Barrier Island Strong

11/02/2026

Our auction has more than one goal. Our first goal is raise money so we can continue our hurricane recovery mission.

We also want people to find incredible deals, save $ on items they really want for themselves or for holiday gifts and to feel good knowing that the money they spend is going to a great cause. Unlike other auctions, we intentionally keep our starting bids low. We will continue to add items in various price points between now and Thanksgiving. The latest example listed in photo, $50 starting bid for a new leather designer handbag that retails for $475! Or $750 for a week in a Caribbean Villa! Or $20 for a $50 gift card! Or $25 for a 36 x 36" piece of original art!

If there is something you are shopping for, tell us in the comments. Maybe we can get it added to the auction at a price thats much better than market.

We have already raised just a little shy of $2000 in our charity auction. Thank you! Who will bid next to push it over $2k.

https://go.rallyup.com/bidtorebuildauction/Campaign/Details

10/30/2026

We are fans of the Buy Nothing Project. Sharing in case you are not familiar. Its a wonderful community and, for those that lost much in hurticanes, this is a great source to replace stuff you need for free. There is a local chapter supporting the barrier island beaches in Seminole. Please also tell us what you need help with. We have items that have been donated we can offer people too!

https://www.facebook.com/share/18SRuqCyn6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Let’s be clear about what we do: We are the opposite of a traditional marketplace. We don’t buy, sell, trade or barter. We are a give your abundance, get just what you need, rethink consumption kind of network.

In a global economy designed for endless extraction and primary manufacturing, hyper-local resource sharing is a tactical act of economic and environmental rebellion.

When you share an item or borrow a tool from a neighbor instead of buying it from a corporate monopoly:

• You keep functional materials out of municipal landfills.

• You lower your household cost-of-living expenses.

• You replace cold, transactional friction with authentic social capital.

We built our independent, privacy-first web and mobile app to give communities a sanctuary from surveillance advertising, a place where wishlists are met freely by real neighbors.

If you believe in circular economics, zero-waste living, and building resilient local communities, join us as we redefine what value looks like.

10/26/2026

Our "Help Local Business" QR initiative rolls out in Q4. By year end, we are putting these magnets into hundreds of vacation rentals to help drive marketing & awareness to small local businesses. It is 100% free for any local business on the Barrier Islands to receive a free listing. All a business needs to do is submit their free listing at https://barrierislandstrong.com/submit

100% of the operating cost is funded by Barrier Island Strong as know how hard its been for many our local businesses to recover.

10/25/2026

Our mini grant cycle is open again. Apply now thru Dec 15th.

10/23/2026

A big thank you to Magda Designs for donating a spectacular pair of diamond earrings to our auction. They are IGI certified 3.92 total carat weight & in white gold. Magda sources premier lab-created diamonds, certified by IGI, to create one-of-a-kind jewelry that reflects your distinct style with absolute elegance and grace. www.magdadesigns.com

Bid or buy at
https://go.rallyup.com/bidtorebuildauction/Campaign/Details

100% profits aids hurricane recovery

10/16/2026

Kudos to Mad Beach & other local towns sending supplies to people impacted by Hurricane Isaias. Two years ago towns sent emergency supplies to our region. Barrier Island Strong is proud to support Mad Beaches efforts to pay it forward.

10/15/2026

Give the gift of relaxation & inner peace to yourself (& your closest friends.) BONUS, cost of your gift will help people/communities struggling to recover from hurricanes.

Bid or buy here:
https://go.rallyup.com/bidtorebuildauction/Campaign/Details

A BIG thank you to ...

Deborah & Nicole at
Sacred Alignment Therapy Collective for donating a somatic sound bath session with reiki for a group of 5.

Marina at Mindshift360 for the fabulous tea ceremony for a group of 6.

Our board members who donated their vacation properties in Bonaire (Caribbean) and Indian Rocks Beach (Florida)

Heidi at Beachtime Rentals for donating her company's cleaning costs.

Learn more ....
Sacred Alignment Therapy Collective

http://www.mindshift360.net


Beach Time Rentals

https://www.beachtimerentals.com/clearwater-vacation-rentals/beachside-luxury-home

https://villaserenabonaire.com

Lori KinkadeAmy KatzBarrier Island StrongVeronica KatzEd KatzMarina Freedom

10/10/2026

Hurricane Helene was over two years ago. Recovery takes so much longer than most people think. The estimated recovery time for areas severely impacted by a major hurricane typically ranges from 14 months for primary physical reconstruction to 6 to 10 years for complete community and economic restoration.

In todays news 📰. Pinellas County Commissioners are set to vote Tuesday on a contract to repair six public sites damaged by Hurricane Helene. The projects include public sites in Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach & Redington Shores, as well as Sand Key Park and Fort De Soto Park. If approved contractors have 540 days to complete the work.

10/10/2026

Our thoughts are with the families impacted by Hurricane Isaias
🙏

10/09/2026

Sharing the posts from Clearwater Fire Department to the city of St Pete's Beach. Some flooding likely so please be careful & prepared.