Island Trading Post in Cedar Key

Dear Friends, Family and community,

The Carlin family and Island Trading Post is reaching out for your help. We are devastated to announce that Island Trading Post, a beloved establishment in Cedar Key, has been severely affected by Hurricane Idalia. Our business has been an integral part of this community for years, and now we are in dire need of your help to recover from this catastrophe.

The aftermath of this natural disaster has left us in a challenging situation. The damage is extensive, and we won't be able to reopen for quite some time. This has not only impacted our livelihood but also the jobs and community that rely on our business.

Your donation is going directly to getting us back on our feet to open so we can continue to serve this special community we have grown to love and cherish. We are in need of funding to complete the following

1. Plumbing: The hurricane has completely destroyed our plumbing system, affecting both water supply and sewage disposal. This is not only a critical issue for our business but also a health and safety concern.

2. Equipment: With the heavy rain from this storm our roof leaked and damaged a number of our refrigeration units and kitchen equipment.

3. Deck and Stairs: Our deck and stairs, which have served as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, have been severely damaged by the storm. They are in dire need of reconstruction to ensure the safety of our customers.

4. Electrical System: The electrical system in our establishment has been compromised, posing a risk of further damage or even fires. We need to revamp our electrical infrastructure to prevent any future disasters.

5. Warehouse and Inventory: Our warehouse, where we stored our inventory, was wrecked by the hurricane. This has resulted in substantial financial losses and uncertainty about when we can fully reopen. Our storage container had been swept away and made its way into the canal.

6. Retain and support our amazing staff. The Island Trading Post family is consisted of hard working folks and we want to get them back to work so we can minimize the effects of this storm for them too.

After 13 years the Island Trading Post has been a place for gatherings, celebrations, and connecting with friends and family. Your donations will help us continue to be a vital part of Cedar Key's community life.

We understand that times are tough for everyone, and any amount you can contribute will make a meaningful difference. Whether it's $10 or $100, every donation is a step toward our recovery.

We want to express our deepest gratitude for your support. Your generosity will help us get through this difficult period and come back stronger than ever. Please share this GoFundMe page with your friends and family to help us spread the word.

Thank you for everything,

The Carlins and the Island Trading Post family