Big Storm Brewing Co. in Tampa Bay is sending 4,675 gallons of water to the survivors of Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida today.
This morning, Big Storm loaded up a truck donated by Reed TMS Logistics, and shipped 34,000 lbs. of water 3,528 empty gallon jugs to its beer distributors in Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers, and Naples. Workers there will distribute the much-needed water to the communities trying to get back on their feet following the devastating storm. Big Storm has a taproom in Cape Coral and was in the process of redeveloping Fat Point Brewing’s warehouse in Punta Gorda, so last week’s storm truly hits home.
“For a lot of us, this is the first time dealing with something of this magnitude,” said L.J. Govoni, co-owner of Big Storm Brewing. “The people here in the bay area have stepped up immensely, but our work is far from over. The recovery and rebuilding process is going to take time. Big Storm will to continue collecting water, food, new clothing, and other supplies to send to our neighbors to the south and show them we are Florida Strong.”
Big Storm Brewing has collected more than two additional truck loads worth of donations from the community. Big Truck Logistics is donating one truck to ship some of those items either later today or tomorrow. The brewery is asking for other trucking companies to help transport the rest of the supplies and future donations.
“We can’t do this alone, we need everyone’s help,” stressed Govoni. “We are so thankful for the residents here, our distributors, and the trucking companies who have donated their time and services, but we can’t slow down now. A gentleman came in saying he has 40 palates of sanitizing wipes ready to go, but we don’t have the ability to ship it. That’s why we need more help from trucking companies to transport the items. We are forever grateful for anything anyone can give.”
People are encouraged to continue dropping off water, food, new clothing, and other supplies at the Big Storm Tap Rooms in Clearwater (12707 49th St N, 33762) and Odessa (2330 Success Dr, 33556).
List of Items to Donate
- Emergency food: breakfast cereal, granola bars, cookies, crackers, ready-to-eat meats in cans or pouches, canned vegetables, peanut or another nut butter, trail mix, canned meals such as spaghetti/pasta.
- Personal hygiene items: toilet paper, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, feminine products, towels, new socks, new underwear, new clothing, Gold Bond powder
- Baby items: diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, baby powder, infant formula and Baby/toddler foods in jars.
- Cleaning and sanitation supplies: gloves, disinfectant dish soap, disinfectant wipes, liquid laundry detergent, scrub brushes and sponges.
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Other items: sleeping bags, air mattresses, batteries, battery-powered lights, sunscreen, bug spray.
About Big Storm Brewing
Founded in 2012 in Pasco County, Big Storm currently has four taprooms in the Sunshine State — Clearwater, Orlando, Odessa and Cape Coral. A fifth taproom in Tampa will be opening later this year.
Big Storm has embraced its tagline of “Florida’s Craft Beer Forecast,” by developing a dynamic lineup of Florida favorites like Tropic Pressure Florida Ale, steeped with hibiscus flowers, and Sunny Key Lime, brewed with key lime puree.
With a commitment to exceptional customer service, dedication to quality products and the ambition to explore opportunities left unexplored, Big Storm has become a leader in the craft beer industry and beyond.