Stop us if you've heard the one about Publix coming to Rome . . .
The fate of Hight Homes might have a potential conclusion as both the Rome News and WRGA report that Madison Retail LLC wants the spot across from Floyd 
The paper is dropping "Publix ties" and even has an image of a store on a story (click). Our guess: While the site has a tremendous amount of traffic, we'd be stunned to see Publix there. It don't fit the company profile.
But we've heard a lot of "Publix is coming" rumors since 2002 so let's review::
1) Play ball!: Seven years ago, considerable official buzz had Publix and Target rising next to the home of the Rome Braves, State Mutual Stadium. That plan died as did a few others and then came the Barron Stadium move, etc. Today, plenty of signs -- some erect, some down -- tell of the coming of The Boulevard with a potential "specialty grocery." We're told to expect some construction in June or July.
2) Easy access to Berry Farms products? Next came a smaller site sandwiched among the Bypass, Redmond Road and Turner McCall across from Berry College. It was to feature Publix and Cracker Barrel. On site now: CVS and smaller players to be named later.
3) Funnel cakes on the move: That was followed by talks of buying the Coosa Valley Fairground. Target was to be the dominant player; Publix was mentioned. On site now: Still home to the October fair and The Palladium.
4) 'Bypassed' again? The Harbin Clinic property on the Bypass was purchased and was to include apartments and retail, including--yup, Publix. For sale signs remain on the site just north of U.S. 411.
5) Down by the Levy: Up next was a plan to move Mathis Building Supply, combo adjoining property and build a store there, probably with out parcels, too. This one had traction but, so far, nothing really has changed there.
6) Take that, Wally Mart: Perhaps the most ambitious project was a massive retail center next to East Rome's Wal-Mart Supercenter, drawn with a big grocery near the hub off U.S. 411. Seven Hills Town Center 
6.5) Down by the riverside? We never heard a definitive mention of Publix but the Ledbetter option across from RiverWalk had some store buzz attached to it. For now: Limbo.
7) Hight restrictions: So now comes the Hight Homes site. We're watching.
-Bottom line: Publix is on the "grow" and recently opened a new store in Paulding County. A second Cartersville store, at Carter Grove Commons (click), originally carried a 2010 opening date and was confirmed by the grocer (right). The project site remains up but the opening date is no longer posted. Publix continues to say no immediate plans exist for a Rome store.
SPLOST information session draws good crowds: A series of information 
The extension of the current seventh-cent tax-on-the-dollar would raise nearly $42 million over 32 months for a community public safety digital communications system; enhancements to Barron Stadium; renovations and expansion at the Coosa Valley Regional Development Center; fire department headquarters renovations and a "job creation" industrial park off Ga.140 and Ga. 53.
At each station, visitors found information packages about the projects, some as ''deep'' as small phone books. At the stadium table, in addition to the cost breakout and benefits summary, guests found two boxes of artificial turf. One, with a black background, was said to be a secondary choice as the surface of the sample in the companion box was designed to be 25 percent cooler. (We vote cooler).
Representatives said most comments were supportive and most of the questions were about the details and legacy issues such as would new costs would be needed to maintain the projects--or costs eventually deferred by the suggested projects.
The SPLOST must be OK'd by local government before going on the ballot.
The weekend:
-Weather looks good for tonight's Relay for Life at Ridge Ferry Park: Delayed by rain last month, the group's goal remains the same: raise money to beat cancer. For tonight's events and details on Saturday's car show, click Relay
-Political double header on Saturday morning: Their miles apart in the polls and on Saturday, they'll maintain that distance as Republican frontrunner John Oxendine visits the Floyd County GOP breakfast club meeting at 8:30 a.m. at Opi's Waterfront Grill ( Floyd GOP) while rival Karen Handel spends time with the Bartow County Republican Party at 9 a.m. at Slope's BBQ off Tennessee Street Bartow
-Parrot Heads, play ball: One of the best nights to go to a Rome Braves game is this Saturday. Look for the players to be wearing Hawaiian-style jerseys for the annual Parrot Head Paradise Night. Jimmy Buffett music and videos during the game are planned as well as an auction for the special jerseys the players will wear that night. Plus: Scott Thompson and Peachtree Station will provide live entertainment. Tickets> Rome Braves
>More weekend events> Click
Dining & Drink
-Latest updates from North Georgia's wineries: Busy weekend ahead; July 4th festivities set.
-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores for the region.
Friday's Buzz:
-Floyd names Adams director of Floyd Healthcare Foundation> Health
-Floyd appoints chief residents; adds eight new residents> Health
Weather:
-Friday: Still hot, 96, with a lot of 69; 20% rain chance.
-Saturday: Sunny and blazing hot, 97; low of 72; 20% rain chance.
-Sunday: Sunny and hot, 94; low of 72. 30-40% rain chance.
-Extended forecast> Weather
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-Oregon will be splendidly attired; stay off Mopeds if you've had a few beers.
-Augusta edges Braves, 7-6, in 11 innings
-At Augusta again tonight, 7 p.m.
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
-The lowdown on the downtown from Bryan Mullins of MullinsMania.com.
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