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Reviving the SAAAB Store: Rallying the Saab Community to Restore a Legendary Florida Workshop After Hurricane Milton’s Devastation

A call to arms for the Saab community—help bring a cherished Saab sanctuary back to life after the wreckage of Hurricane Milton.

The SAAAB Store in Florida—standing resilient but battered after Hurricane Milton's floodwaters. Help rebuild this haven for Saab enthusiasts.

Reviving the SAAAB Store After Hurricane Milton: A Call for Support from Saab Enthusiasts Worldwide

The SAAAB Store, a specialized Saab repair shop in Florida, has long been a trusted sanctuary for Saab owners under the care of Michael Manjerovic, affectionately known as “Mike the Saab Guy.” However, when Hurricane Milton unleashed a surge of unexpected floodwaters, the shop was dealt a devastating blow. In a rare appeal, his daughter Kalea has reached out to the global Saab community for assistance to rebuild and restore this unique workshop, which has served as a hub for Saab repairs and passion for years.

The Heart of the SAAAB Store: A Legacy Built on Saab Dedication

The SAAAB Store has been more than just a repair shop—it’s been a gathering point for Saab enthusiasts who rely on Manjerovic’s expertise to keep their beloved Swedish automobiles running smoothly. The shop was started in the late 80s by Carl Woodward and Kevin Crump. Mike Manjerovic become owner and managing for the last 20 years.

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This shop represents years of commitment, with every repair and upgrade reflecting his dedication to the brand and its loyal following. For Saab owners in Florida, the SAAAB Store is indispensable; it’s one of the few remaining places that can expertly maintain and repair these cars with the level of care they deserve.

The SAAAB Store in Tampa, Florida, before Hurricane Milton struck. A haven for Saab enthusiasts, this shop now faces the monumental challenge of rebuilding after extensive flood damage.
The SAAAB Store in Tampa, Florida, before Hurricane Milton struck. A haven for Saab enthusiasts, this shop now faces the monumental challenge of rebuilding after extensive flood damage.

Hurricane Milton’s Toll: Floods and Catastrophic Damage

When Hurricane Milton hit, it brought unimaginable destruction to communities across Florida. Though the SAAAB Store is located outside the typical flood zones, the overwhelming surge left it under two feet of water. Every aspect of the shop was affected.

Thousands of dollars in equipment and parts were damaged beyond repair, including specialized tools that are irreplaceable for a Saab-focused shop. Not only did the water damage essential tools like the tire balancer and alignment machine, but it also knocked over an industrial air compressor and upended storage bins filled with rare, heavy-to-lift parts.

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Despite the devastation, Michael and Kalea have been tirelessly working to clean and restore the space, but the repairs needed are extensive and demand significant financial resources to complete.

The Community’s Role: Rallying the Global Saab Network

Kalea has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for the SAAAB Store’s recovery. The campaign goal is set at $30,000, of which $8,505 has already been contributed by 76 dedicated supporters. Yet, this is only 28% of the target, and with the extensive repairs required, more support is crucial. This is a rallying cry for Saab enthusiasts everywhere to come together and preserve an irreplaceable part of the Saab community in Florida.

Why the SAAAB Store Matters: Keeping Saab Legends on the Road

Saab cars are more than vehicles; they represent a unique blend of design, engineering, and history that resonates deeply with their owners.

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Michael’s dedication to the SAAAB Store goes beyond just mechanical work—his goal has always been to keep these cars on the road, allowing Saab fans to experience the joy of driving a Saab long after the brand ceased production. For every Saab owner who’s brought their car to Michael, the SAAAB Store is a place of trust, expertise, and shared enthusiasm for the brand’s legacy.

With the damage from Hurricane Milton, the SAAAB Store’s future is uncertain without the community’s support. By contributing, Saab enthusiasts worldwide can help ensure that this essential workshop remains a resource for those who love and cherish these distinctive cars.

How to Help: Donation Details and Campaign Progress

To aid in the SAAAB Store’s restoration, donations can be made through GoFundMe, where Kalea is managing the fundraiser on her father’s behalf. Contributions will go directly toward replacing lost equipment, repairing flood damage, and restoring the shop’s infrastructure so it can reopen and serve the Saab community once again. Even small donations and sharing the campaign can make a big difference, helping the Manjerovics rebuild their business and continue their mission of keeping Saab cars on the road.

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The Road to Recovery: Honoring a Lifelong Commitment to Saab

Michael Manjerovic’s passion for Saabs and commitment to the SAAAB Store represents the spirit of Saab ownership—a dedication that perseveres through challenges. As the community rallies behind them, every contribution is a testament to the shared love and respect for Saab’s legacy. This isn’t just about reopening a shop; it’s about ensuring that a unique part of the Saab world continues to thrive. Through your support, the SAAAB Store can rebuild, restore, and keep the spirit of Saab alive.

For those who love Saabs, now is the time to help protect this valuable resource. The SAAAB Store’s journey to recovery will be challenging, but with the support of a loyal community, it can emerge stronger. Let’s unite in backing Kalea and Michael as they rebuild a cherished space, proving that the Saab community’s bond is as resilient as the cars themselves.

Goran Aničić
the authorGoran Aničić
For over 15 years, Goran Aničić has been passionately focused on Saab automobiles and everything related to them. His initial encounter with Saab cars took place back in 2003 when the first Saab 9-3 and sedan version were introduced. At that moment, he was captivated by the car's Scandinavian design logic and top-notch engineering, and everything that followed stemmed from that first encounter. Later on, through his work at the editorial team of the Serbian automotive magazines "Autostart" and later "AutoBild," he had the opportunity to engage more closely with Saab vehicles. In 2008, he tested the latest Saab cars of that time, such as the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero and Saab 9-3 Turbo X. In 2010, as the sole blogger from the region, he participated in the Saab 9-5ng presentation in Trollhättan, Sweden. Alongside journalists from around the world, he got a firsthand experience of the pinnacle of technological offerings from Saab at that time. Currently, Goran owns two Saabs: a 2008 Saab 9-3 Vector Sportcombi with a manual transmission, and a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin Sport Sedan from the last generation, which rolled off the production line in Trollhättan in December 2011.

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