This is not a story about what could have been done better, but what is being done right. And you can find what’s being done right by looking to local businesses.
We asked you to tell us something good and boy, you did!
The support and love that lives in the Tampa Bay community is overwhelming. We are blessed to live in a community where people truly want to help and support one another. And we at TBBW LOVE to hear these stories. Keep sharing, keep caring.
We are in this together!
We will continue to bring you these “round-ups” of what is being done right here in Tampa Bay!
Kozuba & Sons, a St. Petersburg-based craft distillery, has halted production on vodka to be able to reallocate its resources to produce hand sanitizer for the community. Kozuba & Sons will be following the World Health Organization (WHO) hand sanitizer formulation recommendations.
“Shifting our full production line to hand sanitizer will allow us to remove all barriers for the production, rather than limiting the volume of hand sanitizer made from the production waste of other spirits,” said Matthias Kozuba, proprietor, in a statement. “That way we can ensure a steady supply of hand sanitizer as long as our community needs it.”
Kozuba will donate a large portion of the bottles to first responders, medical facilities and community organizations.
Bradenton’s Motorworks Brewing teamed up with Tampa’s Dark Door Spirits to create hand sanitizer. 3 Daughters Brewing is also using their equipment to make hand sanitizer. Both breweries are donating the desperately needed product to first responders and nursing homes.
3 Daughters needs help to make more. The company posted the following on their Facebook account on Monday:
“We are out of hand sanitizer. Now, we need help making more. Info below.
To date, we have made over 4,000 containers of hand sanitizer, and we have donated this product to first responders, hospitals, front line retailers and our neighbors. Now, we would like to make more. However, after running through what we had on hand and could purchase quickly, we are in need of raw materials; isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, sonogram gel and 4-20 oz containers.
We need your help in sourcing these items in bulk – we are looking for drums and totes – at the level of hundreds of gallons and thousands of containers. Although all of the finished hand sanitizer will be donated to those who need it, we are not asking for donated product. We will buy everything. If you know someone, please reach out to them. If you distribute or manufacture any of this, please reach out to us! Send all thoughts, contacts or offers to [email protected].”
Pia’s Trattoria in Gulfport is giving out free pasta meals to senior citizens aged 65 or over between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., while also offering curbside delivery from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Need a wine fix? They’re offering 30 percent wine-to-go!
Boulevard Burgers & Tap House is showing their support in a partnership with Performance Food Group and Braveheart Angus Beef. The restaurant is giving free hamburgers and cheeseburgers from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Charles Marco, owner says, “It’s the least we can do. The community has shown us so much love and support, it’s our honor to give it back during this tragic time for many.”
A group of civic leaders, and restaurant lovers, in Tampa have put together a fundraiser to help the team from Mise en Place Restaurants by creating a Go Fund Me Tip Jar . If there is a favorite waitstaff member or bartender, let them know. This money will be distributed directly to the staff.
Detox Designer Resale Boutique, a high-end consignment boutique in St. Petersburg, is doing a lot of business via their Instagram app. They are accepting payments via Venmo and even offering curbside pickup and customer drop-offs. You can follow them on Instagram at @detox_resale_boutique
McKibbon Hospitality established an associate assistance fund in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the hospitality industry. Aimed at assisting its former employees with groceries and other necessities, the fund will provide payments of $200 every two weeks for all of their recently laid-off employees for 90 days beginning on April 3. “Our associates are like family and are truly the heart of our business, which has made this unfortunate situation so difficult,” said President Randy Hassen, in a statement. “We are committed to supporting them through these challenging times in any way that we can, just like they’ve supported us over the years. Once the outbreak is contained, we look forward to restoring our operations and bringing as many employees back to work as possible.”
Douglas Elliman agents across the country, including Lauren Krawczyk based out of St. Petersburg, are practicing social distancing and conducting virtual open houses to help flatten the curve while continuing to provide high caliber service to their sellers. Lauren’s Instagram handle is @laurenkrawczyk_StPeteFL
Food Not Flowers is supporting the community including free care packages for health care workers, 25 percent all care packages.
“The idea is to spread love faster than fear,” the company says.
Rumbo Marketing, led by principal George Zwierko, is offering a free marketing consultation to guide on issues such as media, diversity and inclusion, and customer relations during times of uncertainty. Reach out to Zwierko at [email protected].
Stay positive, stay healthy and above all else, stay kind.
Bridgette Bello is the publisher and CEO of TBBW and its digital media.
