Batten down the hatches SoWal!

[seagrovegirl]

I was at publix about an hour ago...it is already a zoo. Hard to find a place to park. Tags in the parking lot from all over, mostly Florida but didn't see a soul I knew in the store.

The shelves are getting double stocked...boxes everywhere and staff piling food on the shelves. They are expecting an army! I've never seen the stock thing like that before....Must be some hungry folks from Georgia.

[Sheila]

I was at publix about an hour ago...it is already a zoo. Hard to find a place to park. Tags in the parking lot from all over, mostly Florida but didn't see a soul I knew in the store.

The shelves are getting double stocked...boxes everywhere and staff piling food on the shelves. They are expecting an army! I've never seen the stock thing like that before....Must be some hungry folks from Georgia.

See, I'm just sayin'

[Mermaid]

This thread is kinda funny because I've been running errands all week in Indianapolis and it's been fantastic because the roads are empty. I kid you not! It's been taking me 10 minutes to drive some place that usually takes me 20.

Why? Because everyone in Indiana is down in Florida on spring break.

[Sheila]

This thread is kinda funny because I've been running errands all week in Indianapolis and it's been fantastic because the roads are empty. I kid you not! It's been taking me 10 minutes to drive some place that usually takes me 20.

Why? Because everyone in Indiana is down in Florida on spring break.

[30ARules]

Sorry. SoWal closed. Bridges out. Hurricane landfall imminent. Water contaminated. Gang activity rampant. Terror threat level double red. Shark swarms spotted. Lifeguards on vacation. Big Blue signs ugly. Abundant Jellyfish. All beaches posted private. Alligators running amok. Snakes on the plane.

Nice try father nature(Kurt) with the wonderful storm today!

Just like the big ugly(saw them for the first time today and must agree) blue signs, they did not stop the GA take over of SOWAL!

We's here!

[Jdarg]

Watch out in the water- we saw 2 Portuguese Man of War washed up at Grayton yesterday. The water is rough and choppy, so they would be hard to see while swimming.

[DuneAHH]

I hear ya Rita! Meanwhile I'll be at home basking in the short lines to dine, buy groceries, and less traffic!

Oh HISSSSSS!!
That is the ultimate rub-it-in gullfriend!!

SoWal is temporarily in "The Valley":

"it's-LOIK, O-my-GAW, it's LOIK... standing PARE-alized while O-my-GAW, a tsunami races towards U; and LOIK, O-my-GAW rolls over U an' ummm LOIK drowns U!"

But it's all in funn... so don't get me wrong... it's our livelihood and it IS appreciated.

[Sheila]

Oh HISSSSSS!!
That is the ultimate rub-it-in gullfriend!!

SoWal is temporarily in "The Valley":

"it's-LOIK, O-my-GAW, it's LOIK... standing PARE-alized while O-my-GAW, a tsunami races towards U; and LOIK, O-my-GAW rolls over U an' ummm LOIK drowns U!"

But it's all in funn... so don't get me wrong... it's our livelihood and it IS appreciated.

Today we went to 4 different stores running errands. No waiting at any checkout. We actually had to nudge the cashier at Target awake to get them to check us out! We're going to enjoy it while we can!

[jodiFL]

Just got back from Publix.... still a zoo.. and the employees are going nuts.. one gentleman in the breakfast meats/hot dogs was saying "this is nuts! I cant keep this area stocked.. I go to the back to get more and what I just put out is gone when I get back.. they need a store 3 times this size" LOL...I think they have even called in backup management/cashiers from other stores....and had EVERY register open. (which I have never seen before)

[NoHall]

Having a great time. Glad I'm not there.

[TreeFrog]

Talk about the perils of being unaware...

I went to Publix yesterday afternoon. It wasn't as bad as Memorial Day or July 4th, but it came as a major shock after the placid spring we've had so far. I got most of the stuff I needed, but I didn't dare wade into the pool of piranhas in front of the deli counter.

