Cypress Creek Produce Community Relocation

So many of you have watched this neighborhood Co Op grow into a Community of good food and amazing people. You've endured every hiccup and learning curve as we have adapted this Co Op to the needs of the families we feed. From driveways to cul-de sacs to our very first building...every next step has always been propelled by the support of this community. We could never express the amount of gratitude we have for this Co Op family.

Our Landlord has chosen NOT to renew our lease in March for the Store Front, so February will be the last month Cypress Creek Produce will operate from the Apollo Beach location. Initially it looked bleak, finding a space in this area that we could afford was scarce. However; in the past few weeks we were presented with an opportunity to occupy a space in the Apollo Beach area nearly 4 times the space we are in, a longer lease, and the potential for so many more community projects. The space is currently bare, roof being built, walls to put up, brick to paint...lots of hard work ahead. We are not strangers to the work...we see all the potential. The building has a loading dock/door, a room built to transform into a walk in cooler, area to offer classes (canning, etc), and plenty of space to fill with lots of Local Vendors we can support. We have plans for the stretch of gated outdoor area to be converted to raised garden beds and educational opportunities for local schools. (Plant a Row, Watch it Grow) A small area dedicated to a licensed kitchen to promote less food waste and offer packaged produce, fresh juices, dinner kits, etc. This building, opportunity has so much amazing potential and we're confident we can transform it to something this community would be so very proud of.

"Humility is not disgraceful, and carries no less of true pride"

I am at constant battle with myself over this. My pride stands in my way like an enemy. Asking for help of this type is uncomfortable for me...it feels like failure. However; I don't know how else to bring this all to life without the financial support of others, without community support. We have created this Go Fund Me to attempt to raise the funds needed to occupy and transform this space. To obtain a place in which we can continue to support neighborhoods, schools, local businesses, and families. To create jobs, offer fresh foods for families, and support those taking care of others.

So many of you have offered potential locations, encouragement to keep going, kind words and lots of shoulders to cry on. WE LOVE this GROUP so much! No matter what's next for us, we are overwhelmed with the outpour of LOVE.

This is a projected breakdown of the costs that are to come if we occupy this space...

Deposit/First/Last -$14,000

AC Unit- (half of cost/landlord pays half) $5,000

Electrical $3,000

Lighting $2,000

Walk In $2,000

Interior $3,000

Refrigeration (coolers moved) $2,000

Outdoor $1,000

Licensing/Inspections $1,000

Any donations towards this would be so appreciated. Its a HUGE goal for a DREAM of an opportunity. Of all the possible doors that opened....we chose the BIGGEST. We understand this responsibility doesn't belong to the community and we appreciate all the support you have shown this local business. We promise to continue to communicate what's to come and post updates along the way.