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Two south Lakeland grocery stores are about to undergo major transformations.
The Publix at Lake Miriam Plaza, 4730 S. Florida Ave., closed its doors at 7 p.m. last Saturday for a major demolition and reconstruction project. When it reopens at the end of 2025, the almost 50-year-old store will look dramatically different, according to Publix Media Relations Manager Lindsey Willis.
About three miles further south, the Winn-Dixie at 6902 S. Florida Ave. is scheduled to close on July 28. It is being converted into an ALDI, according to Meredith Hurley, senior director of communication for Southeastern Grocers Inc.
In March, ALDI acquired Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarkets.
Lake Miriam Square Publix (Slideshow)
Although the flagship store in Lake Miriam Square is closed, shoppers in the area don’t have to go far to get groceries. The former Publix GreenWise Market across the street at 4747 S. Florida Avenue has been converted into a traditional Publix store. The move was part of the company’s decision to rebrand all eight of its GreenWise stores, but came at a convenient time for Lakelanders.
Other shops in the plaza, such as Publix Pharmacy, Beef O’Brady’s, Glam Color Bar, and Bahia Bowls Acai Cafe, remain open.
The project, listed in city records as valued at $11.5 million, involves the complete demolition of the existing 56,313-square-foot store and expansion into the neighboring retail spaces formerly occupied by the Aprons cooking school, Grapevine Fine Wine & Spirits and the Lakeland eLibrary. Those establishments all moved last summer:
- Aprons closed on July 31, along with Publix’s 10 other brick-and-mortar cooking schools. The classes have been replaced with free online videos. There are more than 100 episodes, most of them under 10 minutes long.
- Grapevine closed in August and relocated to Merchants Walk at 3615 S. Florida Ave.
- The eLibrary closed on Sept. 2 and moved to the Kelly Recreation Center at 404 Imperial Blvd.
The reconstruction is being done by Sarasota-based McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors, Inc. Plans call for a 63,830-square-foot store with outdoor seating. There will be a Publix liquor store and pharmacy adjacent to the supermarket.
“When it reopens as our newer, larger format, customers will enjoy expanded offerings in the deli like burrito bowls and a pizza oven. There will also be a Pours area, where customers can order smoothies and acai bowls or grab a drink and sip while they shop,” Willis said.
The previous store’s employees have been transferred to other Publix locations, Willis said.
Other Publix stores in the area include Publix Super Market in the Highlands at the intersection of County Road 540 A and Lakeland Highlands Blvd., and the Publix Super Market at Oakbridge Centre.
Winn-Dixie in Imperial Christina Plaza (Slideshow)
ALDI gained about 500 grocery stores with its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers.In a press release, it said it “intends for a meaningful amount of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate under their current banners.” However, “a significant number” of stores will be converted to the ALDI format in phases over the next several years.
The Winn-Dixie in Imperial Christina Plaza is one of about 50 slated for conversion this year “with the majority of these stores reopening as ALDI in 2025.”
Outside the store this week, there was a sign that read “All sales final,” and a notice of new store hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Inside, there was a massive sale. Shelves of meat lay bare and signs dictated that items were on clearance for 30 to 40% off. The Winn Dixie liquor store is closing, too. A handwritten sign on its door stated the store was open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Just inside the door, bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey were marked 20% off. Other shelves had clearance signs.
Hurley said employees have the option of applying for roles at the new store or transferring to a neighboring Winn-Dixie store.
“As we work through this transition period, conversion plans are still being finalized and we will share more information as it becomes available. We appreciate the support and understanding of our valued associates, customers, and communities throughout this process,” Hurley said.
For customers, the nearest shopping option is now the Publix at 2040 Shepherd Rd., in Mulberry. The closest Winn-Dixie is at 2896 Lakeland Highlands Rd.
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