Beach Drive to host hurricane relief block party

Six St. Petersburg businesses are joining forces Saturday for a Hurricane Relief Block Party.

The Hurricane Relief Block Party, scheduled for 4-8 p.m., will take place on the 300 block of Beach Drive NE. Participating businesses include Allelo Mediterranean Restaurant, SHAPIRO’S Gallery, Parkshore Grill, Paciugo Gelato & Caffe, Style Clothing and EnnYe African Boutique. The businesses will be offering special discounts, live music, artist demos and more.

The event, which doubles as a fundraising initiative, comes in the wake of back-to-back hurricanes that have significantly impacted the Tampa Bay area. Proceeds from the block party will benefit three organizations: the Southern Smoke Foundation, Feeding Tampa Bay and the We Are St. Pete Fund.

Allelo Mediterranean Restaurant is taking a leading role in the fundraising efforts. The establishment will donate 50% of all proceeds from its Hurricane Relief Special Tasting event. Priced at $75 per person, the tasting menu features a selection of Allelo’s signature dishes. For an additional $55, guests can add sommelier wine pairings to each course.

“Small local businesses are the soul of St. Pete, and our employees, neighbors and community have all felt the impact of recent hurricanes,” said Allelo general manager Michelle Richards in a prepared statement. “The Block Party and Allelo’s Special Tasting Event benefitting relief efforts is a chance to celebrate our strength and solidarity, give back to the people who make our industry and city so special and enjoy a well-deserved evening of great food, wine and company.” 

The Southern Smoke Foundation, created by chefs for chefs, offers financial assistance and mental health resources to food and beverage workers in crisis. Feeding Tampa Bay has scaled up its efforts to provide food and resources to individuals and families throughout the Tampa Bay area affected by the recent hurricanes.

The We Are St. Pete Fund, launched this year by the Pinellas Community Foundation in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, provides financial aid, housing assistance and resources to help local residents regain stability. Mayor Ken Welch announced Wednesday that the fund is approaching $1 million. City stakeholders have raised nearly $829,000 for the We Are St. Pete Fund since it launched in Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. The Pinellas Community Foundation will disburse the money to support residents, small businesses and city employees impacted by Helene and Hurricane Milton.

 Reservations are required for Allelo’s tasting dinner and can be made online here.

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