Now a memory.
In 1999 when
my father & I first moved to Vero Beach, we were surprised to see a Winn
Dixie supermarket being constructed only a short distance from us. We couldn’t
understand why one was being built way out here, so far beyond the city limits.
Back then, going
to or leaving town felt like driving thru a country lane, lush with orange
groves and pastures. It was part of the appeal of moving here! In fact there
was an orange grove directly across from our subdivision. We fell in love with
this one because it resembles an old-fashioned neighborhood. Every home is
different and has character.
But sadly, almost
immediately the area around us began changing! The orange grove across the
street disappeared and a cookie-cutter subdivision went up in its place. That subdivision
was named The Grove, although not one orange tree remained!
Not long
after, the other groves and pastures as well were plowed under for more
subdivisions, shopping malls, and businesses. Shortly after my father’s death
in 2001 a Publix shopping mall was built just around the corner where
previously there was only wilderness.
Soon, came a
CVS drug store and a Walgreens across from one another. And the sprawl
continues to expand!
The Winn
Dixie near me has closed. Currently it’s an empty sad-looking ghost building. An
Aldi is scheduled to replace it sometime next year.
I’ve been assured
that shopping will be cheaper there. But I miss Winn Dixie’s seafood &
bakery. They were the best! And for
Valentine’s Day they sold the hugest, most delicious strawberries covered in
thick dark chocolate. – The other stores didn’t compare!
And I miss
the friendly and helpful staff. Winn Dixie didn’t have a high volume of
employee turnover like Publix or Walmart. Many were older folks around my age
who stayed. I hope they are all okay now and have moved on to better things.
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