Gulfport Florida Small Business Owners

By Published On: April 24th, 2022

Gulfport Florida Small Business Owners

Published on 04/24/22: What an incredible day yesterday in Gulfport! We only met half the business owners we hoped, though we’ll return again soon to finish researching for my Gulfport series.

She lost her son and business partner – so sad

The stories we heard yesterday were incredible, though some were also heart breaking. Yes, some of these businesses launched mid-2020 of all times, however there’s so much more. For instance, one owner lost her business partner in ‘21 to illness soon after opening. Her business partner was her son. 😢 She’s working to figure out how to keep the business open and trying to learn social media. “I still reference his phone because he knew how to do all of this”.

Amy says she wants me cry more (??) and she about got her wish yesterday. I cried during my mom’s cancer battle (RIP) and Amy’s stepdad passing…and nearly cried in this business owner’s store. Was tempted to switch my account name from LovingStPete to Loving[her store name]. Then say, “here you go, your store now has more followers.”

Supporting Gulfport small businesses

So look for LOTS of LovingStPete support for Gulfport businesses and activities during this series. And we (myself certainly included) could likely think twice before venting online about a small family business. Ensuring we first try 1:1 before we dissuade others from visiting, for what might have been an off day or out of their control.

Annual Green Thumb Festival

On a separate note, keep this weekend’s Green Thumb Festival on your radar!! If you didn’t make it yesterday, head out today between 9am-4pm. Location: Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26 Ave North, St Pete.

The Green Thumb Festival is “St. Petersburg’s annual Arbor Day Celebration […] bringing together plant and flower lovers, as well as, individuals and families looking for a fun weekend activity. With more than 120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors, the annual event brings the community together for a weekend of fun.” https://facebook.com/events/s/green-thumb-garden-festival/500146684946176/
Cheers everyone, hope you have a great day! Don’t forget to support local.☀️

As a local St Pete Area Realtor, with over 25K people following my LovingStPete Guide on Social Media, I know our area well! You’ll receive up to $10K at closing when you use my LovingStPete Team to buy or sell a property! While I may tend to focus on waterfront and beach real estate, I can certainly help with any residential property! I’m a Florida native and St. Pete resident with a past that includes developing a vacation rental advertising business, ran for more than a decade and then sold to HomeAway/VRBO. I’d love to help you buy or sell a property, simply contact me.

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Written by : St Petersburg Realtor, Mike Braswell

Mike Braswell is a Tampa Bay Realtor, serving St Petersburg, Clearwater, all nearby beaches and more. Mike started LovingStPete in October of 2020 after a difficult year took its toll on local businesses. After being cooped up for portions of 2020 (lockdown) Mike and his son decided to get out and explore, helping spread the good word about the local area he loves so much. Often even doing gift card giveaways to support local. LovingStPete is now followed by over 48 thousand people on social media! The majority of posts are informative on fun parks, activities, day trips, great restaurants, and in general provide a comprehensive tour of the area!

Soon after receiving his bachelors in Management Information Systems, Mike developed and then operated a vacation rental advertising business for 10+ years as CEO/Owner. The business was eventually acquired by VRBO. Mike has earned the trust of many large clients over the years. Such as NFL, Wynn Resorts, Blue Cross Blue Shield, VISA, Genuine Parts Company (NAPA Auto Parts), AT&T, and other Fortune 500 companies.

When not spending time with his beautiful wife and energetic son, Mike enjoys boating and is also an avid tennis player. An interesting fact about Mike is that he grew up on an avocado farm with over 15 varieties, some of which you can find in our local Publix/Winn Dixie as his dad still farms the same farm at 87 years old!

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