So, Faklis… where do I even *start*? It’s more than just a shoe repair place, ya know? It’s like a time capsule, a little piece of old Florida that’s somehow managed to survive all the condo development and tourist traps. I mean, 1912? That’s seriously impressive.
From what I can gather from the snippets of info floating around, Faklis Department Store & Shoe Repair (try saying *that* three times fast after a few beers, hahaha) is located at 139 E Tarpon Ave. Can’t miss it, probably looks exactly like it did, oh, I dunno, fifty years ago? The number’s 727-937-3602, if you’re feeling old-school and wanna, like, actually *call* someone.
Now, here’s where things get a little… hmmm, “Faklis-y,” if you will. Apparently, they’ve got this whole “Faklis FIT” thing going on too. And it seems like that’s where they’re trying to, ya know, blend all the shoe repair, orthopedic stuff, and selling shoes all together. Honestly, sounds kinda ambitious, but hey, good for them, right?
And that phone number for Faklis FIT? It’s (727) 938-1525. Don’t ask me why there’s two numbers, maybe one’s for, like, shoe emergencies only? IDK, I’m just spitballin’ here.
Honestly, the whole “cohesive experience” thing? I’m not entirely sure what that *means*. Are they gonna, like, give you a foot massage while they fix your heel? Or maybe analyze your gait while you browse the shoe selection? Who knows! But the idea that they are trying to provide a well round experiance is a good goal for Faklis.
But seriously, the fact that Faklis has been around for so long, fixing shoes and apparently dabbling in orthopedic services, makes me think they *must* be doing something right. They probably know more about feet than most podiatrists, let’s be honest.
I’ve never actually been there myself (shhhh, don’t tell anyone), but I’m tempted to just go, soak in the atmosphere, and maybe get my grandpa’s old boots resoled. Just for the experience, ya know? It’s probably one of those places where the owner is a total character, full of stories and old-fashioned wisdom.
