TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Avenue is closing in Seminole Heights for at least three weeks.

Officials with the city of Tampa say the project will fix flooding issues in the area and replace pipes used for drinking water. Florida Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Hillsborough and Osborne avenues.

But the closure has many area business owners worried about how it will affect them.

Kendra Conze, owner of Health Mutt pet supply store, just moved to a new location on Florida Avenue. Then she was hit with the news that construction is shutting down that road.

“It’s definitely stressful having moved to our new location on Florida Ave., and then be hit with the road closure for a minimum of three weeks," she said. "We don’t know how long it’s going to be."

She said that’s her main concern, possibly losing customers for several weeks.

She’s even printed up maps for them to show the best way to access her business.

“I’m sure it needs to be done, but it’s very difficult for businesses, especially like mine," Conze said. "We’re trying to establish ourselves at this new location, so to have a road block like this, it’s discouraging."

City officials say the construction work is part of the Southeast Seminole Heights Flooding Relief Project.

As part of the project, workers will replace stormwater pipes and add inlets to help with flooding. Crews are also installing new drinking water pipelines to replace old ones.

“We know construction is an inconvenience, but this project is essential to reducing flooding in the community, including on Florida Avenue," Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement. "We encourage residents to continue visiting their favorite Florida Avenue businesses during this time.”

Business owners like Conze hope that will be the case.

“We’re really counting on Seminole Heights as a community will (definitely) come out and support all of these small businesses that are here along Florida Ave. during this time,” Conze said.

City officials say detour signs have been posted and local traffic will be able to access the businesses affected by the closure.