The Hampton Inn and Suites hotel at 7710 Navarre Parkway, next door to the Cayo Grande Apartments, has become a “ground zero” of sorts for evacuees of the massive Five Mile Swamp Fire, as well as firefighters from across the state who are in Santa Rosa County to help fight the flames.
At least 40 firefighters and 20 evacuees are staying at the hotel, according to general manager Andrew Peterson. He said the county contacted him on Wednesday, when the fire’s size began ballooning and evacuation orders were issued, and asked if they could help house those affected by the blaze.
“We got everybody all set up, we got the rooms clean, and got them in there,” Peterson said. “There have been a lot of donations from local businesses bringing in food and bottled water and snacks, so there’s a lot of community support coming in. And it helps us out too, because we weren’t expecting to go from very low occupancy to completely sold out.”
Tracy Bragg, the interim CEO of the Greater Navarre Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as board chairperson Loreen Skobell, Santa Rosa County tourism director Julie Morgan and District 4 Commissioner Dave Piech quickly organized to begin helping the firefighters and evacuees who were staying at the hotel.
The four combined forces to coordinate deliveries and donations of hot breakfasts, lunches and dinners from local restaurants, as well as toiletries, clothes, supplies and other necessities to help those affected by the fire.
“I think what you see the community doing is responding. It amazes me that even though these businesses are hurting, and restaurants can barely pay their staff, they’re donating food to help,” Piech said. “That’s quite commendable.”
Businesses and organizations that have stepped up to help include:
- A&R Custom Tinting partnering with Little Ceasar’s Navarre
- Winn Dixie Navarre
- Advance Auto Parts Navarre
- East River Smokehouse
- Subway Navarre
- Firehouse Subs Navarre
- Coast Community Church Gulf Breeze
- Legion Riders Navarre Post #382
- Sailfish Coastal Properties
- Navarre Beach Fire Rescue
- Stripes Pub and Grill
- Scooter’s Fish House
- Broussard’s Bayou Grill
- Striving for Perfection Ministries
- Aylstock, Whitkin, Kreis and Overholts – Pensacola
- Oneconnection IT
- Dr. T.R. Reeves
- Alphy’s Catfish House
The Kniss family has been staying at the hotel since Wednesday night. They were evacuated from their home on Garcon Point Road as the flames closed in on them Wednesday.
They’ve so far lost their boat, RV and a truck, but their house is luckily intact. They still have not been able to return to their property to assess the damage.
“We are so very appreciative of everything the community has done,” Kelly Kniss said. “Julie (Morgan with the TDC), the firefighters, first responders. I mean, anyone that has anything to do with this, we’re just very, very thankful for them.”
More: Kniss family counting blessings as they watch neighborhood burn
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From low occupancy to 'completely sold out.' Navarre hotel ground zero for firefighters, evacuees. - Pensacola News Journal
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