Hurricane Milton swept across Florida this week, bringing high winds, storm surges, heavy rain and multiple tornadoes to a state still in recovery mode from Hurricane Helene. Some indie bookstores have been checking in on social media, including:
Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg: "Just a quick note to say the bookstore is safe and mostly dry. Power is out, internet is out, cell service is spotty. About 5 of our booksellers evacuated and we're staying positive while we await news that they are all safe. We love you St Pete!"
MacIntosh Books + Paper, Sanibel: "#hurricanemilton has passed and we're awaiting news about when it will be safe to return. I'm breathing and hoping and praying that the recovery is quicker this time around. I'm also distracting myself with books, my favorite refuge.... Thank you for your support! I'm grateful for blue skies, good friends and the safety of our family."
Portkey Books, Safety Harbor: "Portkey Books is fine but without power. How are you doing, friends?"
Inklings Book Shoppe, Lakeland: "Our sign and building endured some damage from Milton, but is doing great overall. We're so thankful! The only Milton we want to see is on our bookshelves! Our hearts and prayers are with our customers and beautiful city. We will be open for normal hours Friday, October 11 and we will have storytime at 10am if your littles are getting cabin fever! Also apparently we left our Open sign on throughout the hurricane, so hopefully you didn't try to stop by!"
Pressed Books & Coffee, Lakeland: "We are glad to be able to reopen tomorrow for regular business hours 8am-5pm. Everyone doing ok? Come in and see us, we’d love to check in."
Copperfish Books, Punta Gorda: "Milton tried, but he didn't get in. We're so happy to report that Copperfish Books had no water intrusion and our team is ok. We'll be back to business as soon as power returns and we can put the store back in order. Hoping for a Saturday reopening but it may be Tuesday. We'll keep you posted. To all residents and businesses affected and cleaning up from the storm, we send our love and hopes for a speedy recovery."
Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg: "Hello everyone. We are still without power and will be closed tomorrow. We will make sure to update you through our Instagram when we plan on returning to our normal business hours. Our lil shop is OKAY! And most of our staff either safely evacuated or were able to hunker down here and are stay safe. We love you so much St. Pete! Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Milton and still recovering from Helene. We will rebuild, support and be there for you! We will see you very soon!"