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[Pages S271-S272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING INDIAN PASS RAW BAR
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I would like to highlight the
hard work and unique entrepreneurial spirit that can be found across my
home State of Florida. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small
Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small business
that exemplifies hard work and dedication toward the local
[[Page S272]]
community. Today, it is my distinct privilege to honor Indian Pass Raw
Bar from Port St. Joe in Gulf County, FL, as the Senate Small Business
of the Week.
Indian Pass Raw Bar has deep historical ties to the Florida Panhandle
along the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico, tracing its roots to a
commissary store founded in 1903, for workers in the then-booming
turpentine industry. It is located in the same building as the original
Indian Pass Trading Post that opened in 1929, where Mrs. Gypsy McNeil
established her talent with her delicious seafood gumbo.
In 1986, Hurricane Kate struck the Florida Panhandle and destroyed
the Indian Pass Trading Post. The McNeil family showed resilience after
the storm and recovered by converting the general store into an oyster
bar, setting the stage for business to skyrocket.
Twenty-three miles from Apalachicola, FL, Indian Pass Raw Bar serves
the panhandle's world-famous oysters and iconic seafood dishes, such as
steamed shrimp and crab legs. Drinks are served on an honor system
where customers keep their tabs to turn in at checkout, treating
customers like trusted friends. It has become a renowned location for
Floridians and tourists alike to enjoy time with family. Southern
Living magazine once described Indian Pass Raw Bar as ``quite possibly
the best seafood shack in existence.'' It has also received praise from
the Garden & Gun magazine as one of Florida's ``Hidden Hotspots.''
Indian Pass Raw Bar's success continued with the opening of a second
location in June 2017, in downtown Port St. Joe, FL.
In October 2018, category 5 Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida
Panhandle, including Gulf County. The storm severely damaged Indian
Pass Raw Bar, as high winds blew off the front door, forcefully removed
the air-conditioning system, and threw its iconic street sign hundreds
of yards away. However, just as they did after the 1986 storm, the
McNeil family is rebuilding and looks forward to continuing to serve
their world-famous oysters again this spring. Upon reopening, they will
welcome visitors to the gulf coast of Florida for their 90th year in
business.
The Indian Pass Raw Bar became what it is today partly because of
Hurricane Kate in 1986. The McNeil family understands how devastating
these storms truly are and the impact they can have on small business
and working families. To help their community, the McNeil family
enthusiastically opened their facilities as emergency supply
distribution centers to their neighbors in need, despite having their
own difficulties. Meredith McNeil said in October 2018: ``This whole
area, the whole Gulf, we've done this before. We're all resilient.''
This is the kind of commitment to community that is unique to
American small business. During a catastrophe, the Indian Pass Raw Bar
helped bring their fellow citizens together by offering emergency
supplies in order to help their customers and to give back to the
community that has supported their business. Indian Pass Raw Bar is an
example of Florida's exceptional entrepreneurship, continuing a 90-year
history, being resilient and innovative in its approach to challenges,
and giving back to the community during a time of need. I would like to
congratulate the McNeil family and all the employees at Indian Pass Raw
Bar for being named the Senate Small Business of the Week for the week
of January 14 to 18, 2019. I wish them continued success in their
future endeavors.
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