Musical chairs

The site for two versions of the Patisserie (the original Patisserie, followed by Freres Patisserie) is in need of a new tenant.

So is the former site of the ABC liquor store in the Miracle Mile.

So is a new restaurant on Ocean Drive.

See this week’s issue for details.

Why do people do this?

This photo was taken outside the Recycling Center on 69th Street. (It’s the one I use on a regular basis.)

Somebody left this furniture outside the gates when the Recycling Center was closed.

Rather than return when the Recycling Center was open, they just left it outside for someone else to clean up.

Um … that’s not the way it’s supposed to work.

Extended ‘season’ in 2019

Easter is the “rule of thumb” for the end of the tourist season in Vero Beach.

This year, Easter was on April 1.

Next year, it’ll be on April 21.

H.A.L.O. a good fit at mall

Although I’m not a “cat” person (I love dogs), I love the dedication of those at the H.A.L.O. adoption center at the Indian River Mall in Vero Beach.

It’s only 900 square feet, but they make the most of the space. Except the once-a-week “Dog for a Day” event, only cats are available for adoption there.

The cats pictured above, Snaps and Soloman, spent more than 1,000 days at the adoption center. They were finally adopted on Sunday.

There are usually 20 cats available for adoption at the mall.

Read more about H.A.L.O. and its monthly “Artisans at the Mall” event in this week’s issue.

Will Publix follow Kroger’s lead?

Kroger is to the Midwest what Publix is to Florida.

I was heartened to see the story about Kroger’s decision to ban magazines that feature assault weapons. (For story, click here.)

Publix isn’t there yet.

In Issue 178, I wrote about Publix selling magazines devoted to the AR-15 (the weapon used in the Parkland shooting) and the AK-47 (a weapon popular with terrorists).

I asked Publix about this, and the grocery chain issued the following statement:

“It is our mission to do our very best to satisfy all Publix customers, but unfortunately in today’s complex world this is not always an easy task. Occasionally, we receive customer concerns regarding certain materials that contain objectionable print or photographs. As a result, our stores have “blinders” available which can be used to conceal the objectionable cover.”

In a follow-up email, I asked:

“So, just to make sure we’re on the same page, you’ll continue to sell magazines devoted to the AR-15 and SK-47? And it’s up to customers to request the ‘blinder’?”

Publix did not respond to my follow-up questions.

So, I sent this email:

“Seeking confirmation that you’re still going to continue to sell magazines devoted to the AR-15 and the AK-47 … and it’ll be up to the customer to request the ‘blinder.’ ”

Again, no response.

As of yesterday (March 19), Publix was still selling magazines that feature assault weapons.

No more gas at last full-service station

Sifford’s Service Center was the last full-service gas station in Indian River County.

Owner Wiley Sifford Sr. (left) and son Wiley Jr. (right) wouldn’t have it any other way.

However, with its 10,000-gallon gas tanks having failed the state’s vacuum test, the station at 1550 U.S. 1 in Vero Beach will no longer sell gas. Instead, the station will focus on repair work.

See Issue 179 to find out more about the owner’s agonizing decision to get out of the gas business.