Rains have positive, negative effect on area businesses | News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The recent days and days of rain since Tropical Storm Beryl have had a huge effect on some area businesses, some cashing in and some losing out.

The heavy rains have meant lots of calls for roofers like Chris Voss of Jack Wilson Roofing.

"It has been slammed pack," said Voss. "We can't run calls fast enough it seems like. We have another estimator working with us now to help us catch up and try to get to everybody and make sure we get all these leaks stopped, so it doesn't damage people's houses you know."

All that rain and debris caused a roof leak on Elliott Adams' home that Voss came by to take a look at.

"There was some moss built up there and it kinds of dams the water and pushes the water up."

Adams was glad Voss fit him in. " I know he is jammed up."

Florida Bonded Pools on Beach Boulevard has had delays building pools, but their pool cleaning and maintenance business is really busy thanks to the recent amount of rainfall.

"We've had a lot of pools overflowing with water," said Vice President Ashley Cribbs. "The introduction of new rain water has a lot of phosphates in it and that can create some algae blooms and we have to keep the chemicals adjusted in our swimming pools. We have been running pretty good. The guys are working a little bit longer days trying to keep everything good for our customers."

Business has been good for local movie theaters. The manager at the Regal Theatre on Beach Boulevard said the wet stuff brought more movie patrons.

The rain hurt the Beaches Car Wash.

"Terrible," said general manager Greg Johns. "It could be our worst June if the weather doesn't dry out the second half."

The rain meant no one wanted to garden and it hurt the Plant Ranch Nursery.

"During those heavy rains, no one was on the roads," said Nicholas Frank, assistant manager. "It probably took 30 percent of our business away. "

Now that things are drying up, Frank said it is a great time to garden, so he is hoping business picks up.

The bad weather was bad news for Adventure Landing at the beach.

"Of course, weather always effects the water park, and that is tough on us," said Michelle Branham. "And we got the weather early this June versus later in the season. It is tough to start the season out that way, but fortunately for us the weather is improving, so it is gorgeous outside right now."

Fortunately, it was not a total loss as customers can still go indoors and play video games and laser tag at Adventure Landing.