Here's the odd thing-
Everybody in there seemed to know everybody else, I didn't know any of them, and none of them were locals. I kept wondering if I'd stumbled into some alternate reality that looked like SoWal, but wasn't. Now I find out that I had wandered into Georgia without really knowing it.

A question for you fine folks from Georgia - Do you all get together and decide to go to the same place on vacation at the same time, or do you just all think the same?

[ASH]

- we saw 2 Portuguese Man of War washed up at Grayton yesterday. The water is rough and choppy, so they would be hard to see while swimming.[/quote]

Very true. I went fishing this morning and saw maybe a dozen. Big as Nerf footballs too!!
I took a stick and was picking them up and dumping them in the trash. Saw lotsa pups running in the surf with their owners and was worried one of them would get into a jelly.
Saw one pup that might have as it kept stopping to chew on one of its paws. Finally saw the owner carry the poor little critter up a walkover and they were gone. Hope he was OK.

[seagrover]

My experience in Publix yesterday - Yes, I know, I had been warned - anyhoo, I think I went about 3ish - talk about a zoo - this is no lie - I waited ssssssssssoooooo long in the deli line, I had to go back to the ice cream area and trade my very soft ice cream for something frozen. They had 3 people in the deli dept slicing and dicing as fast as they could - we had to take numbers - I don't recall ever having to do that!!!

And everyone DID know each other - the only person I knew was one of the cashier's walking towards the deli - asking me "What are you doing here now?" - I had to admit, it was a crazy idea.

Then the traffic, inside Publix, one of the managers was directing buggys on which line to check out. He put me in one line, then directed me to the service counter, I didn't have many items, they had 2 checkers working the Service Center!!! The kids there were talking about people coming down from the Crestview store to work.

And last but not least, the magazines were looking very empty at the check out areas. I guess that is what happens when there is not a lot of shushine!!

I think next time, it may take less time to go to Crestview Publix - I would be home sooner!!!

Hope everyone has a good time and plenty of sunshine while on vacation - just tone it down after 10:00, some of old people get grouchy when someone sings at 2 am or shoots fireworks!

[rdelong43065]

The trick when it is so crowded is to not use a cart. Use 2 baskets if you have to. That way you can dodge in and out of all the other carts to get around quicker.

[jodiFL]

It is good to be recognized as a local there though. I didnt have any problem getting checked out as one of the managers looked at me and nodded me over to the last one when he was opening it....right as I walked up and began scouting for the shortest line. Then just looked at me and asked "Are you nuts? WHY are you in HERE?" hehehe...

[Ocean Lover]

So did everyone survive?

[sunspotbaby]

- we saw 2 Portuguese Man of War washed up at Grayton yesterday. The water is rough and choppy, so they would be hard to see while swimming.

Very true. I went fishing this morning and saw maybe a dozen. Big as Nerf footballs too!!
I took a stick and was picking them up and dumping them in the trash. Saw lotsa pups running in the surf with their owners and was worried one of them would get into a jelly.
Saw one pup that might have as it kept stopping to chew on one of its paws. Finally saw the owner carry the poor little critter up a walkover and they were gone. Hope he was OK. [/QUOTE]

Were these from Georgia too?

[sunspotbaby]

Talk about the perils of being unaware...

I went to Publix yesterday afternoon. It wasn't as bad as Memorial Day or July 4th, but it came as a major shock after the placid spring we've had so far. I got most of the stuff I needed, but I didn't dare wade into the pool of piranhas in front of the deli counter.

Here's the odd thing-
Everybody in there seemed to know everybody else, I didn't know any of them, and none of them were locals. I kept wondering if I'd stumbled into some alternate reality that looked like SoWal, but wasn't. Now I find out that I had wandered into Georgia without really knowing it.

A question for you fine folks from Georgia - Do you all get together and decide to go to the same place on vacation at the same time, or do you just all think the same?

I'm from Georgia, but have no answer for your question.

[SWGB]

When I go to Publix during season I like to wear the appropriate uniform.

Once inside it is not time to browse. During downtime in the off season you should wander the isles and remember where everything is. Seriously people, no matter how small or insignificant. Come July 4th you'll be kicking yourself for not remembering exactly where they hide the taragon.

