Hurricane Ian
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1508354
14 • HURRICANE IAN: ONE YEAR LATER • 2023 The North Port store was one of a handful to open without tool rentals. Although Manning tried to coordinate it all a year before Hurricane Ian, it didn't happen. "Hurricane Ian was really what made our tool rental become a reality," Manning said. "I went to the city and started working on permits. There were so many people moving here after COVID hit. Then there were hundreds of people who needed Hurricane Ian-related repairs that there was a real need to have at least one place to rent tools in North Port." On Sept. 15, Manning joined North Port Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Gunnin on a makeshift stage to welcome customers to the new do-it-yourself tool section of the store. Manning said the Home Depot Foundation committed up to $1 million to help communities recover and rebuild from Hurricane Ian. More than 200 attended the open house along with some of the vendors offering the equipment and other hurricane supplies and resources. "Our next step is an equipment rental that we will offer in the next few months," Manning said. "We are very excited. This will really help so many businesses and residents in North Port. It's very important to contribute to the communities we serve." PHOTO PROVIDED After Hurricane Ian, North Port resident Alex Bashkarev quit his job and opened his own screening business. It has been steady since after so many people in the region lost their pool cages and soffits. SUN photo by ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH Home Depot Manager Thomas Manning tells a crowd of about 200 about the new rental do it yourself equipment available at the North Port Home Depot during a open house at the 17-year-old store. Issues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 SUN photo by ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH Sarasota County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger, center, receives a custom apron from the North Port Home Depot manager Thomas Manning during a recent open house and ribbon cutting with the North Port Chamber Executive Director Bill Gunnin and chamber employee Emily Shaw.