SANFORD, Fla. — More than one month after Hurricane Ian rolled through Central Florida, several businesses in Sanford are still working to recover from the impacts left behind.
The storm caused significant flooding on the St. John’s River and Lake Monroe.
What You Need To Know
- St. John’s River Steak and Seafood is located on an island in Sanford, it just re-opened following significant flooding
- Florida Power and Light, along with the fire marshal, had turned off the power to the island to keep businesses like the restaurant safe
- Despite opening back up, the screened patio has to be rebuilt, and the roof is currently being repaired
For those near the water, the aftermath is something they’ve never seen before.
“Just the simple act of turning back the open signs on Friday is a big relief,” said Sarah Buchanan, St. John’s River Steak & Seafood manager.
Buchanan has been working at the restaurant for just about five years now.
She does a little bit of everything as the manager.
Seat guests, take orders, and do whatever is required to help the business function on a high level.
“I know a lot of our staff was really concerned about were they going to have a job, should they go find another job,” shared Buchanan.
The past three weeks have been anything but ordinary for her and her coworkers.
Marina Island was hit hard by flooding in the days after Ian.
While the water continued to rise, the restaurant had to close its doors temporarily.
“We’ve been really lucky. We did lose some people, which is understandable, but everybody wanted to come to work here,” Buchanan explained.
Flooding on the island was so bad that the road leading up to the restaurant was completely covered in water at one point.
A makeshift road was created to allow cars to travel in for maintenance.
Florida Power and Light, along with the fire marshal, turned off the power to the island to keep businesses like the restaurant safe.
Several days passed before finally getting the go-ahead that it was safe to reopen.
“We have one regular come up to the door every day, and he’s like, are you open, and we can tell him yeah we’re open. He was all smiles.”
Buchanan says it’s a great feeling returning to the restaurant, but things aren’t entirely back to normal.
The screened patio has to be rebuilt, and the roof is currently being repaired.
Overall, the manager is happy to be working once again.
“It’s just a really good feeling to not have that mystery of am I going to be able to pay my bills. Our staff is just amazing,” smiled Buchanan.