LAKELAND, FL – Publix is moving ahead with an expansion project for its 200,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lakeland, FL, after getting approval from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. 

According to its application with the county, Publix is prepared to spend $16 million on the expansion, and will now be able to expand at a faster rate due to receiving a three-year property tax break from the Board. 

"As we open new stores, it has a direct impact on the capacity of our manufacturing facilities," said Brian West, Media and Community Relations Manager for the retailer, in a statement to The Ledger. “The expansion will allow us to take on future growth and to try new products as well." 

The $151,527 tax break from Polk County will allow Publix to jumpstart its already planned Florida expansion resulting in increased coverage to consumers in the area, specifically with the company's Deli Kitchen plans.

“It's only prudent that Publix would ask for a tax break,” independent Supermarket Consultant David Livingston said to The Ledger. “For Lakeland, it's better to have these projects go local and not go to someplace out of the state.”

In exchange for the property tax break from the county, Publix has pledged to fill at least 25 new full-time jobs at the facility. The company agreed to compesate the roles with a minimum pay of the average annual wage reported for 2014 in Polk County, if not more.

“Publix is expanding rapidly into the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, so expect to see more of these kinds of projects," finished Livingston.

As we reported previously, Publix entered the Virginia market with 2 new stores in February. Last month, Publix hired a prominent Washington, D.C. real estate broker, fueling speculation about a debut in the nation’s capitol. 

Aside from its current plans for growth and expansion, Publix currently operates more than 1,100 stores across seven states.

We’ll keep you updated on all the latest Publix developments at AndNowUKnow.

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