Publix is putting more than $200 million into expanding its distribution operation in Lakeland.
This isn't a new grocery store. It's growth at Publix's own supply chain, the massive warehouse campus at 2600 County Line Road that already ships product out to Publix stores across multiple states.
That campus has existed for years and is already more than 1.1 million square feet.
What's new is the land. In February 2024, the Lakeland City Commission approved folding an adjacent 137-acre parcel, 5300 Allen K. Breed Parkway, formerly home to auto parts manufacturer Key Safety Systems, into Publix's existing campus.
That approval cleared the way for a multi-phased warehouse and office expansion.
Building permits filed with the City of Lakeland show that plan now moving forward:
- BLD26-03902 — A Produce Center at 5330 Allen K. Breed Highway, valued at $159,000,000. Gray Construction Inc. of Kentucky is the contractor, with Republic Refrigeration Inc. handling refrigeration work. Filed July 1, still under review.
- SWP26-00008 — A $23.5 million site-work permit at 2600 County Line Road, the grading and utility work ahead of vertical construction. Issued July 7.
- BLD26-05047 — A $17.5 million Return Center at 5340 Allen K. Breed Highway. Filed August 24, under review.
- Additional permits for a security post, pump house, two turnstile pavilions, and retaining walls, filed August 24 and 25, adding another $1.7 million combined.
Before any of that new construction, Publix cleared the site. Permits filed August 11 and 12 show seven existing buildings torn down at 5300 Allen K. Breed Highway.
All told, the permits on file add up to more than $201.7 million.
Publix already runs multiple distribution centers in Lakeland, and this expansion is the company choosing to keep growing its supply chain here.
The 2024 zoning approval also requires Publix to build new sidewalks connecting the site to the Polk Parkway.
No jobs number or completion timeline has been announced.
We found this by monitoring Lakeland's public permit portal.
Have a tip about something coming to Polk County? Email us at [email protected]
Sources: City of Lakeland permit records, Lakeland City Commission records
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