Florida Publix Temporarily Shuts Down And Business Owners In The Area Are Worried

When I first saw that Publix was shut down temporarily, I thought it was a joke. When and why would a Publix ever shut down? From the great food, to making a lot of people rich who buy lottery tickets, Publix is the grocery store that would never be hurt for business. Well, reports tell us that a Lakeland Publix will be shut down for over a year. This Publix is about an hour from where I live in St. Petersburg. Why is this particular location shutting down? You will find out below, but many but many business owners in the area are worried.

According to WFLA News Channel 8, on Saturday night the Publix located in Lake Miriam Square plaza closed down for demolition and reconstruction. It is gong to be over a year before this Publix reopens and it has left many business owners in the area concerned about their foot traffic. Heather Hoagland who is the Owner of Glam Color Bar says that Publix shutting down temporarily will for sure affect small businesses. Glam Color Bar is located in the same plaza and Hoagland says that she got a lot of walk-in traffic from people shopping at the popular grocery chain.

Hoagland says that her a long with other small business owners in the area are going to try to stick together to try insure that the traffic continues. How do they plan on doing that? Through promotional discounts and other deals that will catch the eye of customers. A Publix Spokesperson has released a statement saying:

"Our Lake Miriam Publix has been a beloved store for many years. When it reopens as our newer, larger format (like our stores on Gandy Blvd in Tampa, Wesley Chapel and in Louisville, KY), 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 açaí bowls or grab a drink and sip while they shop. The store is targeted to open in late 2025.”

We all know which grocery store is Florida's favorite, there really is no comparison to Publix. No body can really compete with the buy one, get one deals and the Pub Subs. But did you know people have a preference over certain Publix stores? We would never think to leave a review of a grocery store but apparently it's pretty common. We recently ranked the best Tampa Publix locations to see which one would end up on top. Now everyone is asking how their favorite store in the Pinellas/Clearwater area ranks. Here's what we found.

So we say we "ranked" these stores but really, there is no BAD Publix location. Almost every store has a 4.4 star rating or better. Odds are no matter where you shop, you're bound to have a pleasant experience. However, it's not uncommon to go out of your way for your "better" Publix rather than what's closer. Some people do this just because they like the layout of the store more, or because some deli's and bakery's just have that special touch. One common complaint you hear from someone who's not visiting their normal Publix is that they have no idea where anything is. Every Publix has a different layout, so when you visit one that's not your usual, it's almost like stepping into another world.

According to the Publix website, there’s over 20 Publix stores in and very near the Clearwater area. This includes other locations like Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Largo and a couple St. Pete locations. If we ranked every Publix store in Pinellas county, we would be here for a VERY long time. So we only included the top 20 on Publix's website. Then we went to Google reviews to see how many that store has and what people were saying. If you usually go to the Publix off Gulf to Bay, then you're not going to go out of your way to Palm Harbor just because of a couple opinions. But if there is one in your area with a higher ranking, then maybe you can try it out!

Location: 10500 Ulmerton Rd #800, Largo

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,231

What people are saying: This is a HUGE Publix with a fresh salad station and even a Starbucks inside! Lots of people say there's plenty of room in the aisles and it's always well stocked.

Location: 2514 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,162

What people are saying: Great location with awesome staff and are making changes to the store for the better. The bakery has a lot of good reviews (with pictures).

Location: 30535 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,060

What people are saying: Store is bright, clean & looks welcoming! Many people say the staff here treats them like family.

Location: 500 E Lake Rd S, Palm Harbor

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,033

What people are saying: This store is super popular! It's Large, immaculate, organized, and well stocked. The Publix here holds up to the standards set throughout all the public around the affluent areas of Tampa.

Location: 1520 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,011

What people are saying: Lots of people are giving love to this store. The Bogo‘s, the deli, the bakery, the fantastic people that work there. In addition, Publix has such community impact because they’re in the community and they give back to the community. The one thing people warn about this location is the parking lot.

Location: 902 Curlew Rd, Dunedin

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 752

What people are saying: It's a nice and clean store. They place to stop for all of your beach snacks before heading to Honeymoon Island.

