After nearly a year of closure, the beloved Frog Pond restaurant in North Redington Beach has triumphantly reopened its doors. For locals and visitors alike, this isn’t just the return of a favorite breakfast and lunch spot—it’s a story of resilience, community, and one man’s relentless determination.
From Dishwasher to General Manager
Luciano Tomas LaRocca, the general manager of the Frog Pond’s North Redington Beach location (16909 Gulf Blvd, North Redington Beach, FL 33708), has dedicated much of his adult life to the restaurant.
LaRocca’s journey began in 2015 at just 19 years old, working the dish pit at the St. Pete Beach location. Over the years, he climbed the ranks—line cook, main cook, server—and eventually transitioned to the North Redington Beach restaurant, where he has proudly served as general manager for over a decade.
“Out of anything I was doing, I was growing the most at Frog Pond … getting a raise, learning something new,” LaRocca recalls.
The Day Everything Changed
On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated the Florida coast, leaving the Frog Pond in ruins. LaRocca received a haunting photo from a customer in the early morning hours: the restaurant’s windows blown out, a massive hole ripped through the wall, furniture crushed together, benches thrown outside, and a kitchen coated in thick muck.
“It looked like someone shot a missile inside the place,” LaRocca said.
For a restaurant that had stood as a community gathering spot for decades, the sight was devastating.
A Year of Hard Work and Heart
The road to reopening wasn’t easy. LaRocca dedicated himself fully to the rebuild, describing the process as giving it “everything he had.” Yet he admits the journey required humility.
“I did have to put my pride aside and ask for help,” he said.
That help came in the form of overwhelming community support. Regular customers donated generously, and combined with LaRocca’s personal contributions, about a quarter of a million dollars was raised to restore the restaurant.
From the rubble, the Frog Pond has been rebuilt not only physically, but spiritually—stronger than before.
Honoring Tradition, Embracing the New
While the restaurant retains the charm and quality that has made it a favorite for fifty years, LaRocca has introduced some exciting new items alongside the classic menu. Guests can now enjoy Italian subs, Cuban sandwiches, chicken and waffles, and other fresh offerings, while still finding the signature dishes that loyal patrons travel across states—and sometimes across oceans—to enjoy.
“People leave their home in another state, families from across the world, come and ask us for a specific item that we make a certain way, and dang that feels good,” LaRocca shared.
The restaurant held a soft reopening on August 29, with a full grand opening celebration set for September 20.
A Community Victory
For LaRocca, the reopening is more than a business milestone—it’s deeply personal.
“I feel blessed to be here; I’m proud to be here; this is a family,” he said.
The experience also taught him a valuable life lesson: “Don;t be afraid to ask for help, even if it is just scrambled eggs.” With a smile, he added, “I know it’s cheesy, but it’s the Frog Pond!”
LaRocca rewuested to gove shoutouts to those who helped rebuild Frog Pond, and we happily oblige. From LaRocca, a deep thanks to the following:
- Jacob and Nate Ellison with ABH construction and renovation, Anthony Zsido with A-Z get rid of it,
Sharon Russel, Rick and Amy Ricart, Matt and Kerry Humphreville, Ellen Nixon, Tricia Galvin, Christopher Jeske aka the stainless steel wizard, Dino, Maria Shipley, Harry and Jan, Gail and Gailen, Mariam Bakhtyari Jacquelyn Ellison, Nick Burket, and Reyes Oviedo.
