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Boutique reopens in Largo center
By SHARON L. BOND
© St. Petersburg Times, Jennifer Lynn Boutique, which moved from the 400 block of Beach Drive in St. Petersburg last month, has reopened at 556-A Clearwater-Largo Road in Largo. Owner Jennifer Leavengood left St. Petersburg after speculation began that businesses on Beach Drive would be demolished to make way for an apartment complex. She had just opened her women's clothing and gift business on Beach Drive in December. "I'm really happy to be here. I have to rebuild my business. This area is wonderful," said Ms. Leavengood, adding that she missed the friends and customers she made on Beach Drive. Jennifer Lynn Boutique is in a retail center now under renovation and owned by Mindy Bickey, who has a home accessories shop there called Mindy's Gone to Pot. Another tenant is Bruno Gallace, who opened Bruno's Pastry Center and Deli on Tuesday and plans to open Bruno's Lakeview Restaurant on the lake on the property. The new restaurant will feature Italian food. Gallace sold the Bruno's on St. Pete Beach several years ago, he said. "People need a place where they can eat and shop," said Bickey of the new area she is developing. "Some people don't feel like driving to downtown St. Petersburg." Bickey said her center is in a redevelopment area of Largo. Her home accessories shop has been open eight months. Morris Development Group is looking at the 400 block of Beach Drive in St. Petersburg as a possible site for a mixed-use high-rise building that could include as many as 200 rental apartments. It also is looking at other sites in the city. Developer Paul Morris was not immediately available for comment on where his site search stands. The 400 block of Beach Drive has been owned by the John M. Hamilton family of St. Petersburg for 40 years. A spokesman for Hamilton Properties was not immediately available to say whether a deal has been struck for the property.
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
