st. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – Local businesses need community help more than ever after people are still recovering from Hurricane Helen and Milton.
Organizers for LocalTopia in 2025 said they plan to create and destroy businesses this year.
Local Topia will be located at Williams Park on Saturday, February 22nd from 10am to 5pm
The event celebrates everything locally and businesses rely on the community this year.
“The cleanup is still happening. For me, it meant losing the woodwork store that had all the boards, tents and all the essentials to run this business just before the start of the holiday season. ” said Jessica Roberts.
Jessica Roberts owns Afterburnt, a business created from creating artwork from wood. She said a lot of her inspiration for her work, especially her cooking utensils, comes from her grandparents.
The business owner could only do a week of shows before Hurricane Milton hit, but she not only lost a part of her livelihood, but she also lost her car and had to leave the house.
“In addition to running a business, the storm’s overwhelmingness also has a collection that I share with other artists. It’s physically overwhelming, and I’m temporarily housed in Tampa. , the emotional overpower I definitely deal with,” Roberts said.
Her customizable woodworking is just one of the hundreds of businesses involved.
Olga Bof, founder and executive director of St. Petersburg Keep Local, said this is the most important local topia ever.
“It’s really just heartbreaking things they’ve been going through. This is why we’re our shirt this year. It will help the local flourish in 2025. Not just that day, but all of your favorites Save your favourite this year: “Olga Bov said.
This event is a day when the community gathers and the day business owners rely on.
“Because of everything our local businesses have experienced mostly in hurricanes, it’s just an accumulation of the past few years between the pandemic and price rises.
“This day is filled with so much love, especially what we all experienced, and this is what I was looking forward to,” Roberts said. “This is something I’ve put aside all the stress and overwhelmingness, and I’ve made it for my community and that’s what embraces my spirit right now.”
Over 300 local businesses will participate. Click here for road closures and available parking.
