TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA) – City leaders in Treasure Island are taking steps to ensure bars and restaurants recovering from recent hurricanes can make money. Businesses around the city are still undergoing repairs.

Many visitors are returning for the first time since the storms. Melanie Manion said, “When we have come here all these years and I see this, it’s just heart-wrenching, heartbreaking.”

Mayor John Doctor is hoping for an influx of beachgoers during the upcoming season.

“Spring break is coming up, that is their busiest time of year, so, we are hoping there is going to be a great spring break. What we do want to let people know is that we are open for business,” Mayor Doctor said.

City commissioners are considering a new ordinance to help small businesses dealing with damage. The proposal allows owners to utilize parking lots and outdoor areas to make revenue.

According to the measure, owners could bring in food trucks, tents, trailers, and outdoor bars on a limited basis. It would expand the amount of time they’re allowed to utilize the methods from 36 days to a full year.

“Without our hotels, without our restaurants, without the bars and the retail and everything else, we wouldn’t be a beach community,” Mayor Doctor said.

Manion said the small businesses and iconic spots are what make Treasure Island so special.

“I know people are coming back, but you’ve gotta have places, you’ve got to eat. People want those varieties, you want your bars, you want your restaurants and drinks and fun,” Manion said.

A first reading for the ordinance is scheduled during Tuesday night’s commission meeting.