The UPS Store in Lakewood Ranch celebrates grand opening

The UPS Store at the corner of Lorraine Road and State Road 70 celebrated its grand opening with some furry friends.

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue brought three puppies, Champ, Patches and Ginger, to the opening Sept. 24. 

Store owner Mike Hornyak said partnered with Nate's Honor for the grand opening because it holds a special place in the hearts of The UPS Store staff due to employees previously adopting many of their pets from the animal nonprofit. 

"We always try to work for the local community," said Rob Oglesby, the development director for Nate's Honor. He said Hornyak is "part of the family" at the shelter. 

Oglesby said the grand opening encouraged The UPS Store visitors to adopt dogs like Champ, Patches and Ginger. 

Although the store has been open since February, Hornyak said the grand opening celebrated its completion. Supply chain issues had prevented the acquisition of certain items. He said the store did not have a sign above the doors for the first two months, and the store received its final component, a set of mailboxes, two months ago.

“Now everything is falling into place and the wheels are turning,” he said. “So it’s like, OK, let’s do this now.”