CEDAR KEY, Fla. (WCJB) – It was standing room only at the first public workshop in Cedar Key meant to address what’s next for the island. The devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Debby as well as the Dock Street fire are still being felt.
Dock Street used to be full of cars every time you would come to visit. That’s because it’s one of the most popular places here, but ever since the 2024 Hurricane Season it’s gone quiet.
“It’s pretty sad. You know it used to bring in so much money for the community and offer so many jobs,” shared Jordan Keeton, Owner of 83 West.
Keeton says this will be his fourth rebuild, and he’s thinking of opening a marina on the bottom floor and a restaurant on the top. The marina is a two to three year plan, and the restaurant is at least 6 months out.
“We lost so much, but we do have a lot invested into this community,” Keeton said.
He says getting funding storm after storm is hard.
RELATED: Cedar Key residents left devastated following Hurricane Helene
“It’s downright awful, honestly. Especially when you know we just get rebuilt from the previous storm,” shared Keeton.
At a public workshop, business owners like Keeton gave an update on their progress and future. The owner of Tipsy Cow says their foundation work should be finished in about two weeks. The owner of Steamers was not at the workshop, so no update was given on their Dock Street building. However, they are still operating out of the 2nd Street Cafe.
“We used to have an elevator here. We still have to get that addressed after we get electrical back in the building,” Keeton said.
The owner of Liam and Madi’s wants to be allowed to have a mobile food truck. The Salinity Motel is back open, and the owner wants to get more businesses back on the street in the next 60 days. This plan includes opening up their bottom portion for new food spots. Keeton will help run the fried chicken and ice cream portion.
In early September, Duncan’s caught on fire, and at the workshop one business owner says she wants something done with the building.
RELATED: ‘Economic catastrophe’: Fire sweeps through Dock Street in Cedar Key destroying businesses
Now, Levy County officials plan to add brand new railings to the area in front of the Duncan’s. City officials say they need to repave the parking lot by the marina and do more maintenance on the marina itself.
Their next workshop will be held on Jan. 30., and city commissioners say now is the time to dream big and continue pushing forward.
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