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Faithful shoppers mourn a temporary loss
By TIM GRANT, Times Staff Writer CARROLLWOOD -- When the Publix in Original Carrollwood opened 32 years ago, it was a milestone event. Instead of driving toward South Tampa for a loaf of bread, people who lived in Carrollwood's pioneer planned development had a grocery store around the corner. But it has always been much more than that. The store at 10015 N Dale Mabry Highway is a cornerstone of this area's oldest community. It's a common ground where neighbors see other neighbors, where people feel at home and the employees call customers by name. "This is home," said Fred Wittner, who has bagged groceries and stocked shelves here for 23 years. "People appreciate the personal touch. You get to know faces and names." Loyal customers will have to shop somewhere else for at least eight months while this Publix is torn down and rebuilt at the same location. Many shoppers had an emotional response when they learned of the Feb. 23 closing. "This upsets me. They've upset my whole day," said Pat Martin, of Lake Magdalene, after reading the closing notice in the window. Leo Polo, 69, has been shopping at this Publix for 30 years. "This is a hot store," he said. "It's really great to shop at a place where people know your name." But, while he doesn't want to see it closed, he's looking forward to the new store. "I feel like the new ones have more to offer as far as the floor plan and products," he said. "The way it's designed here, they don't even have room for a floral section inside the store. They have to put the flowers outside." The new Publix will be the centerpiece of a total facelift for Carrollwood Centre. Its owner, IRT Property Co. in Orlando, told the tenants in a letter Feb. 5 that they will install new lighting, repave the parking lot, design landscaping and repaint all the storefronts. Neither Publix nor IRT could be interviewed in time for this report. According to the letter, the Publix building will be demolished soon after it closes. Construction on the new building will start in April, with a reopening planned in October. Shoppers aren't the only ones who will miss Publix. Tenants in the shopping center depend on walk-in business from Publix customers. "It will have quite an impact on us when when it comes to consumer trade," said Joseph Dudley, manager of Richard's Paint, next door. "Most of our customers are commercial contractors, but we rely on the foot traffic for extra business." Publix employees say that during the reconstruction, about 80 of them will be reassigned to stores near this one or near their homes. John Collura will be transferred to the Publix at Bearss and Florida avenues. The 76-year-old retiree has bagged groceries at the Original Carrollwood Publix for 11 years. He said his only regret is that he didn't start much sooner. "I wish I had come here 30 years ago," said Collura, who was in the wholesale liquor business. "Our policy here is to keep our customers satisfied. We talk to our customers, take their groceries to their cars and encourage them to come back. I enjoy working with these people." Jane Covington is so fond of this store that she wears an "I love Publix" button when she shops there. "I nearly went into shock when I heard they might close this place," Mrs. Covington said. Mrs. Covington and her husband, Harrison, a retired dean at the University of South Florida, moved to Original Carrollwood in 1961. They remember what a huge event it was when it opened, and they've stayed faithful to the store all these years. "We like everybody in here and have known them for a long time," she said. "It's so convenient. I love seeing all my friends here." While small by industry standards, employees and shoppers appreciate the cozy atmosphere and hope it won't be sacrificed. "It's more intimate," said employee Julie Geer, who has worked there 71/2 years. "It's like a family. Because this is an established neighborhood, you see the same faces all the time and you get to know the customers like your family." - To reach Tim Grant call 226-3471, or e-mail him at grant@sptimes.com.
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