Tin City stands as a century-old landmark, beloved for its rustic charm and rich history. A staple of the community, it has long been a bustling hub of unique shops, restaurants, and local fishing tours. At the helm of this iconic property is Craig Ekonomos, a man whose optimism is as vibrant as his signature Tin City hat and impressive handlebar mustache. Craig took over as the property manager just over two years ago, but his leadership has been defined by far more than day-to-day operations.
Within just three months of taking the reins, Craig found himself steering Tin City through an unprecedented series of disasters. First, Hurricane Ian swept through the area, causing devastating floods that submerged businesses, restaurants, and attractions. Shortly after, a car crash barreled through a section of the building, destroying storefronts and leaving thirty tenants without a place to do business. The chaos was overwhelming, with fishing trips canceled, restaurants shuttered, and an entire building plunged into darkness, while the surrounding area was swallowed by mud from the nearby Gordon River.
Managing a century-old building like Tin City is a challenge under normal circumstances, but the compounded effects of these disasters made recovery a Herculean task. Yet, for Craig, giving up was never an option.
Tin City is more than just a historical structure. It is a symbol of Naples’ rich cultural heritage, a place where the city’s past and present collide. For Craig, the preservation of this legacy was a responsibility he took to heart. In the aftermath of the destruction, his focus was clear: get Tin City back on its feet, stronger than ever.
Craig’s approach to the crisis was rooted in perseverance and a firm belief in “trusting the process.” He quickly assembled a team of skilled professionals—electricians, contractors, painters, remediation crews, and plumbers—all of whom worked tirelessly under his guidance. Each day presented new challenges, from fixing structural damages to navigating the logistics of restoring a property that had been through the wringer, but Craig’s leadership never wavered.
Despite the chaos, Craig’s steady hand and unshakable optimism kept the project on track. He kept his focus on the long-term vision, understanding that recovery was not just about fixing broken walls, but restoring Tin City’s unique charm. His unwavering belief in the power of persistence inspired everyone around him, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.
In just 77 days, Tin City reopened its doors. Every displaced tenant returned, eager to welcome back the community, and the property emerged from its ordeal not just intact, but revitalized. The shops, restaurants, and attractions that had been silenced by the disasters came roaring back to life, with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.
Today, Tin City stands tall as a testament to Naples’ resilience and community spirit. But more than that, it is a tribute to the exceptional leadership of Craig Ekonomos. His ability to navigate through adversity, coupled with his dedication to preserving Tin City’s historic charm, has ensured that this beloved destination remains a vibrant part of Naples. Thanks to Craig, Tin City continues to be a must-visit for both locals and tourists—a place where the spirit of old Naples thrives, and where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
With Craig at the helm, there’s no doubt that Tin City’s future is as bright as its storied past. His belief in the power of perseverance has shown that any challenge can be overcome, and that through adversity, a community can emerge stronger than ever.
Visit Tin City: 1200 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Instagram: @tincitynaplesofficial
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