The bar features brand new walls, floors, ceilings, and restrooms | St. Pete Rising

After more than a year of repairs and rebuilding, a well-known Gulfport bar is ready to welcome guests again.

Hurricane Eddie’s, located at 5413 Shore Boulevard South along Gulfport’s waterfront strip, will reopen its doors today, Thursday, March 12th at 11 a.m., marking its first day of operation since late 2024.

The popular neighborhood bar, along with nearly every business in downtown Gulfport, was forced to close after Hurricane Helene swept through the Gulf Coast in September 2024, bringing storm surge that caused extensive flooding and water damage throughout Gulfport and nearby communities.

The storm flooded Hurricane Eddie’s nearly century-old building, forcing the business to shut down for a lengthy restoration process.

Now, 16 months later, the bar has undergone a full interior rebuild. The space features brand new walls, floors, ceilings, and restrooms.

After 16 months of renovations, Hurricane Eddie’s will reopen later today in Gulfport | St. Pete Rising

“We’re a classic Gulfport bar. We strive to embody that reputation and are accepting of everyone,” General Manager William Hinton said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “This location’s main drive is definitely its live music and entertainment—we have something for everybody.”

The reopening also brings back the live music the bar is known for, with performances scheduled Friday through Sunday.

Other weekly programming includes poker on Mondays, bingo on Tuesdays, karaoke on Wednesdays, and a Thursday “locals night,” when Gulfport residents receive a 15% discount.

A Grand reopening celebration will last through the weekend and into next week, culminating with a St. Patrick’s Day party on Tuesday, March 17th with drink specials and live performances by Magwood Band and Love Loaf.

Hurricane Eddie’s was forced to close after Hurricane Helene swept through the Gulf Coast in September 2024 | St. Pete Rising

Hinton notes that the building itself has played a longstanding role in Gulfport’s bar scene. Constructed in 1925, the structure has housed a string of beloved watering holes over the past century.

“This building has operated as a bar for almost 100 years…it was originally Walt’s Place, then the Swamp Club, then Gulfport on the Rocks for 40 or so years, and most recently, Salty’s,” Hinton said. “This building actually had one of the first liquor licenses in Pinellas County.”

Hurricane Eddie’s moved into the building in late 2020.

Along with the Gulfport location, Hurricane Eddie’s operates locations on Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, and along the Dunedin Causeway.

More information about the reopening, entertainment schedule, and upcoming events can be found on Hurricane Eddie’s Facebook page.