The 3,500-square-foot clinic is in the Fountains Shopping Center at 34848 U.S. 19 N and has 12 massage therapy rooms and a staff of 17 that includes 12 licensed massage therapists.

A family business, the franchise is owned by Ron and Maryann Wuchko of Dunedin and managed by their son-in-law and daughter, Brian and Beth Connelly of Tarpon Springs. The Wuchkos moved here recently from Minneapolis, where the couple's second daughter, Jennifer Holmes, has taken over Wuchko's Maaco Auto Painting & Bodyworks, a franchise Ron Wuchko owned and operated for 30 years.

Massage Envy is the first Pinellas County franchise of the Arizona-based franchisor and the second in the Tampa Bay area. Wuchko said it took an investment of more than $200,000 to start the business.

The Palm Harbor clinic is part of a franchise expansion program to bring some 30 clinics to the state's west coast during the next few years. Wuchko said that he expects to open additional clinics in Pinellas County.

Customers who want frequent massages are given a price break by becoming a member for a year, Wuchko said.

An hourlong massage costs $60. One-year memberships reduce the price to $49.95 a month and include additional one-hour massages for $29.95.

The clinic is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Sunday.

"We aim to be affordable, convenient and professional," Wuchko said.

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