Family-run furniture store in Cocoa back open after flood, roof damage
Family-run furniture store in Cocoa back open after storm damage
Nighten Day Furniture Store in Cocoa recently reopened after being closed for more than two weeks due to extensive damage from a fast-moving storm in January.
COCOA, Fla. - A small family business just re-opened after part of the roof was ripped off during a fast-moving storm in January.
‘We’re going to get through this’
What we know:
Nighten Day Furniture Store in Cocoa recently reopened after being closed for more than two weeks due to extensive damage from the storm.
A microburst during the storm caused the roof to be ripped off, sending water rushing into the store, damaging furniture, flooring, and HVAC units.
Despite the significant damage, Tammy Bryan, the store’s owner, is thankful for the support of the community, small businesses, and customers who have rallied around her during the rebuilding process. Bryan estimates the damage will cost around $100,000 to repair. However, she faced a significant challenge as she was in between insurance policies when the storm hit, meaning the business is not covered by insurance for the repairs.
What we don't know:
The full extent of the damage remains uncertain, as Bryan is still in the process of figuring out the exact cost of repairs. While the store has reopened, it's unclear how long it will take to fully restore the building and inventory. The ongoing challenges from the storm, including missing insurance coverage, leave questions about how long the recovery process will take financially and operationally.
The backstory:
Tammy Bryan, the owner of Nighten Day Furniture, has operated the business for years in the small community of Cocoa. On January 19, a fast-moving microburst storm caused a sudden gust of wind that tore the roof off the building, and rain poured into the store for about 45 minutes, exacerbating the damage to the furniture and property.
At the time, Bryan was inside the store and witnessed the storm's chaotic impact. The storm hit during a vulnerable time for the business, as Bryan was in between insurance policies, leaving her without coverage for the damage.
What they're saying:
Bryan is thankful for all the community support after the unexpected damage on January 19.
"It was pretty scary, yeah," said Bryan who says she still gets nervous hearing wind gusts after seeing what happened to her store. She was inside her business on Center Street when dark clouds turned dangerous in a matter of minutes.
"It was so quickly, it just gusted up and then over and then the roof and the AC rack just came over the front of the building," the owner explained.
Rain kept pouring in for about 45 minutes during the Sunday storm, and that made things much worse.
"That was just the last thing you want for furniture to get damaged," she said. "It’s probably going to be about $100,000," said Tammy.
What makes the situation even more difficult is she was in between insurance policies when the storm hit.
"I unfortunately don’t have insurance on the building," she said.
Even through this all, she’s thankful to everyone who’s stepped in to help clean up the mess.
"It’s amazing and the support you don’t realize you have until something bad happens," she explained.
She says small businesses nearby helped her pick up the pieces and dry out the store. Now, shoppers are also stepping in.
"Really cool place, newer stuff, older stuff, it’s pretty cool actually," said Pete Ugarte who stopped in on Tuesday for the first time.
Every single item is 50% off right now so Tammy can clear out the store.
"This is a small town here. Everybody’s pretty connected, and there’s a lot of good people," said Ugarte. "They come in, and they help small business. That’s what it’s all about."
He took a fancy to a surf themed painting with a special stamp from the storm.
"There’s sand all over it from the storm, so it’s little extra," said the shopper.
Extra support like this is going a long way to help this small business owner get back on her feet.
"We’re going to get through this, and we’re going to be even better," Tammy concluded.
What you can do:
Her family started a GoFundMe page to help with all the rebuilding expenses.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Nighten Day Furniture Store Tammy Bryan and the FOX 35 Storm Team.