What Clearwater's Saying: Whole Foods Market is Coming

Whole Foods Market is coming to Clearwater, as Patch first reported Wednesday, and our readers have lots to say about the news.

The company hasn't yet decided on the location of its new store, which isn't slated to open until at least 2014, but Patch commenters have some suggestions.

"Where they are closing the Publix at Sunset Point and US19! Please," posted Melissa Vaughn, referencing the grocery store set to close at year's end. Several other readers also thought that would be a good spot.

Commenter DeElizabethan suggested the best location for a Whole Foods would be somwhere near the Westfield Countryside mall or Clearwater Mall, "where one can do combined shopping."

Clearwater Patch Facebook fans Jennifer Barilla and Leann Kramar DuPont said they'd like to see Whole Foods come to Clearwater Beach. 

Lynne Koval commented on Facebook that "now all we need is Wawa!!" The popular Philadelphia-based gas and convenience store has plans for locations in Largo and Pinellas Park as it expands its footprint in Florida.

Not everyone is happy about Whole Foods coming to Clearwater. Facebook fan Anne Moominvalley claims the grocery chain "likes to lie" about genetically-modified foods and gouge prices, "just like all the other huge corporate empires." And Ruth M. Schopper-Hughes said she prefers to shop local at Nature's Food Patch.

What's your take? Excited about Whole Foods coming to Clearwater? If so, where would you like to see them open shop? What other stores would you like to see come to town? Post a comment below and join the conversation.

Related Coverage:

• Whole Foods Market Announces Plans For Clearwater Store
• Coming Soon: Cork N Brew Bistro
• New Northwoods Common Café Has Quickly Created a Following
• Craft Brewery Coming to Clearwater
• Hulk Hogan's Beach Shop Grand Opening Set For Oct. 27