Floodwaters from days of heavy rain are still disrupting farms and nurseries in Martin and Palm Beach counties, forcing some businesses to close to visitors.
At Happy Place Ranch in Palm City, standing water surrounds much of the property. Owner Amanda Cimorelli said the ranch has been losing revenue since October, when weather forced it to cancel its fall festival and horse shows. The flooding could now force the ranch to cancel two upcoming birthday parties. She also said the business is spending more on hay and has struggled to find dry space for its animals. Cimorelli said all of the animals are safe.
In Loxahatchee Groves, Gardino Nursery is dealing with its own flooding after a freeze and a drought earlier this year. Owner Sid Gardino said water reached shin level in some areas and thick mud made walking difficult. The nursery is operating at 20% capacity and is open by appointment only. It can still ship plants, but customers cannot visit in person for now.
Gardino said the business does not yet know how much money it has lost. It hopes to reopen by next week if sunny, warm weather continues.
