Abraxas Books Daytona Beach Florida

We are an independent second-hand bookstore in Daytona Beach Florida, a sole proprietorship, we were hit by Hurricane Irma and flooded with approximately 10 inches of water through the entire store, losing tons of books on the floor and basically all the books on the bottom shelves of every bookcase in the main store and in our extensive storage area, probably losing a total exceeding 20,000 books. We still have a fine inventory of over 100,000 excellent books but the overall hurricane damage in the area resulted in a loss of business traffic that was already at a low point due to road and bridge construction in the immediate area over the past 3 years or more. Since Beach Street is not flooded in the 30 years that we lived here we were not covered for flood insurance, and for various reasons we do not qualify for FEMA. So, for the first time in the history of the bookstore, since we opened in 2000, we are accepting donations from anyone so inclined. In addition, approximately a year ago the owner of the bookstore visited a walk-in clinic thinking he had a severe flu or possibly walking pneumonia, only to be diagnosed with congestive heart failure and requiring open heart surgery and an aortic valve replacement, needless to say this resulted in substantial medical bills that also had an impact on the bookstore. Approximately a year later the owner experienced what they call a mini stroke or TIA that, while resulting in no permanent damage, led to a 5-day stay in the hospital and a battery of medical tests including an MRI indicating he had probably suffered a much more severe stroke during the heart surgery of the previous year resulting in permanent partial loss of peripheral vision that we were attributing to the side effects of medication. So, yes, after 2 years of business inhibiting local construction, two hurricanes, open heart surgery, and two strokes, we are open to the idea of having a GoFundMe account to ensure that Abraxas Books keeps its doors open until things improve. With sincere appreciation and gratitude to our longtime local customers, and loyal out-of-town customers who visit every chance they get, and to everyone who supports independent bookstores everywhere, THANK YOU for your assistance.