CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector held a press conference Tuesday welcoming residents and visitors back to the beach.

The area has been undergoing a re-beautification process for the past couple weeks after weathering Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“We had a lot of damage from two hurricanes in two weeks, but one thing that was not damaged was our beautiful white sand beach,” Rector said.

While some projects are still underway at Clearwater Beach and other beach communities, officials said Tuesday it is safe for beachgoers to return for walks on the sugar white sand.

Many of the establishments in the area are also ready to welcome back guests.

Brian Lowack, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, estimated that nearly 80% of businesses and restaurants along the beach have reopened their doors.

Even so, officials said the hospitality industry has taken a hit from the short-term impacts of the storms.

“We really need people to come back,” Rector said. “At least come out here and enjoy a sunset and a dinner to help our folks get through this, because it is significantly impacting those families.”

The mayor added that there are at least 10,000 hospitality workers in Clearwater Beach alone.

As of Tuesday, several hotels in the area were still housing displaced residents and workers who came down to help clear debris. However, officials encouraged those with trips scheduled and hotels booked not to cancel their plans.

The mayor said it may take a couple more months to clear all of the debris from the area, but things have largely begun to return to normal.

Several upcoming events will also be going forward as planned, including a jet ski competition and a food and wine festival.

“Mother nature knocked us down, but she did not take us out,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott. “I am so incredibly impressed with the resiliency of our community.”