typically surge, but because food has been emptying out of grocery stores, donations are actually down. Luckily, local companies like Amalie Arena and Busch Gardens Tampa have been able to donate food that would otherwise go unused due to shut downs. However, Feeding Tampa Bay still needs our help and is currently accepting monetary donations as well as registering volunteers!
This is just a small portion of the local businesses and business owners who have shown how much stronger a community becomes when we all come together. St. Petersburg is built on a tight knit group of businesses big and small, but those businesses are built by people. With certain groups in our community especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and others losing their jobs as entertainment spaces, bars, restaurants, retail stores, and travel providers close their doors, now is the time to show up for your neighbors. Protect yourselves and others by practicing social distancing. Donate if and where you can. Help someone out who can’t leave their home. We will get through this, but it is going to take time. Until then, we wish you all the best.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance during this time, please contact Clear ph directly.