Ron Jon's on Clearwater Beach is Officially Open

Ron Jon's Surf Shop, which was founded in New Jersey but is based in Cocoa Beach, opened its first branch in the Tampa Bay area Thursday.

The shop, located at 377 Mandalay Avenue on the ground floor of the , is running promotional events tied into its grand opening throughout the Memorial Day weekend.

In addition to free item giveaways, visitors can register to win a $50 Ron Jon gift card.

Founded in 1961 on the Jersey Shore by Ron DiMenna, the young man moved his operation to Cocoa Beach two years later. Soon a surfwear mecca was born.

The company now has locations up and down the East Coast, from the flagship store in Long Beach Island, New Jersey to branches in Orlando, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Miami and Fort Myers.