Best Of 2014

Best greeting cards

Word has it that a very well-known local theater director visits this eclectic Gulfport shop before every opening night to buy thank-you cards for his cast. Makes sense — Domain’s well-chosen assortment of cards is ideal for those whose hallmark is individuality (as opposed to those who buy nothing but Hallmark). The cards range from witty to pretty to downright odd — we particularly like Susan Mrosek’s Pondering Pool line — and so varied that you’re bound to find something that’s just right whether you’re assuaging a nervous actor, wooing a new love, or simply sharing deep thoughts. 3129 Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, 727-302-9299, DomainHomeAccessories.com

Goods & Services

Best antique shop

Paper Street Market D & D Antiques

Best art supply store

Runners up: Figure 8 Art Supplies, AOE

A bait shop isn’t always the same thing as a tackle shop; if you’re going to load up on gear, this isn’t the place for you. But Alafia Bait & Tackle always seems to have a wide and inexpensive array of live bait — including multiple sizes of shrimp, and pinfish and chubs if you’re too lazy to catch ’em yourself — and doesn’t set gougerific prices for the tackle you always realize you forgot, like extra hooks, leaders, or a replacement for that dehooker you dropped overboard when you saw the size of that black drum. You can even grab a new spinning rig for one of the kids without breaking the bank, and if you are willing to spend a little extra, the shop usually has some high-quality handcrafted castnets on hand. Plus, it’s less than a minute from the Alafia River and its boat launch and fishing dock at Williams Park. 9851 US Highway 41 S., Gibsonton, 813-677-2575. facebook.com/alafiabaitandtackle

Best Bank

Best barber shop
timsbarbershop.com

Runners up: The Heights Barber Shop, Billy's Corner Barber Shop

Best beach gym

Conveniently located in the heart of North Redington Beach and often overshadowed by its highly popular neighbor The Frog Pond, Beachfront Fitness Center is a fantastic full-service exercise and fitness facility with certified personal trainers on site, no obligation to sign up for pricey memberships or annual contracts, and offering a cheap visitor rate for those in town for a short time. Owned and operated by Jake Gordon, it is equipped with the most advanced body sculpting and cardio equipment in the area and offers an array of classes from spin to yoga, zumba and Pilates. 73 170th Ave., N. Redington Beach, 727-498-7056, beachfrontfitnesscenter.com