Bradenton Beach business owners welcoming back customers after hurricanes [Video]

BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. — After Hurricane Helene wiped out businesses near the beach, Bradenton Beach business owners said they were grateful to be open and welcoming back customers.

Many of the bars and restaurants near the beach are open on Thanksgiving. Retail stores will be closed for Thanksgiving and then open on Black Friday.

Rejane Monetti is the owner of Monetti Apparel and a clothing designer. She was born and raised in Brazil and moved to Anna Maria Island nearly 25 years ago.

She opened her boutique on Bridge Street nearly 3.5 years ago.

She said she is grateful to be open again after Hurricane Helene.

“I feel blessed. I live here on the island as well, so my house actually got hammered,” she said.

She said storm surge flooded the first level of her home on Anna Maria Island. She had a floodgate installed around her business, which kept most of the water out.

She reopened her …