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Everybody's Business

It's in the bag

The much-anticipated organic food market is expected to open after many delays since July.

By MICHAEL CANNING
Published March 10, 2006

Even before its numerous delays, Wild Oats organic food market was arguably the second most anticipated tenant of the new Walter's Crossing plaza, behind Target.

The store at Interstate 275 and Dale Mabry Highway originally was scheduled to open in July, then September, then February, then March. Wilds Oats store director Jim Mason now says it will open April 5.

The 33,000-square-foot store will be larger than most in the Boulder, Colo.-based chain of 113. It will include an oversized produce, cheese and Mediterranean bar, Wild Cafe deli and bakery. The grocery also will have dairy, frozen food, holistic health, bulk food, fresh meat and seafood, and beer and wine sections.

JEANS, HEALTH NOW AT VILLAGE: Old Hyde Park Village recently gained two unlikely tenants.

In a reversal of the usual trend, a store has left a big mall to come to the village. Brazil-based Feranda Jeans closed at WestShore Plaza Jan. 5 after a 21/2-year run. It opened in the village Jan. 24.

"The location was not as good," store owner Gerry Freitag said of WestShore. "People didn't see us. This store is much bigger. I just think there's better customers here."

Feranda sells its own brand of jeans and casual clothing for women. Besides being low-cut, "but not that low-cut," said Freitag, Feranda's Brazilian-style jeans are distinguishable for their Brazilian cotton.

"Most companies won't touch it because it's so expensive," Freitag said. But it's more durable and dense, he said. Plus, the jeans are handmade and washed two to three times for pre-shrinking. Feranda jeans average $60 and top out at $120.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

While you're at the village, what about attending a health seminar?

Tampa General Hospital opened its Community Health Education Center, overlooking the village's fountain, March 2. "We had tested this location a couple years ago in a short-term lease," said TGH spokeswoman Mary Jane Badillo. "We found that the public was comfortable in coming here."

Besides, "parking at Tampa General has become more of a challenge due to our expansion," she said.

TGH doctors and health care professionals will provide health lectures and screenings at the center. For a schedule, go to www.tgh.org or call the registration phone line at 1-800-822-3627.

ALSO IN THE WORKS: Longtime village tenant Brooks Brothers is moving into space across from Timpano Italian Chophouse, on the southeast corner of Swann and Dakota avenues.

The store's current spot on Snow Avenue is planned for a high rise with stacked retail, parking and residential units, as well as Lifestyles Family Fitness.

Brooks Brothers is scheduled to move sometime in the fall, before the holiday shopping season.

- Do you know something that should be everybody's business? Call 226-3394, or e-mail mikecanning@hotmail.com

[Last modified March 9, 2006, 14:26:08]