Bradenton businesses lucky to stay open during pandemic have become masters of adaptation
Fitz and Kim Fitzpatrick launched a new business, Illuminate Landscape Designs, in January, and business was booming.
They had found a market niche, installing lighting for landscapes, pools, lanais and docks. But with the worsening coronavirus pandemic, the world turned upside down and business dried up.
They suddenly had to improvise. The solution was to offer Fitzpatricks’ handyman skills.
“We put a post on social media and it has caused our phone to ring,” Fitz said. “We have done lots of ceiling fans, light fixtures, garage door openers, and painting front porches.”
“So much darkness has come from the coronavirus, it doesn’t matter who you are, we are all affected,” he said.
Businesses that have managed to say open during the pandemic have had to adapt.
Among those adapting are Jim and Linda Parks, who have owned Come See Come Sav since 1974.
The feed, fertilizer and hardware store at 505 301 Blvd. E. has shortened its hours a bit — 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The Parkses are encouraging customers to use curbside service so that they don’t have to enter the store.
“We are limiting the number of people in the store, but if they don’t need to come into the store, they don’t even need to get out of their vehicle,” Parks said. “We are operating in the spirit of the mandates from the governor’s office and the federal government. We realize it is necessary for us to be here.”
Blackbeard’s Ranch this week announced that it has launched a retailing and delivery service of its meat products through its new Blackbeard’s Ranch Store at https://blackbeards.company.site/
Blackbeard’s prime beef and Miakka Mangalitsa Pork can now be delivered to a customer’s door.
“While running a cow-calf operation is our primary focus, we have also diversified into developing lines of other delicious products fresh from the ranch,” the company says on its website.
Orders are available for delivery or pick up. Orders are delivered to businesses and residences in Manatee and Sarasota on Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Delivery fee is $15 for a minimum order of $50.
Ranch curbside pickup are available 8 a.m. - p.m. Fridays at 15800 Coker Gully Road, Myakka City.
“We are following strict safety protocols. Due to COVID- 19 concerns, we will not be taking cash right now (credit cards only). We ask that people stay in your car and we will bring you your product. Certified by Florida Department of Agriculture.
“We are asking people to order online for now. Onsite purchase with a credit card available soon,” the website says.
Jim Strickland, ranch manager for Blackbeard’s, has previously said he did not know if the Ranch Store would continue after the pandemic abates.
“When the world comes back around after the pandemic passes we may not be doing this anymore,” he said.
Scott Hamblen, chief merchandising officer for Sunshine Ace Hardware, said his stores temporarily closed their gift shops as nonessential, and offered associates positions in the hardware departments which remained open as essential businesses.
COVID-19 has had an impact on every aspect of life. This is especially true for small locally-owned businesses like Crowder’s Gifts and Gadgets and Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware stores which are owned and operated in Southwest Florida, he said.
In response to COVID-19, the hardware stores have reduced hours for restocking shelves and cleaning and have focused more on orders from AceHardware.com that can be delivered, picked up in store, or curbside. They have also added safety measures like installing Plexiglas shields at checkout, additional staff cleaning, professional deep cleaning several times a week, and 6-foot social distancing signs.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
