Uncle Rico's Pizza in Fort Myers supports TSA workers during shutdown

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Uncle Rico's Pizza in Fort Myers is cranking out pies like crazy, as they're lending a helping hand where it's needed the most.

"We're giving the TSA workers a free cheese or pepperoni pie, just to help them out," Enrico Aguila said, owner of the mom-and-pop shop.

Over a month into the partial government shutdown, hundreds of TSA officers have resigned nationwide. Many, like Marcial Gomez, are still working without a paycheck and during one of RSW's busiest times of the year.

"It's frustrating, and seeing all my coworkers, a lot of them have already resigned due to the shutdown," Gomez said, vice president of AFGE Local 558. "I mean, we're recuperating from the past shutdown and now another one. I mean, we got single parents who live paycheck to paycheck, and now are being forced to make a decision whether they come to work or let me go out there and make some money somewhere else to provide for their families."

That's why Uncle Rico’s chose to step up.

"Southwest Florida is known for, like, you know, we're a resilient community," Enrico said. "So, we kind of all come together and help out when the time is needed. I want to start a chain right now until they start getting their paychecks back. Man, let's all help TSA workers. They really need us right now."

Workers are coming in to take advantage of the offer. 

"They're grateful, and they're happy, because right now they're living on certain times," said Cira Aguila, owner of Uncle Rico's.

According to Gomez, the union has reached out to food banks for help, and airlines have stepped in to provide lunch or gift cards to TSA officers. But what these workers really need right now is for the shutdown to end.

"End this political game, to stop holding us hostage, to go ahead and end the shutdown as soon as possible," Gomez said. "It is creating stress while we are screening passengers. In our mind, we're thinking, 'Man, how am I going to pay my bills today?'"

Uncle Rico's said all TSA officers need to do is bring a valid TSA badge to get a free pizza. The offer will continue until Saturday.