Breweries Provide Needy Pinellas Park Family With New Home

PINELLAS PARK, FL — A Pinellas Park family in need is the owner of a new home thanks to the generosity of several Pinellas County craft breweries.

Last week, Kristin Beaton and her three sons received the keys to their new home at 6239 68th St. N. in Pinellas Park as part of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties’ “House That Beer Built” initiative launched in 2018.

“This is such an exciting day for all of us. After months of hard work and preparation, we got to experience the joy of seeing a family walk into their new home. What was once a dream has become a reality,” said Big Storm Brewing Co. co-owner L.J. Govoni, who also helped build the house. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of so many craft brewers and the support of our patrons. We all love our community, and there is no better feeling than being able to help such a deserving family.”

Since the “House that Beer Built” initiative was launched last year, nearly 20 local breweries participated by supporting Habitat’s Craft Beer Festival, hosting fundraisers and partnering on brewery scavenger hunts in St. Petersburg and Dunedin. The brewers also collaborated on a beer called “A House That Beer Built.” Sales of the Belgian Wit (white) benefited the project. All total, the brewers aim to raise $50,000 for the House that Beer Built.

“When you finish a home for a family and they’re ready to move in, you can see firsthand the difference you’ve made in their lives,” said Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. “On move-in day, you know that all the effort was worth it. We thank our craft brewery partners, including Big Storm Brewing Co., for their partnership and for making homeownership a reality for the Beaton family.”

ABOUT BIG STORM: Founded in 2012, Big Storm currently has three taprooms in the Sunshine State — Clearwater, Pasco and Cape Coral.

Led by Head Brewer Joel Moore, Big Storm has embraced its tagline of “Florida’s Craft Beer Forecast,” by developing a dynamic lineup of Florida favorites like Tropic Pressure Florida Ale, steeped with hibiscus flowers, and Key Lime Shandy, brewed with Key lime puree.

With a commitment to exceptional customer service, dedication to quality products and the ambition to explore opportunities left unexplored, Big Storm has become a leader in the craft beer industry and beyond.