Suncoast Surf Shop makes sure everyone feels welcome and is always willing to help. Photo: Aaron Lockwood
What began as a small surf shack with sandy floors, founder Joe Nuzzo’s laid-back vision has grown into one of the area’s oldest surf shops. Customers still stop in to talk about buying their first board there decades ago. Newcomers quickly discover the welcoming atmosphere.
“It was one of those hippie surf shops in the ’60s and ’70s where people would just hang out,” says buyer Olivia Tiannoi, who grew up visiting the shop before joining the team in 2021.
“We love being the shop that people feel comfortable enough to come in and talk and hang out.” — Olivia Tiannoi, Buyer and Manager
This sense of connection has carried Suncoast through every chapter of its history.
In 1995, after a fire destroyed the original building, the community rallied around the shop to help rebuild it, eventually creating the two-story store that stands today.
While Nuzzo died almost five years ago, Tiannoi notes that he was the visionary behind this shop and was loved by many people.
Welcome everyoneToday, the shop continues to give back in small and large ways.
After Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the area, Suncoast reopened once power returned so neighbors could escape the heat and regroup. Staff members placed racks of free clothing outside for anyone who needed essentials.
“We tried to do everything we could,” Tiannoi says.
The team works to make surfing and skimboarding accessible to everyone. Used boards and trade-ins help lower the barrier for beginners. Suncoast also partners with Zap Skimboards each year to give away a board to a local child.
Suncoast hosts community film nights where families and friends gather to watch shows on a projector from the parking lot. In December, the shop welcomes locals for its annual Christmas celebration while also raising money for local nonprofits such as Ready for Life and collecting toys for Santa’s Angels.
Nearly 60 years after opening, Suncoast Surf Shop remains the kind of place people gravitate toward to hang out. “We love being that shop,” Tiannoi says.
Winner: Suncoast Surf Shop
Location: Treasure Island, FL
Buyer/Manager: Olivia Tiannoi
Starfish Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.seasideretailer.com/starfish-award. |
