ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — From neighbors and co-workers collecting and delivering supplies to businesses donating proceeds, Tampa Bay has seen a number of grassroots efforts to benefit those in southwest Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian.

University of South Florida researcher Christa Remington said these efforts can often be the first help some victims see after a disaster.

“We saw this as soon as the storm passed, neighbors organizing, often through social media, to help neighbors in need,” said Remington, who’s studied disasters for more than 20 years. “This has been life saving, it’s been comfort giving, and it’s been really wonderful to see communities coming together.”

Remington said not only are resources limited in the wake of a disaster, but they can be hard to physically get to victims due to damage-related obstacles. She said help from the government and large organizations can be slow to come.

“They’re just inundated with requests. It’s difficult for many to even gain access to those and navigate that bureaucracy without smartphones or computers or permanent addresses,” she said.

Among the Tampa Bay businesses helping is Gateway Subs.

“For us, we’re trying to bring the community back together a little bit, so why wouldn’t we be the one to help?” said owner Grant Strayer.

Gateway Subs opened last November in the Kenwood neighborhood. Strayer said they’re planning to open a second location in Pasadena in the coming weeks, but forecasts early in the week Ian hit cast doubt on those plans.

“We have doomsday reports of Hurricane Ian, one of the top five hurricanes ever to hit the Florida coast,” Strayer said. “In my mind, I was thinking all this stuff that I was trying to grow, working so hard to build with me and my friends, is just going to crumble.”

When Tampa Bay was spared, Strayer said he knew Gateway had to help.

He said the restaurant’s social media manager delivered $500 in supplies to affected areas. While the shop is normally closed on Mondays, it will open this Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Strayer said 20% of the day’s proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen and Operation Blessing, which are helping with Ian relief. Gateway is located at 3112 3rd Ave. N.

Remington said while it’s been heartening to see local efforts to benefit victims, it’s important not to forget about the devastation communities are facing in the weeks and months ahead.

“It’s important for individuals, grassroots organizations, and even large organizations to pace themselves when it comes to giving that aid and make sure that they’re in it for the long haul,” she said.

Remington also reminded people to use common sense and watch for red flags when not donating to large, established organizations. She recommended giving to businesses, groups, and people that donors trust.