Many area businesses are set to open their doors or break ground on new projects within the coming month. One business, set to open in Gulf Breeze Proper, has people’s mouths watering with anticipation.
Dunkin’ Donuts is set to open its doors across from Chick-fil-A in Gulf Breeze Proper sometime within the coming weeks after years of controversy and setbacks regarding the business’ location in the city limits.
Late last year, traffic studies cleared the business developer to build the 3-unit business complex on Northcliffe Drive, which is expected to have little impact on traffic within the city limits.
Along with a Dunkin’ Donuts, Mattress Firm and a cell phone business will take up shop inside the new complex, which is already on the brink of completion.
Burger King reopens
After a three-alarm fire consumed most of the Burger King building in Navarre back on
April 10, the fast food business reopened its doors late last week to customers craving some flame grilled food.
Crews have been scrambling since April to fix the damage done by the fire that occurred that Sunday morning.
The business, located at the 8500 block of Navarre Parkway, had patrons inside of the building when it caught on fire back in April. The fire started in the loft between the roof and the drop ceiling in the store.
The flames quickly spread to the kitchen, which was deemed a total loss after the fire. The fire caused an estimated $60,000 to $100,000 in damage to the building.
Medical facility to turn dirt in July
A parcel of land that has sat vacant for decades at the corner of Daniel Drive and Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze proper is about to have a major facelift after Sacred Heart Health System announced last week that they will break ground on an 8,000 sq. ft. pediatric facility sometime in July.
The Gulf Breeze City Council approved the Development and Architecture Review Board’s recommendations to allow Sacred Heart to build the facility at the controversial corner earlier this year.
The council was originally concerned about the fencing that was going to line the property along Highway 98, but the city ultimately agreed to the developer’s original plans for fencing, which is similar to the fencing bordering the schools in Gulf Breeze Proper.
The city council’s main concern about the project was not the traffic, but more about the actual look of the facility once it’s erected. The front of the facility will not face Highway 98, but will instead face the Gulf Breeze High School Field House.
The facility will house outpatient pediatric rehab, an Autism Center outreach and diagnostic services (X-ray capabilities).
The existing Sacred Heart Medical Group pediatric practice in Gulf Breeze that consists of Dr. Brandy Boutin, Dr. Robin Renfroe, and Dana Wert, Advanced Practice Clinician, will relocate to the new building when it opens.
“Sacred Heart continues to develop more access points for the residents of Northwest Florida and in this case for the children of Gulf Breeze,” says Susan Davis, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Health System. “There is no greater gift than taking care of a child and I am certain this new facility will offer pediatric services second-to-none in our region.”
Popular seafood restaurant opening soon
A popular Ft. Walton Beach seafood eatery that is branching out to Navarre on Highway 87 South is prepping for its grand opening within the coming days.
Stewart Taylor, who owns and operates Stewby’s Seafood Shanty in Ft. Walton, decided to expand his popular restaurant into Navarre earlier this year.
Taylor has had construction crews working nonstop to open the new restaurant he’s calling Scooter’s Fish House, in the old East River Smokehouse Building near the corner of Hwy. 87S and Laredo Street.
The restaurant will have the same menu as Stewby’s and patrons will be able to walk up to the counter to order food.
“It’s all walk up orders. You walk up, order and take a number and have a seat at one of the tables,” Taylor said.
The restaurant is expected to sit well over 100 people, which Taylor says is more than the seating capacity at his other restaurant in Ft. Walton, which has been open for almost half a decade.
“We’re getting there. We are shooting to open Friday (today), but if not then, it will be a few days after,” Taylor said.
The menu at Scooter’s will feature grilled and fried seafood, along with southern sides and favorites.
Originally, Stewart was shooting to open the restaurant by May, but minor setbacks pushed the completion date back a few weeks.
