Fundraising Check for Fire Victims

Smiling faces are seen all around at the symbolic presentation Friday, June 10 of money raised to help the owners of four businesses affected by the April 2 blaze at the shopping plaza on the corner of 58^th St. S. and 15^th Ave. S. in Gulfport. The $11,303.94, raised via three different events held by local organizations and individuals, was divided among the businesses according to need, said fundraising organizer Barbara Banno, second from right. The business and building owners are still awaiting payments from their insurance companies, she said. The affected businesses included Sunrise Laundromat, Fazio’s Pizza, Suncoast Food Store and Gulfport Florist. Only the latter has opened since the fire.