Help Firefly Weather Covid-19

Our Story 
In May of 2018, Darrin and I, after a long country-wide search, found an old cottage resort in the Gulf of Mexico in an island community called Cedar Key where we have since restored and revived an idyllic vacation and relaxation destination on Florida's Nature Coast.  After a near miss by Hurricane Michael in October 2018, we opened the cottages to travelers. Our story is here.


In only 15 months, Firefly Resort amassed over 300 5-Star reviews from guests. They loved what we were doing and we loved doing it! Chad Gallivanter, a Florida travel blogger, featured us and the cottages in a video last May. See the video 

(Learn more about our cottages here: Firefly Resort Cottages )

The Covid-19 pandemic led us to shutter the resort in mid-March and cancel all guest reservations. It is still unclear when we can safely reopen to our guests, but we hope by June 1. We sought relief funding from the SBA, but were not funded. We do not have the reserves to stay afloat until the day comes that we can greet guests again. At several friends' encouragement, we are seeking donations to remain solvent during the peak of this crisis, and making a special offer to encourage bookings now.


Our Request:

We are using GoFundMe to take the place of the federal assistance we will not receive. We hope to raise at least $8000.00, enough to take us to July and beyond.  However, we want to organize this effort more like a Kickstarter campaign. We want to give more than we get and here's how we are doing it:

Option 1: Donate Now and Get a Room Discount to use Later.

Contribute to this fundraiser in any amount and receive 120% of your donation in a room discount. For example, donate $50.00 to this campaign, and receive $60.00 off your future booking. The promo code can be used by you, or given to a friend or family member, like a gift certificate, and redeemed when booking. 

In order to obtain this discount, after donating search for rooms (link below) and book using the promo code: "91-Divoc" (That's Covid-19, backwards) The only condition is that you must book by March 31, 2021 to redeem the credit and complete your stay by May 31, 2021. Because we anticipate donations of different amounts and due to the limitations of our reservation management system, we must add the discount manually after you book and will send a revised confirmation (usually within several hours) reflecting your discount.

Cancellations and re-bookings are allowed subject to our normal, and very liberal, cancellation policies.  Firefly has seven cottages and books early, especially for weekends and holidays. Any reservation using the promo code will be subject to cottage availability. Don't forget to enter "91-Divoc" in the reservation search engine when booking, that is how I will know you are redeeming your discount. All donors will get instructions via email. 

Firefly Cottages Booking Engine 

Option 2: Book Now for Exclusive Access and a Bigger Discount!

For any of you ready and able to plan their visit now (and who isn't ready to plan a getaway right about now?), we are establishing a special program currently available only to folks who engage in this campaign. Book any cottage through our secure website and receive 25% off your stay, and exclusive early-bird access to availability. (Cannot be combined with Option 1)

This is a time-limited offer. We have closed our Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor and Expedia portals, and will block other online reservations for the next several weeks until May 15, 2020. Only respondents to this campaign will have access to our entire availability until that date. Between May 15 and July 4, the discounted rate will still be available, but you will be competing with other travelers. The discount program will end July 4, 2020. You must book your stay by July 4, 2020 to obtain the discounted rate for your stay.

Use the booking engine link, below, to search for a reservation and see availability for your travel dates. Select a cottage and look at the posted rates on the right.  A special "Covid Recovery" rate reflecting a 25% discount for your stay will be displayed among the available rates. Select the Covid Recovery Rate and book instantly.

In order for us to receive funds now, selecting this rate plan requires a 50% deposit for your stay at the time of booking. The deposit is refundable in the event of cancellation (72 hours notice), minus a flat $15.00 non-refundable portion to cover costs associated with credit card processing. 

Don't wait, search for and book a reservation now! Firefly Cottages Booking Engine 

Covid-19 changed the game for many

We realize that this is a global pandemic, and the uncertainty we are experiencing is multiplied unknowable times for some and being experienced by our whole planet. We debated even asking for support now. But, we also know the impact is being felt unevenly and our friends want to help those in need.

If you need to take care of your own family right now and if this would cause you any hardship, we totally understand. Our hearts go out to you. If you are able and want to help, any support you can lend us now is sincerely and deeply appreciated.

Thank you, Judy S. and Eva L., for suggesting this, and to all our friends who pledged their support. 

Until we meet in Cedar Key, much love,

Ian Maki and Darrin Newell
Firefly Resort Cottages 
Cedar Key, FL