New Publix on Hwy 98 in SoWal breaking ground

[Minnie]

Good suggestion by Kurt, my daughter found prices at the Santa Rosa pharmacy on non medical items, even freesbies to be very reasonable and she never had to get in her car. and did not have to drive on that scarey road, (98)

 

[2bohemians]

OK - I feel I need to stem the tide a bit - BUY LOCAL.

We don't need more chains or stores. Everything you need you can now get in SoWal. If we don't have it you don't need it. If you do need something exotic from afar, like plaid clothing, you can get it delivered to your door. The prices in SoWal may be a bit higher but you can save money on gas, and you are supporting our neighbors.

Even when grocery stores were farther away, didn't you go less often, saving time, hassle, and possibly money? I think it comes down to a psychological need to go somewhere and shop, to acquire things, to hunt and gather. Why else would someone make a long trip to Target 20 miles away to buy a blender, which by the way is most likely made in China. Please - stop the madness!

Go to For The Health Of It, Modica Market, Seagrove Market, Blue Mountain Liquors, Movies By The Sea, lillypads, Shops Of Grayton, Toni's Market, Big Daddy's, Wild Olives, Sally's By The Sea Store, Design, Gigi's, Perpetual Imagination, Sundog Books, Central Square Records, Fonville Press, Big Mama's, Yellowfin, Ono, Goatfeathers, . . . . the list goes on and on.

Why are we in such a hurry to make 98 in SoWal look like 98 in neighboring counties? The same goes for 331. Why does progress equal more choices and more places to spend money?

A final thought - if you feel a burning desire to spend your $600 government "see we're here to help" rebate, spend it local!

Kurt ~ we do agree with you ... please support LOCAL businesses and we do very often .... but if we had a choice between another Publix and Fresh Market, we would be way more excited about a Trader Joes or a Whole Foods. ....

 

[TooFarTampa]

OUCH! My wife grew up in Destin, she really had to adjust her perceptions when I moved her to Freeport!

But I love it- live on the water, can drop my boat in the water with the flip of a switch, and steam up a mess of blue crabs as soon as I empty them from the traps at my dock. Sure, we don't have big blue wayfinding signs or those architectural review boards to deal with, but I can go and shoot my gun in my yard if I feel like making a little noise, and I've never once been thrown out of the Lucky Star for drinking too much. As for Kelleys, where else can you go to get milk, bread, tampons and grocery store feet? And keep the money local...

Is there another Destin, one that is a world renowned center of culture and the arts?

:rofl:

Publix is great, I almost never go to the Fresh Market around the corner from me here in SoTamp because it is generally overpriced and overrated. I went yesterday and OK, the Fresh Market Two Bite Brownies are awesome, and so is the Butternut Squash Soup. But other than special occasions/entertaining solutions/desperation I don't go there at all.

Back to Publix ... I will say again that Publix very much knows what it is doing in the way of store placement. If they are adding stores in Walton and Bay counties, you never know -- one of them may end up being a Publix GreenWise, which is their answer to Whole Paycheck and Trader Joe's. They have announced six of them already, including one that is being built in Tampa very close to me that will simultaneously level about six local organic and natural food stores, plus the Fresh Market, the very minute it opens early next year. I think their GreenWise Market concept is just starting, so if you hear rumors about Publix buying property anywhere up there where it seems like it may be "too close" to another store, please be sure and ask about GreenWise and then post what you hear.

 

[30abob]

Or something similar by a local business person who knows good food, food service, and has a following in the area. :scratch:;-)

Was this a "hint" for someone in particular? Or just wishful thinking? We had a "local" guy back home that fit your profile... I miss knowing my butcher.

 

[Kurt]

:rofl:

Publix is great, I almost never go to the Fresh Market around the corner from me here in SoTamp because it is generally overpriced and overrated. I went yesterday and OK, the Fresh Market Two Bite Brownies are awesome, and so is the Butternut Squash Soup. But other than special occasions/entertaining solutions/desperation I don't go there at all.

