I live in the West Palm Beach area, but I am originally from the Tampa area. Yes, the Bass Central staff is amazing, especially Grasshopper and Beaver! I hadn't seen them in five years, and Beaver remembered everything, which I couldn't believe.
I have three Alembics myself, plus an F-1X preamp. Both of my Excel 5-strings were through Bass Central (1 off the shelf, 1 custom ordered), and also my F-1X. I have found finding a gig in my new area tough, especially since I am not into the southern rock/classic rock thing.
Last time I was there, I had just purchased (sorry Alembic) a Rick Turner Renaissance Fretless. I needed that upright acoustic sound, and was impressed with the turner. Anyways, I was walking out after talking with Beaver for about an hour, and they threw me a couple of packs of DR Red Devils to try. Great guys.