Local

Daytona businesses, residents trying to bounce back from 2022 storms

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — With big events like the Rolex 24 and Daytona 500 now just weeks away, Daytona Beach businesses are hoping for a boost.

At the Cracked Egg diner, business is steady, but like most businesses, they could use a few more customers.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

After the hurricanes of 2022, business has dropped off considerably.

Manager Donna Gordon says the restaurant has had to cut some shifts to compensate.

“Most of the girls here always worked five shifts. We’re running four, and some of us are down to three,” Gordon said.

Read: Here’s where cold weather shelters are opening in Central Florida this weekend

While the diner didn’t suffer as much damage as other businesses, the large amount of construction in the area has left the diner struggling.

This week, the Small Business Administration opened an additional site to help keep up with the demand for help.

Laurie Dana with the SBA says the site at the Daytona Beach library is open to homeowners, renters, and businesses.

Read: Thursday: FEMA assistance deadline for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian

“You don’t have to suffer physical damage from a hurricane to need assistance,” Dana said.

She said despite what many people may think, people don’t have to wait for insurance to settle to apply for assistance the SBA says you can get help to get started on repairs right away.

Businesses that took a  financial hit can apply for loans through June for hurricane Ian and September for hurricane Nicole.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.