top of page

Hurricane Helene Update

10/1/24: Jetty Jack's = Destroyed

We are heartbroken for our community, the entire West Coast of Florida, and everyone affected by Hurricane Helene's record-breaking flooding and devastation. On the night of September 26th, our beloved Jetty Jack's, located on the south jetty in Venice, FL, was among the hardest hit.​

​​

While we had insurance, due to our unique location on the jetty with 300 degrees of waterfront, we were unable to secure flood insurance, leaving us with a devastating loss. The city-owned building we leased is condemned to be demolished, and sadly, rebuilding at the same location is not an option for us. Along with the loss of our location, all of our restaurant equipment and inventory were destroyed.​​

​

LOCATION & BUILDING

Jetty Jack's leased the building shell from the City of Venice. When Chris and Linda first won the bid for the lease, the building needed costly improvements to meet current health standards and building codes. Chris and Linda invested a great deal of their own money to transform it into the Jetty Jacks we all knew and loved. Restaurant equipment that could survive the harsh, salty environment of the jetty wasn’t cheap, and now, all of that investment is gone. Now the city-owned building we leased is condemned and will be demolished.  This means we are not only left without a location but also without any salvageable working equipment that allowed Jetty Jacks to operate. This loss hits even harder considering that Jetty Jack's is highly seasonal, and the destruction occurred right before the start of snowbird season after a slow summer.​

​

WHAT COMES NEXT?

While we are grappling with the loss of our livelihood, we are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from this incredible community. The kind messages, shared memories, and generous donations have truly kept us going during these difficult days. It is clear that Jetty Jacks holds a special place in the hearts of so many.

 

As we look toward the future, we are still uncertain what the next chapter will bring. Although we cannot rebuild in the same location, we are committed to exploring new ventures. Whether it’s relocating Jetty Jacks, launching a Jetty Food Truck, or taking on something entirely new, we are working hard to find our next steps. We want to continue serving this community that has supported us through thick and thin, and we look forward to sharing updates on whatever comes next.​​​​

​

DONATIONS & SUPPORT

Asking for help is not something we like to do—it’s not our style. But the reality is, with our livelihood washed away, we need help. Many of you have reached out to offer support, and we are so grateful.  Our daughter-in-law started a GoFundMe after countless patrons and community members began asking how they could assist. Your donations will go a long way in helping us navigate these uncertain times, including paying off business debts, providing severance for our employees, and giving us the stability we need to plan for the future. While asking for financial help is difficult, any amount would make a huge difference. If you loved Jetty Jack’s and would like to help us figure out what comes next, we would appreciate it more than you know!

You can visit the GoFundMe here.

 

We also just launched a hurricane relief storefront to purchase Jetty Jack's merch. All orders ship free and proceeds will help us get through this challenging time.

​​

​

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES

Jetty Jacks has always been more than just a place to grab a bite—it was a part of Venice’s heart and soul. We would love to hear your favorite memories and see photos from over the years. Sharing these moments helps keep the spirit of Jetty Jacks alive as we chart a new course.

​​

​

STAY UPDATED

We would love for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on our progress, potential new ventures, and ways to support us. We’ll be sharing news about the future of Jetty Jacks, merchandise sales, and much more.​

​​

​​

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us during this difficult time. Your kindness, generosity, and support mean more than we can express, and we are deeply grateful to be part of such an incredible community.

​

With heartfelt thanks,
The Jetty Jack's Family

Hurricane Milton Update

10/28/24: The Final Blow to Jetty Jack's

Just as we were reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton swept through, delivering another blow to the south jetty and what remained of Jetty Jacks. The storm’s power further destroyed the structure, fully washing away everything inside Jetty Jack's and eroding over five feet of sand and rocks from the parking lot.

​

Anything left inside that we had hoped might still be salvageable is now completely gone, scattered by the storm. The jetty itself has become even more unstable, prompting the City of Venice to keep it closed to the public until further notice for safety reasons.

​​​​

Our hearts are heavy, but the support from this community continues to give us strength. We are endlessly grateful for everyone who has reached out, donated, and offered words of encouragement during these incredibly difficult times. Jetty Jack's merchandise is now available to help raise additional funds to get through the season and explore options for the future. Your support means everything as we navigate uncharted waters ahead.

​

Thank you for standing with us,
Chris & Linda Johnson

Hurricane Relief Store

After losing our business to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, your support—whether by purchasing merchandise or sharing our story—helps us get through snowbird season and navigate whatever comes next for the Jetty Jack's family. Together we are #JettyStrong and will make it through these rough waters!

ADDRESS

​

2000 Tarpon Center Dr.

Venice, FL, 34285

CONTACT

 

jettyjacks@gmail.com

​

 

JETTY CLOSED DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE DESTRUCTION 

bottom of page