Adversity was the mother of invention for Navarre Beach entrepreneurs Mike and Caryn Martino. After two hurricanes in the last year temporarily derailed both of their Eco-Beach storefronts, the Martinos began brainstorming ways to make their businesses storm-resistant and began toying with the idea of an online store.

“It began after Dennis,” said Mike Martino, reflecting on his efforts. “But after Katrina — when I saw New Orleans just about wiped off the face of the earth — that’s what really did it.”

Their minds made up, the Martinos jumped online with both feet, and now own some 80 Internet names, according to Mike Martino. They also recently opened two fullfledged online stores that offer many of the same items carried in their Eco-Beach shops located on Navarre Beach. The only difference is the online stores never close, not even for a hurricane.

“I believe my business is going to be a model for other businesses,” said Mike Martino.

“Part of every business’s hurricane preparedness should be to have a Web site.”

Or, better yet, more than one Web site.

The Martino’s new Navarre Beach Store at www.navarrebeachstore.com sells an array of T-shirts, including those bearing Eco-Beach’s signature phrase “Got Sand?” The site also offers beachinspired art, apparel and incidentals such as wooden surfing trophies, bamboo wind chimes, woven sandals and handbags, hand painted beach signs and a variety of colorful clothing, including the hardto-find Mad Gringo line for men.

Another new online store, www.tikistore.com, offers a variety of hand-carved tikis and other tropical inspired items.

In addition to the main Eco-Beach storefront located at 8460 Gulf Blvd., the Martinos operate Caryn’s Eco-Beach Shack near Cocodries, which re-opened three weeks after Hurricane Dennis and managed to dodge a hit from Katrina by being moved to safety prior to the storm’s onset.

Caryn’s Eco-Beach Shack sells beach necessities like sunglasses, sunscreens, sodas, water and floats. They also rent bicycles, kayaks and surfboards. On Saturday mornings, they offer clinics to give tourists and locals alike an opportunity to learn how to use the equipment.

“We want to give people a chance to try out the equipment and we want to get the people back to the beach,” said Caryn Martino, explaining the free service.

Caryn’s Eco Beach Shack is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will also accommodate customers by appointment. The main Eco-Beach Shop is located at 8460 Gulf Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, but may vary according to the season. Telephone number is 936-7263. Web sites are

www.eco-beach.com, www.tikistore.com and www.navarrebeachstore.com

Joni Williams writes about new stores and restaurants every week in the Daily News. If you’d like her to write about your new business, e-mail jlw411@bellsouth.net or call the business desk at 863-1111 ext. 1439.

THE RETAIL CORRIDOR JONI WILLIAMS