Bright Businesses: He Sells Seashells

TREASURE ISLAND – Step through the doors of the Florida Shell Shop, and it feels like an adventure under the sea. Intricate displays showcase coral, starfish and seashells. The soft creamy white and golden browns of the real shells wrap the window sill. Vibrant red, blues and greens glisten from stained glass shells in the windows. Looking up more shells dangle as chimes from the ceiling.

The store began in 1955 as three beach cottages, which sold shells outside in bins along the road. Gradually, the shell sales took over all of the living space. Then in 1990 Patrick Elias' mom, Colleen, bought the business from the original owner, Dolly Dussek, according to a St. Petersburg Times article.

Seashells have just been a part of Elias’ life for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Sanibel, where his mom sold shells. Then Elias headed to the Tampa Bay area for college, and his mom bought the Treasure Island shell store, which Elias managed. Later Elias (and his wife Karen) bought the store from his mom.

Rows and rows of shells fill a section of the store. Shell prices start at a nickel and go to the hundreds of dollars. Starfish and white sea urchins are popular this time of year for holiday decorations. Sand dollars are also a frequent request. Elias sells sand dollars from around the world; each species is a little different. The ones found on the beach here are Gulf of Mexico sand dollars.

The seashore theme continues throughout the store.  The store sells merchandise made from shells, such as night lights and Christmas ornaments. Plus the shop carries model ships, Florida-themed books, and made in Florida items.

If you go:

Address: 9901 Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island

Hours: Daily 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Phone: (727) 367-9599