TAMPA — As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida's coastline, several cabinetry and millwork companies have taken precautionary measures to protect their employees and assets, temporarily closing their operations until the storm passes. 

Innovation Cabinetry, family-owned company specializing in kitchen and outdoor cabinetry, has implemented closure of three store locations. 

•    Anderson location: closed starting at 4:00 PM on October 7th through October 9th. 
•    Columbus Warehouse: closed starting at 4:00 PM on October 7th through October 9th. 
•    Deliveries: All deliveries will be suspended during this period.

The company plans to reopen on October 10th, weather permitting, while delivery service is scheduled to resume on Friday, October 11th. 

Meanwhile, HDI Cabinetry of Pinellas, Florida, a cabinetry distribution company, will close its doors on October 8th through the rest of the week, presumably until weather permits a safe reopening for business. 

The Florida School of Woodwork plans to close on October 8th and October 9th, with a tentative opening on Thursday, October 10th, based on power and the general outcome of the storm. Kate Swann, director of the school, notes that they have multiple days of water and food and that the building is snuck away in a secure location, way above the predicted storm surge line.  

"We are not taking any of this lightly.  We are prepped and are buckled down," Swann says. "After this has passed, we will take a look and reach out to you as soon as possible. If need be, we will set up a relief station here and in several buildings around the school. We have a generator, Starlink access is on its way, 4000 gals of water (Hidden Springs Brewery), 17,000 sq.ft. of supply storage area that has been made available, and a helicopter ready with medical supplies, etc.  I hope that by Saturday, we laugh our heads off at this overplanning."

Residents and employees in the area are encouraged to stay informed through local updates and company announcements as businesses adjust to the storm's impact, ensuring safety remains the top priority.