Bouquets Bloom at Bayside Florist & Sweets

During the next two weeks florists across the country will be working around the clock to prepare much anticipated floral bouquets for loved ones on Valentine's Day.

Bayside Florist & Sweets is no exception. Although new to Gulfport, owners Elizabeth Gomez and Renee Borghi have already filled hundreds of orders since they opened their doors in November.

"I'm very excited about this," Renee Borghi said.

They've ordered hundreds of roses and hired extra help for the big day and in the meantime, they're hoping everyone in Gulfport will take a break to "stop and smell the roses," Borghi said.

"I stopped trying to figure out what to do and I stopped to smell the roses," Borghi said. And that led her to this new business venture with her friend of 25 years.

"This is the most relaxing, stress free business I've ever been in," Borghi said.

"If you would have told me 10 years ago I would be doing this, I would have said 'Are you kidding me?'" Borghi said.

Borghi currently owns a lawn care service in Clearwater and decided to join her friend Elizabeth Gomez and invest in the floral shop. She says her planning and organizational skills are a perfect fit for the business partnership with Gomez.

Gomez is a floral designer and has been creating arrangements for 17 years. The two agree Gomez has the vision and creativity behind every floral and candy bouquet.

Gomez owned a floral business in Clearwater for several years before taking a break for personal reasons. She always knew she would get back in the business and despite criticisms about opening a new shop in this economy, the two of them made it happen.

"Everyone needs flowers; there is a need," Gomez said.

In the past three months they've created centerpieces and bouquets for 10 weddings and filled 200 orders during Christmas alone.

Now, with just two weeks before their biggest holiday of the year these ladies are inviting everyone to stop by this Saturday for a Grand Opening Celebration from 1 - 5 p.m.

Bayside Florist & Sweets is located at 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S. - next to Thai-Rific Orchids. Call (727) 321-7999 or email Baysidefloristandsweets@hotmail.com for more information.