It’s been 145 days since Hurricane Ian decimated the place I’ve called home for the last 10 years. Friends near and dear to me are Laura and Anthony LaValle. To the island, they are know as the owners of the world famous Yo! Taco.
A bit of a back story… Yo! Taco has resided at 1375 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach for the last 13 years. A staple near and far. The Lavalles have been business owners of multiple entities over the years in Southwest Florida, including one of my favorites Soul Paddle… A paddle board tour business on the North End of the island years ago. I used to guide the tours around Estero Island and find the best manatee hiding spots for my guests. The COOLEST JOB – besides slinging tacos for the Spring Breakers.
Through their resilience, they have managed to resurrect a Fort Myers Beach staple with their successful Taco Trailer at the same familiar address. As with most of the area’s business owners, The LaValles are not only rebuilding their own lives as Fort Myers Beach residents, but their livelihood. Which is why this story is just all the feels.
This week, Mrs. Lavalle of Yo! Taco was hard at work inside her stunning food truck when an unassuming couple approached asking for “The Owners” which, in my experience, is never a good thing. Except today. No-last-name-credit Laura and Kevin wanted to return something that money can’t buy. Memories. A freshly washed, crisp-as-the-day-it-was-made, Yo! Taco flag emerged from their hands. The couple explained It was found down the street from where The Lavalle’s oldest son lived on the South End of the island, and where they all rode out the storm together. Found down the street near the old Beach Theater, these amazing humans decided to return it to the rightful owners. Mrs. Lavalle says she was in shock, and would love to put LARUA and KEVIN on the free taco board sometime this week as an eternal ‘thank you’.
You can support Yo! Taco and other restaurants by liking them on Facebook and eating as many tacos as you can handle. Mahalo Laura and Kevin!