Seventeen local businesses raised more than $10,000 for new play clocks at Sebastian River High School after coach Phinehas Weatherly posted about equipment problems on Facebook.
Weatherly said the varsity football program has struggled with malfunctioning play clocks for four years. Each repair cost thousands of dollars.
"For the last four years, it's been a battle of trying to get a working play clock, which is essential when you're trying to run an offense and keep it moving and not get delay games," Weatherly said.
Weatherly made a Facebook post saying the situation was ridiculous and that the school could not get basic equipment while other schools received more support. Sebastian River alum Bryan Rhoades saw the post and shared his own video online asking the community to help.
"I need five business owners or people, whoever, to match my $1,000. We can get this done," Rhoades said.
Rhoades owns Airbnbs in the area and River Ride Cart Rentals LLC. The response was swift.
"Within like an hour I had $2,000 and within I think three more days we had $10,350," Rhoades said.
The old play clocks were stationary and had suffered significant wear and tear over the years, requiring repeated electrical repairs and parts replacements. The new clocks are lit up, bright and roll around so they can be kept out of the weather.
"For the longest time, it seemed like we were just getting pushed to the side. And to see that there's people out there that still care and want to support and want to help, you know, it was great. It was amazing," Weatherly said.
Rhoades said the support reflected the character of the Sebastian community.
"They just want to get out there and help. That's what it comes down to really. You know what I mean, the kids," Rhoades said.
The new play clocks are expected to debut at Sebastian River's next home football game in October.