Now it's GO time. Dodge and weave, people on vacation move incredibly slow. I've literally moved down the aisle reached in grabbed what I wanted and was gone before the tourist could turn there head. This is especially useful if you are snatching the last item.

A general rule of thumb for the 395 Publix. Most check-ins are on Saturday and Sunday and most people aren't shopping on Friday night if they are leaving in 24-48 hours. Just forgo the after work cocktail and bite the bullet.

Finally the *******************. Most people don't know this trick and as I came down the farthest isle from it I literally grabbed my friends wrist and ran Indian Jones (Temple of Doom) style to get there. It really was an amazing site! An unobstructed straight line thru the madness. It was almost as though the counter was glowing and I could hear the heavenly music.

Happy shopping.

[bluemtnrunner]

x
Finally the secret secret. Most people don't know this trick and as I came down the farthest isle from it I literally grabbed my friends wrist and ran Indian Jones (Temple of Doom) style to get there. It really was an amazing site! An unobstructed straight line thru the madness. It was almost as though the counter was glowing and I could hear the heavenly music.

Happy shopping.

I can't believe you told everyone...NOW THERE WILL BE A LINE

Our playbook calls for one person running the cart across the middle of the store while the others are deployed down the aisles. The retrievers run to the end of their aisle and spike the groceries into the cart. The cart runner continues to scan for the most open route to the cash register.

[SWGB]

I can't believe you told everyone...NOW THERE WILL BE A LINE

Our playbook calls for one person running the cart across the middle of the store while the others are deployed down the aisles. The retrievers run to the end of their aisle and spike the groceries into the cart. The cart runner continues to scan for the most open route to the cash register.

We're in the lounge. I can go post it in all about sowal if you like.

Oh and the *************** line is not for $800 worth of groceries. It's really the 10 items or less area. Not a written rule, but you don't want me behind you with a sandwich while you ring up a weeks worth of groceries.

[bluemtnrunner]

That thing at the thing was my secret , I felt so powerful sliding up the produce aisle, over to beer and chips, weaving back through the masses and disappearing to the...well, you know. Now everyone knows...you posted kryptonite....

PLEEEZE don't tell the other threads....pleeeze. I'll buy you a beer at Sally's if you will keep it quiet, just between us.

[SWGB]

Done and done, now bmbr just has her posts to take care of and we're all set.

[Miss Kitty]

Done and done, now bmbr just has her posts to take care of and we're all set.

...I'll go do mine!

[bluemtnrunner]

Done and done, now bmbr just has her posts to take care of and we're all set.

Posts? Posts??? I don't see no informative posts full of secrets

Thanks SWGB

[SWGB]

Posts? Posts??? I don't see no informative posts full of secrets

Thanks SWGB

No problem, but most of the folks that post in the lounge already know the ************.

[InletBchDweller]

Rosemary beach and Seacrest Beach are still packed. Shades at the loop was packed last night as well. Tommorow night we should hear crickets chirping....

[supermom262]

not to alarm anyone but I heard there has been some bikes stolen and ipod from Grayton and Rosemary. I heard a car honking the horn at 3:50 in the morning, driving through the neighborhood honking every 5 seconds. This was Tuesday I think. My neighbor told me about the bikes.
People - please lock your bikes and cars up.

Spring Breakers - pick up your dang trash - there are bottles (beer) and crap thrown all along Hotz and Banfield.

I'm sorry, but I will be glad for them to be gone. Buh-bye!

[InletBchDweller]

not to alarm anyone but I heard there has been some bikes stolen and ipod from Grayton and Rosemary. I heard a car honking the horn at 3:50 in the morning, driving through the neighborhood honking every 5 seconds. This was Tuesday I think. My neighbor told me about the bikes.
People - please lock your bikes and cars up.

Spring Breakers - pick up your dang trash - there are bottles (beer) and crap thrown all along Hotz and Banfield.

I'm sorry, but I will be glad for them to be gone. Buh-bye!

There was a house in Seacrest that had about 12 bikes parked in the parking space, just out there for anyone to take. They could at least try to hide them behind the house...

