As with all communities, businesses here are coming and going. Here’s some of the latest things going on around St. Simons Island and Brunswick.
First of all, anyone coming on and off the Island recently knows that the barrier construction is fully underway. For those of you unaware, they are building a barrier along the length of the Causeway.
Here's a shot from my car...
Personally, I think if a barrier had to be built for safety purposes, why not a grassy median with some trees or something nice. Instead, it looks like they will be simply ugly concrete barriers like the ubiquitous ‘Jersey blocks’ running down the center of the Causeway. My main problem with this is: Accidents on heavily trafficked roadways are bound to happen. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven down the Causeway, only to have to make a u-turn because there was an accident blocking all outbound lanes. Without the barriers, all you had to do was simply make a u-turn and go back. Now, when there is the inevitable accident or other traffic snafu, we will be stuck. Sure there will be a few areas open for access to either lanes, but the ease with which we could turn around and get out of the soup will be gone.
Plus, they started construction just in time for our tourist season… good timing Glynn County!
Other things going on: St Simons Island…
There is going to be a new traffic light on St. Simons Island. For most people, that’s not such a big piece of news. Around here, it IS a big deal. St Simons Island has only about eight or so traffic lights. Traffic circles have been installed in an effort to keep traffic lights to a minimum on the Island… and yet…
So now, there is going to be a light at the Harris Teeter entrance to the Shops at Sea Island, just yards away from the major light at the Frederica/Sea Island Rd. intersection. This is to accommodate the new shopping center under construction on the north side of Sea Island Rd from Harris Teeter where a new CVS is being built as we speak.
It’s official. The mid-island’s first fast food joint is coming. Another big deal? Yes, it is. For years, the access path to Sea Island has been all pretty and nice… and now – a fast food joint right on the path to Sea Island nirvana? Heaven forbid! Well, sarcasm aside, all of our fast food places have stayed on the south end in the Demere Rd. area.
It too will be across the street from Harris Teeter in the opposite lot from the new CVS. As of this week, construction on the foundation has begun!
Back down on the south end, next to St Simons Drugs located in what had been referred to as the ‘Piggly Wiggly’ Shopping Center , the local appliance/electronics store H&H Lifestyles is apparently moving in. They are closing down their larger store in Brunswick to relocate here to the Island.
Out on the mainland…
Rumors of a Red Lobster opening and an Olive Garden opening are finally confirmed. Apparently, it will be a combination of the two with the restaurants sharing the same kitchen. This concept has been tried in Flagler County, as shown in this photo below – I think. It seems to be working – a way to cost effectively bring the chain into a smaller market like ours.
It’s supposed to be in the empty space beside Starbucks… so we shall see! So we have a Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins combo… and now this. But, alas, only Taco Bell and Pizza Hut combos have a song of their very own. Curious? Take a listen/look! - it’s kind of funny.
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There have been rumors but now it appears to be true. Apparently, Publix has an eye on St Simons Island for a new location. I’m told that years ago, they passed up the opportunity to be an anchor in the Shops at Sea Island because the space wouldn’t be large enough to fit their minimal footprint. That left the position open to Harris Teeter, whom, since the demise of the Pig – otherwise known as Piggly Wiggly – has been only one of two grocery stores on the Island – the other being Winn Dixie in the Retreat Plaza across the airport. Now with CVS’s upcoming move to the razed land across the street (see my previous post!), Harris Teeter is planning to expand once again to take up their space once it’s vacated.
