The Galveston County Daily News

Re-christening: The building housing Mickey’s Marine, 2202 Fourth Ave., in La Marque, is getting a makeover. The full-service marine shop for inboard and outboard boats sustained damage, including to the roof, when Hurricane Ike blew in almost a year ago.

Mickey Grove, wife Judy and son Mickey Jr. are using insurance proceeds to make repairs and repaint. The building, which the family purchased 10 years ago, formerly housed Mestco Plumbing.

The plumbing company’s insignia still were on the building, Mickey Sr. said.

The building is going to be a nice, new blue, Grove said. Look for renovations to be complete in a few weeks.

Also Mickey’s Marine is marking 25 years in business. Mickey’s Marine began on Main Street in La Marque. When all the renovations are done, the Groves are considering marking its anniversary with a grand-reopening celebration, he said.

“La Marque has been really good to us,” he said.

For information, call 409-938-4743.

Whata-change of plans: Here’s sizzling news for island Whataburger fans. Demolition crews last week made fast work of the Ike-damaged restaurant at 6327 Stewart Road in Galveston.

A lot of fans are asking when the fast-food purveyor would again be flipping burgers.

Construction is under way for the new restaurant, which is expected to open in November. Whataburger officials previously had said the eatery would reopen spring 2010.

Can’t wait? Whataburger at 528 University Blvd. is open.

Lucky 13: Signs of a new seawall eatery and bar called “Ocean 13” are causing a stir. Shlomi Padlon, who owns some island souvenir shops and created the popular Sky Bar, 2107 Postoffice St. downtown, before selling it, is behind the venture at 1320 Seawall Blvd.

Plans are in the very early stages, but Padlon said he envisions a casual eatery with all-American food and a sports bar theme. He’s aiming to open Ocean 13 — the name is an homage to the beach-front view and 13th Street — in time for Lone Star Rally, an event that lures thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to the island beginning the last weekend of October. Stay tuned.

Fresh looks: More island properties are getting makeovers. Pro Coats Painting, with Houston and island offices, has been hired to work on the exterior of Hawthorne Suites at The Victorian Resort & Conference Center, 6300 Seawall Blvd., among other multiunit complexes and hotels.

At The Victorian, Pro Coats has changed out the vinyl siding, refinishing it with Hardie Plank. Pro Coats also hopes to win contracts to spruce up Carelton Courtyard Apartments, 215 Market St. on the island’s east end and more, said Keith Siegel, president of the company, which has an office at 1820 Broadway. For information, call 409-765-1480.

Making a splash: Longtime friends Clay Conrad and Matt Mignerey are diving into business with the opening of Palmetto Pools and Design on the island. The home-based business specializes in custom swimming pools, outdoor kitchens and landscaping. Mignerey is an island native. For information, call 409-750-3276.

Spellbinding: Hundreds of Galveston ArtWalk goers were greeted during the weekend with new shops in the island’s downtown.

As promised, Clyde and Kimberley Wood reopened The Witchery, 2116 Postoffice St. The shop sells books and gifts pertaining to the metaphysical.

The Witchery is now in the building that once housed Central Drug Store and the couple made use of some old apothecary furniture, Clyde Wood said.

Besides hundreds of books, the shop sells candles, potions and jewelry, to name just a little of its esoteric inventory.

Before the hurricane, the couple operated at 2510 Market St. For information, call 409-515-0669.

Shaping up: Downtown continues to shape up. Also freshly opened is Fit to Run. Kim Bachmeier and Steve Whitcher own the athletic specialty shop at 528 23rd St.

Bachmeier and Whitcher, who live on the island, both are marathon runners and triathletes.

The shop carries top-of-the line shoes, clothes and gear for runners, triathletes, walkers, swimmers and bikers (not the leather-clad kind). It also carries nutrition products and offers educational seminars, Bachmeier said. For information, call 409-539-5150.

Muscle bound: Also for the physically fit — and those who aspire to be – Urban Health & Fitness, 2009 Postoffice St. in the island’s downtown, worked those triceps with a ribbon cutting last week.

Urban Health & Fitness, which has been opened for a few months now, offers flexible memberships, personal training, nutritional counseling, supplements and large group classes.

For information, call 409-621-2878.

Biz Buzz appears Tuesdays and Thursdays.