Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Delivers Clean Drinking Water to Hurricane Helene Victims in Southwest Florida

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Southwest Florida, one of the region’s largest beer distributors, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, has shifted its focus from beverages to providing clean drinking water to storm-ravaged communities. Partnering with Anheuser-Busch, the distributor is delivering much-needed water supplies to affected areas in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Gold Coast Eagle’s rapid response to the disaster involved contacting local emergency response centers and coordinating with government officials. The company’s president, Andrea Saputo, led the charge by ensuring that water would be delivered to areas most in need.

The coordinated effort included reaching out to key political leaders, such as U.S. Senator Rick Scott, U.S. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube, and state lawmakers like Senator Jim Boyd and Representative Fiona McFarland, to streamline the distribution process. Trucks were dispatched to various regions under their direction, ensuring swift delivery of Anheuser-Busch emergency water supplies.

As Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury across the Gulf Coast, Southwest Florida experienced heavy winds and dangerous storm surges. Communities in Manatee and Sarasota counties were among the hardest hit, and Gold Coast Eagle responded quickly by sending more than 1,000 cases of clean water to multiple distribution points in less than four hours.

Manatee County alone saw emergency shipments sent to areas like Rubonia, Anna Maria Island, and Holmes Beach, with water being distributed at locations such as Cross Point Church and Holmes Beach City Hall. In Bradenton, the police department received 98 cases, while another 196 cases were sent to Rubonia. In Sarasota, Longboat Key’s Publix shopping center received 490 cases.

Gold Coast Eagle plans to continue their relief efforts by delivering an additional 196 cases of water to G.T. Brey Park in Bradenton and 98 cases to Blackstone Park in Palmetto, with coordination from Manatee County Emergency Services.

The monumental task of organizing the distribution was led by Sales Director Chad Fraser, Marketing Director Hugh Shields, and Route Supervisor Javier Bermudez. Together, the team ensured that critical supplies reached the hardest-hit areas in record time.

Gold Coast Eagle's contributions underscore the vital role local businesses can play in disaster response, bringing hope and essential resources to communities in need.