COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Just hours after a blaze inflicted damage on the beloved Tiny Turtle restaurant in Cocoa Beach, the community has rallied to support the family behind this cherished establishment.
In a show of local solidarity, musician Matt Riley dedicated all his tips from a Saturday night performance at Grounds and Grapes to aid the recovery efforts, marking the beginning of several fundraising initiatives.
Riley expressed that his decision to assist Kelly and Mo, the owners of Tiny Turtle, was straightforward and heartfelt.
“I’ve known Kelly and Mo since before my son started kindergarten,” Riley shared. “They are truly cornerstones of our community.”
Efforts to assist are spreading online through donation links, and another charity event is already scheduled for the coming week.
On Saturday night, supporters gathered at Grounds and Grapes, with other local businesses joining in to amplify the call for contributions and extend the support network.
Business owners say the response reflects the close-knit nature of Cocoa Beach’s small-business community.
“We all support each other,” said Marissa, general manager of The Alleyway, a neighboring business. “We come to each other’s businesses. We eat there. They come here.”
The support started almost immediately after Friday’s fire, which damaged the Tiny Turtle’s tiki roof.
Even as firefighters worked at the scene, the owners invited people to stop by and take food before it went to waste.
“Even after the fire, they posted it and said everybody come get some free food so we don’t want all this stuff to go to waste,” Riley said. “Even on the worst day of their lives, they still helped out.”
Supporters say that’s exactly why so many people are now stepping up to help the Tiny Turtle family in return.
Donations to help the Tiny Turtle can be made at the link below:
Give to The Pointe Church
