Publix is opening its second new Florida location in a week with a 55,454 square-foot store in west St. Petersburg on March 12. The new store replaces a demolished Albertsons building and features the Lakeland-based chain's updated shopper-friendly design with wider lanes, self-checkout options, expanded deli offerings including burrito bowls and fresh baked pizza, a salad bar, and hot food buffet.

This expansion comes as Publix continues its aggressive growth strategy in Florida, where the company operates 908 locations as of December 15, more than four times as many as any other state. The St. Petersburg location will also include a pharmacy, seating area, and adjacent Publix Liquors store. The company is simultaneously closing a nearby location at Eagles Park Retail Center on March 7.

Publix's expansion reflects broader competition in Florida's grocery market, where discount chain Aldi opened about 60 locations in 2025, many converted from Winn-Dixie stores acquired during Aldi's 2024-2025 purchase. Meanwhile, The Winn-Dixie Company is refocusing on community-friendly redesigns in its home state, while Trader Joe's continues its upscale expansion with recent openings in Daytona Beach and Melbourne.