What’s in a name? When it comes to this comic book shop, it’s all you need to know. Heroes’ Haven is the place to indulge in virtually every corner of comic book, collecting and geek culture imaginable while feeling like a part of a community. Since opening in 2008, the shop has become a staple, with a large selection of new and back issue comics, collectibles, toys, statues, and much more. One of the shop’s main draws is its slew of successful events. Their Free Comic Book Day celebration has grown into something huge (this year with a line wrapping around the entire plaza); they regularly bring in local and national artists for signings and custom art commissions for customers; they offer game and movie nights, and are a strong presence at Florida conventions. If you’re interested in dipping your toe into the world of comics, the awesome staff will point you in the right direction to start your new obsession. 4339 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, 813-269-8859, heroeshavencomics.com
Goods & Services
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
Runners up: The Heights Barber Shop, Billy's Corner Barber Shop
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