[Jdarg]

Friends stayed in a house on Pine St. in Grayton. They had their 3 elementary age gilrs with them.

Next door was a house full of high school age kids. Not just loud, but foul mouthed. Thankfully, adults appeared later, but they didn't seem to be monitoring a thing. The first night, my friend heard kids roaming around under her house all night, yelling at their pool, and the next morning her 6 year old presented her with a condom (in the package Thank God) that she had found on the hammock under the house.

The second night was the same, but no condom.

The 3rd night, she called the sherrif's dept., and they patrolled the rest of the week. They even talked to these kids and reported back to my friend that they were going to stay in the 'hood because another SoWaller's house (Hot pink) was party central for a lot of kids roaming around Grayton last week, and they had had calls.

They must have scared them because it was pretty quiet the rest of the week.


My overall impression was that spring breakers in general are a whole different crowd (and not in a good way) than the summer vacationers, especially the teenagers. The sense of entitlement from the people I observed this week was startling. I saw so many people treat our area and employees and locals like we were a disposable room at the motel 6. Crazy.

[NoHall]

not to alarm anyone but I heard there has been some bikes stolen and ipod from Grayton and Rosemary. I heard a car honking the horn at 3:50 in the morning, driving through the neighborhood honking every 5 seconds. This was Tuesday I think. My neighbor told me about the bikes.
People - please lock your bikes and cars up.

Spring Breakers - pick up your dang trash - there are bottles (beer) and crap thrown all along Hotz and Banfield.

I'm sorry, but I will be glad for them to be gone. Buh-bye!

So you all are trading all those rowdy teenagers this week for a bunch of crazy adults pretending to be teenagers next weekend...

[InletBchDweller]

So you all are trading all those rowdy teenagers this week for a bunch of crazy adults pretending to be teenagers next weekend...

at least we put our condom wrappers in the trashcan!!

[supermom262]

Friends stayed in a house on Pine St. in Grayton. They had their 3 elementary age gilrs with them.

Next door was a house full of high school age kids. Not just loud, but foul mouthed. Thankfully, adults appeared later, but they didn't seem to be monitoring a thing. The first night, my friend heard kids roaming around under her house all night, yelling at their pool, and the next morning her 6 year old presented her with a condom (in the package Thank God) that she had found on the hammock under the house.

The second night was the same, but no condom.

The 3rd night, she called the sherrif's dept., and they patrolled the rest of the week. They even talked to these kids and reported back to my friend that they were going to stay in the 'hood because another SoWaller's house (Hot pink) was party central for a lot of kids roaming around Grayton last week, and they had had calls.

They must have scared them because it was pretty quiet the rest of the week.


My overall impression was that spring breakers in general are a whole different crowd (and not in a good way) than the summer vacationers, especially the teenagers. The sense of entitlement from the people I observed this week was startling. I saw so many people treat our area and employees and locals like we were a disposable room at the motel 6. Crazy.

I know. Living here is changing my perspective on Spring Break in this area. The trash in the streets is disgusting and just one of many issues I have. I would write more about it but it makes me angry. I'm going on a trash pick-up.

[kurt]

When I go to Publix during season I like to wear the appropriate uniform.

Is that because you like to be manhandled by SEC football players?

[DD]

So you all are trading all those rowdy teenagers this week for a bunch of crazy adults pretending to be teenagers next weekend...

at least we put our condom wrappers in the trashcan!!

[InletBchDweller]

Is that because you like to be manhandled by SEC football players?

fo'shizzle!!

[Sheila]

Went out for one last peaceful trip to the grocery store and BedBath&Beyond before the badly behaved bohemians return. It was nice while it lasted.

[kathydwells]

Is that because you like to be manhandled by SEC football players?

[SWGB]

So you all are trading all those rowdy teenagers this week for a bunch of crazy adults pretending to be teenagers next weekend...

In a word YES!!! Can't wait to see you!

Is that because you like to be manhandled by SEC football players?

SEC, ACC, doesn't really matter, but I really prefer Big 10.