ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Many business owners were forced to make changes when the pandemic hit just about a year ago.

Today's Everyday Hero Mandy Keyes is helping front line workers through her business.

What You Need To Know

  • HERO Mandy Keyes owns St. Pete's Community Cafe  

  • She's been providing healthy free meals to front line workers throughout the pandemic 

  • St. Pete Community Oasis

Keyes is the owner of St. Petersburg’s Community Cafe. When Covid-19 raised its ugly head, Keyes, almost immediately, began a special program.

“It’s called feeding the front lines,” Keyes said. “And people donate on our website and then we bring delicious healthy free meals to front line worker.”

And that includes nurses at St. Anthony’s and Bayfront hospital and local fire fighters.

Mandy is very involved in the St. Pete community.

The whole concept behind her cafe is “your home away from home.”

“Comfy couches, board games, late night hours, vegan options and a lot of local art, local music events,” Keyes said.

 Currently in the process of moving to a new location (1055 4th Street South) and opening in April, Keyes’ eatery will be part of “the St. Pete Community Oasis,” a group collaborative space shared by local vendors.

A place where all are welcome and valued.

“All different minority groups and LGBTQ-plus community which i am a member of myself,” she said.

And the feeding the front lines program post-pandemic?

 “There’s always going to be people in need,” she said. “So as long as people are still donating we will find places that are in need of good healthy food.”