BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – After much speculation, it was confirmed with realtor Van Akin that there has been a signed deal on Ms. Steve’s. This is not an April Fool’s Day joke. Akin says the buyer is a “guy with great ideas,” and he expects that Ms. Steve’s will reopen as soon as Wednesday, April 2, after restocking, adding that it’s “really not going to change that much.”
Original article published at 6:39 a.m.: It’s a landmark that’s served sundaes, floats, cones, and splits for decades.
“I have a little ice cream shop that’s for sale,” said realtor Van Akin. That ice cream shop is Ms. Steve’s Dairy D-Lite, and it’s set to close on April 1, 2025 – but the closure may be temporary. Akin says there are interested parties looking to purchase Ms. Steve’s, listed at $565,000.
Ice cream lovers who traveled miles for chocolate malts, root beer floats, banana splits, or hot fudge sundaes at the iconic pink building on SE CR 484 might soon be able to enjoy their favorite treats again.
Adele Wilson of Ocala has visited Ms. Steve’s for years. “I’ve tried getting my shakes in other places, but [Ms.] Steve’s was the best!” she says, recalling how happy she was that her daughters enjoyed Oreo and Superman ice cream cones while sitting on the truck tailgate on summer nights in the parking lot.
As for her favorites, Wilson says, “Chocolate dipped in chocolate coating cone, banana splits, and chocolate and peanut butter shakes with extra peanut butter.”
Melanie Hackworth of Ocala is another fan of Ms. Steve’s banana splits. “And hot dogs. The milkshake with malt [is] always delicious.”
Reuben Kreitzer of Belleview made one last stop at the bright pink landmark on Monday. “My daughter just got her last milkshake from [Ms. Steve’s] about 20 minutes ago,” he said. “Sad. They’ve been here since I was a kid.”
A year-round fixture, Ms. Steve’s has long been a favorite stop for many residents seeking relief from the hot and humid summers.
Akin noted there’s been significant activity on social media about the closing and potential sale of the ice cream shop. With any luck, Ms. Steve’s might just get that sweet comeback.