Fundraisers sponsored by Floral Park community leaders and the village’s Chamber of Commerce have raised more than $37,000 for businesses damaged by a fire in late September.
“We are a business family. We will support those affected, and we will ensure that all donations will be fully funded to each business,” the GoFundMe page says.
Officials said Floral Park police responded to reports of a building fire at the Park Place Bar and Grill at 41 Covert Ave. on the morning of Sept. 27. Upon arriving, officers observed fire and smoke from the building that extended to at least 11 adjacent storefronts, according to a news release from the county Police Department.
Firefighters from the Floral Park Fire Department along with the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company, the New Hyde Park Fire Department and almost 20 others were represented at the scene throughout the day.
Nassau County Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said it took firefighters more than four hours to control the fire. Six businesses sustained major damage or were destroyed, while four others were damaged by smoke, Uttaro said. A private residence also had smoke damage, officials said.
Two members of the New Hyde Park Fire Department were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for exhaustion and an elevated heart rate, according to officials. One Elmont firefighter also suffered exhaustion, officials said.
Village of Floral Park Mayor Dominick Longobardi praised the work of the local fire departments and emergency responders.
“Our Floral Park Fire Department valiantly fought this rapidly spreading fire with mutual aid from a large number of our neighboring departments,” Longobardi said. “The Floral Park and Nassau County Police Departments played key roles in protecting the many pedestrians and drivers who converged on the Village. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s staff was on the scene to survey the damages and determine the fire’s probable cause.”
Neighboring stores to Park Place affected by the fire included Villager’s Perk, Shin’s Tae Kwon Do, Luna Eyelash, Capo Ristorante, Covert Nail & Spa, Covert Barber Shop, Original V.I. Pizza, Covert Optical and K. Hunter Boutique.
Longobardi said the damaged stores remained closed as the damage continued to be assessed and the water, gas, and electricity were shut off in “most or all of the businesses” affected by the fire.
“In the coming days and weeks, the causes of the fire will be determined as well as the future of the building structures, especially those most severely damaged and destroyed,” he said.
Longobardi also encouraged residents to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised an additional $14,000 from an earlier campaign that surpassed $23,000 in funds to support businesses affected by the fire.
“In the meantime, please continue to SHOP, DINE, AND TAKE OUT LOCAL to honor our local businesses,” Longobardi said in a letter to the community. “We wish all of our beloved Covert Avenue businesses well, and look forward to a speedy return to business in our Village for all of you affected by the fire.”
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said on Twitter, “My heart breaks for the small businesses along Covert Avenue in [Floral Park] that were devastated by today’s fire. Thank you to [the Nassau County fire marshal] and all of our brave volunteer fire departments and first responders across Nassau for coming together to bring the flames under control.”
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin called the event “heartbreaking” and said the town “is ready to assist these businesses in any way possible during the rebuilding process.”