Back to Publix ... I will say again that Publix very much knows what it is doing in the way of store placement. If they are adding stores in Walton and Bay counties, you never know -- one of them may end up being a Publix GreenWise, which is their answer to Whole Paycheck and Trader Joe's. They have announced six of them already, including one that is being built in Tampa very close to me that will simultaneously level about six local organic and natural food stores, plus the Fresh Market, the very minute it opens early next year. I think their GreenWise Market concept is just starting, so if you hear rumors about Publix buying property anywhere up there where it seems like it may be "too close" to another store, please be sure and ask about GreenWise and then post what you hear.

Interesting - I think the new location is too close to the one on Mack Bayou area and then there's also the one just across Bay County line and the one at WaterColor Crossing. To me, Freeport on 331 makes more sense as you would get locals shopping up there, and tons of tourists, mostly on their way into SoWal. I think we were all surprised at the new location so soon, and there still hasn't been a formal announcement that I know of. A greenwise version makes sense in an area where the money flows freely and our stores here are high grossers.

http://www.publix.com/wellness/greenwise/stores/Home.do

This is a one-stop shopping destination for anyone who appreciates organic, all-natural, and earth-friendly products, excellent food, and a thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience. Here, you can enjoy a delicious freshly prepared meal, surf the Internet, or fill your basket with artisan cheeses, fine wines, handcrafted fresh breads, and much more.

 

[Matt J]

Thank you, SJ and Sowalgayboi, for your continued love, support, and belief in the validity of my gossip.

It means a lot. (sniff)

No problem, god knows I love good true gossip.

To me, local encompasses everything from Hwy 231 in Panama City to the Marler Bridge in Destin.

It used to include Fort Walton Beach, but man it's a pain to get over there now.

Also, the kids don't hang out in SoWal. That honor currently goes to Destin Commons, which I have come to despise. Sometimes they run around Seaside, but to me, that's as exciting as having a rash.

No offense, but if Destin Commons were around when you were a shallowsquirt wouldn't you have hung out there?

Are you on their payroll? Publix is really nice but The Fresh Market serves those of us who want quality, not quantity, who want the best available when entertaining and hard to find items. However, Trader Joe's or Whole Foods would be the best! Yes, Kelly's is a sad excuse for a store but why does Freeport need more? I have had relatives in Freeport for generations and other than living there 100 years, who wants to live there?

I'm just curious as to what you can't find at Publix that they weren't willing to order for you?

Was this a "hint" for someone in particular? Or just wishful thinking? We had a "local" guy back home that fit your profile... I miss knowing my butcher.

Me or Dave? A gay butcher, I haven't been called that yet on sowal, unless you count Tootsie's critique of my use of there/their.

 

[Matt J]

I just have to point out that I was raised on Publix and taught that I was shopping locally. Since Publix was started and is based in Florida. Just depends on your definition of local.

 

[Minnie]

Well my philosophy is to call and ask. It will be a full service Publix and its being built there at 393. They are not concerned about it being close to Grand Sandestin, as they feel that it will be a great location for Santa Rosa Beach and Freeport.

No time frame for beginning or finishing.

 

[Kurt]

Well my philosophy is to call and ask. It will be a full service Publix and its being built there at 393. They are not concerned about it being close to Grand Sandestin, as they feel that it will be a great location for Santa Rosa Beach and Freeport.

No time frame for beginning or finishing.

Thank you. That is what I was told locally at other stores, but they have been quiet at HQ. Who did you speak to?

 

[Smiling JOe]

Well my philosophy is to call and ask. It will be a full service Publix and its being built there at 393. They are not concerned about it being close to Grand Sandestin, as they feel that it will be a great location for Santa Rosa Beach and Freeport.

No time frame for beginning or finishing.

Since it is maybe only a quarter mile closer to Freeport, than the WaterColor Publix, I'm not sure how that is a great location for shoppers coming from Freeport.