About

In 2001, Mike Martino made a life-changing move, relocating his family from San Francisco to embark on a mission. He founded Eco-Beach™️, a one-stop destination nestled on a tranquil barrier island along Florida's Gulf Coast. Our store proudly boasts the mantra, 'everything beach,' ensuring you find whatever your heart desires, whether it's for pedaling or paddling.

Martino's vision didn't stop there. He forged mutually beneficial partnerships with local artists, offering them valuable display space within our store. In a community where prime retail space was a rare gem, Eco-Beach revolutionized the landscape. Martino even navigated the complex Florida rezoning process to transform his building from residential to commercial, setting the stage for a vibrant island experience.

Our collaboration with artists injected a unique island flavor into Eco-Beach. During the bustling tourist season, Friday nights came alive with 'art night' celebrations. These gatherings featured a spotlight on a local artist, complemented by the melodies of talented musicians, creating unforgettable island parties.

At Eco-Beach, we're not just a store; we're your gateway to beachfront bliss, fostering a sense of community and creativity that sets us apart.

After enjoying a couple of immensely successful years in business, Eco-Beach store achieved a remarkable milestone by capturing the coveted spotlight of "Southern Living" magazine in its March 2004 edition. Titled "A Great Family Beach," the feature story showcased the Martino family and directed readers to experience the magic of Eco-Beach for themselves. Business was booming, and our future looked brighter than ever.

However, in the summer of 2004, a series of relentless hurricanes lined up like boxcars, delivering a devastating blow. On September 16, 2004, Hurricane Ivan struck with a direct hit, nearly obliterating our store and our beloved family island home. Determined to rebuild both our home and business, we embarked on a challenging journey. Just ten months later, in July 2005, Hurricane Dennis swept in, dealing a final blow to everything we had painstakingly reconstructed.

Amidst the chaos and destruction, information became our lifeline. Our resilient community rallied together, offering in-person support while staying connected through a crucial public "news forum" provided by the Pensacola News Journal. Property owners who couldn't be physically present on the island found solace in the "forum," seeking and receiving updates on property damage from local forum members. Those enduring the destruction shared vital information, located essential tools and equipment, and connected with service providers. Together, we navigated a lengthy, costly demolition, and rebuilding process, emerging stronger than ever.

Eco-Beach's story is one of resilience, community, and unwavering determination. We've weathered storms, both natural and metaphorical, and emerged as a testament to the power of unity and perseverance.