Publix to open May 7
July opening for Marble Slab Creamery
BY VICI PAPAJOHN Gulf Breeze News vici@gulfbreezenews.com

Scott Page/Gulf Breeze News Construction workers affix the store's lettering on April 14 in preparation for the store's opening on May 7.

The sign is up, the shopping center is nearly painted and ready to go and Publix Supermarket's Gulf Breeze store is due to open May 7.

"I am excited that I am moving to the Gulf Breeze store, and I am bringing some of the Navarre staff with me," Ed Betts, former Navarre store manager says. "Tuesday was my last day at the Navarre store."

Betts confirmed that he will be the manager of the Sea Shell Collections Publix and Rodd Smith, currently the Navarre grocery manager, will be the assistant store manager. Laurie DiBaco will also join the Gulf Breeze team as the assistant bakery manager.

"The store will open May 7 at 8 a.m.," confirmed Duwaine Stevens, Publix Supermarkets spokesperson. "Both the grocery store and the liquor store will open."

Moulton Properties President Mary Moulton confirms that the Publix will lead the opening of the Sea Shell Collections Shopping Center, and the other stores and restaurants will follow including Catch of the Day, Life is Good Neighborhood Store, and Marble Slab Creamery. The surrounding retail area will open in the early summer.

"The site was staged to occur in phases," Moulton confirms.

The sign is already up signalling the second stage of construction for the Bank of Pensacola which will be relocated to the triangle shaped property on the corner of Highway 98 and Daniel Drive, and it will be at least a two-story building. And in fall, the old Eckerds drug store building across Highway 98 will be renovated to have an Italianate appearance. Once the shopping center is full, it will house additional stores and restaurants.