Publix/CVS Project Update

This is the brand new CVS drugstore on Longboat Key, replacing a much older and smaller facility.

This is the new CVS, open one month ahead of schedule, and the pile of debris is the old store, now gone and perhaps as quickly forgotten.  It is larger, and has a drive thru pharmacy window at the rear of the store to accommodate the many elderly residents who previously had to park, get out of their cars, and walk inside.

The Town of Longboat Key does not embrace change easily, but with Publix as the anchor tenant of the Bay Isles shopping district, we were able to get past the 'usual suspects' who were against any and all redevelopment.  This store is larger than its predecessor, shown in its final stages of decay and destruction.  I will not miss it, and the new store does have a familiar feel to it - perhaps because it is a standard CVS layout.   The only 'end-stage' argument was when the store requested a second sign on the elevation facing the road, and our town quickly denied same.  Our "anti business" attitudes are apparently still strong on some of the town boards.

This is the first new development in years, and comes at a good time for Longboat, as many older residents are making their final moves and being replaced by "baby boomers".  I noted that the economy must be on the upswing too, as one whole aisle was devoted to beach products.  Another area even had sandwiches and enhanced food selections, which helped those who needed supplies normally carried by Publix.  That grocery chain is also moving ahead of schedule, from appearances, and when initially proposed to our Planning & Zoning Board it was to be open by the 'first of the new year'.  Now the educated guesstimates are much closer to Thanksgiving than they are to Christmas or New Years.

Perhaps the happiest folk will be the Salvation Army and our Kiwanis Club, if we're able to man the
top grossing "kettle" in Sarasota County this year, and once again gain an award for our clubs work in benefitting the children's programs of the Sarasota Salvation Army.  Stay tuned to this blog for more information on the Publix side of the project.