Location: 200 Island Way, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 307

What people are saying: With this location being so close to Clearwater Beach, most of the reviews are from tourists who have never experienced a Publix before and are blown away. Many have commented they wish they had this store in their home state. All the comments mention how clean this store is and how friendly the staff are.

Locations: 13031 Walsingham Rd, Largo

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 169

What people are saying: A lot of great reviews of the bakery at this location! Nice and clean inside and outside the store. Friendly and helpful staff.

Location: 525 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 2,623

What people are saying: The deli and bakery staff at this store are unmatched! One person said they drive further on their lunch breaks to go to this store because of the staff.

Location: 1921 N Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,978

What people are saying: It's your typical Publix. Normally a good selection of products and friendly staff.

Location: 1491 Main St, Dunedin

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,459

What people are saying: This store is very clean and organized which makes it easy to find whatever you're looking for, even if it's not your usual Publix.

Location: 857 W Bay Dr, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,277

What people are saying: Always helpful, friendly staff. And the best part...they actually service their carts. So, no wobbly wheels, no loud, rhythmic thumping as you roll through the store.

Location: 10411 Ulmerton Rd, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,226

What people are saying: Always clean, friendly and they are always restocking things. If you can't find what you're looking for then just ask and they will take you to it.

Location: 1555 S Highland Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,206

What people are saying: Many have called this location their favorite store, even though they live closer to another location. They also mention how friendly the staff is.

Location: 12022 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo,

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 897

What people are saying: The employees are excellent, the meat and produce are great. Some say that it is just not stocked well enough.

Location: 619 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 784

What people are saying: Your typical Publix store, a little compact but will have everything you need. A lot of reviews mention the deli workers are amazing here!

Location: 3825 E Bay Dr, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 621

What people are saying: The staff is super friendly here, but there are some complaints about their deli. So it may be best to get your Pub sub at a different location

Location: 1295 S Missouri Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 161

What people are saying: Many people are saying they love this Publix. The subs are awesome and everyone that works there is helpful and kind.

Location: 5000 E Bay Dr, Clearwater

Rating: 4.4

Number of reviews: 1,552

What people are saying: Like ALL Publix's... This one was 5 star as well. They have great selections of wine and all other products and the store is very clean!

Location: 120 Carillon Pkwy, St. Petersburg

Rating: 4.4

Number of reviews: 1,244

What people are saying: Some say this store is smaller or it's not designed like most grocery stores, and items are placed in a unique way. But otherwise has the same great reviews as other locations.

We all know which grocery store is Florida's favorite, there really is no comparison to Publix. No body can really compete with the buy one, get one deals and the Pub Subs. But did you know people have a preference over certain Publix stores? We would never think to leave a review of a grocery store but apparently it's pretty common. We recently ranked the best Tampa Publix locations to see which one would end up on top. Now everyone is asking how their favorite store in the Pinellas/Clearwater area ranks. Here's what we found.

So we say we "ranked" these stores but really, there is no BAD Publix location. Almost every store has a 4.4 star rating or better. Odds are no matter where you shop, you're bound to have a pleasant experience. However, it's not uncommon to go out of your way for your "better" Publix rather than what's closer. Some people do this just because they like the layout of the store more, or because some deli's and bakery's just have that special touch. One common complaint you hear from someone who's not visiting their normal Publix is that they have no idea where anything is. Every Publix has a different layout, so when you visit one that's not your usual, it's almost like stepping into another world.

According to the Publix website, there’s over 20 Publix stores in and very near the Clearwater area. This includes other locations like Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Largo and a couple St. Pete locations. If we ranked every Publix store in Pinellas county, we would be here for a VERY long time. So we only included the top 20 on Publix's website. Then we went to Google reviews to see how many that store has and what people were saying. If you usually go to the Publix off Gulf to Bay, then you're not going to go out of your way to Palm Harbor just because of a couple opinions. But if there is one in your area with a higher ranking, then maybe you can try it out!

Location: 10500 Ulmerton Rd #800, Largo

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,231

What people are saying: This is a HUGE Publix with a fresh salad station and even a Starbucks inside! Lots of people say there's plenty of room in the aisles and it's always well stocked.

Location: 2514 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,162

What people are saying: Great location with awesome staff and are making changes to the store for the better. The bakery has a lot of good reviews (with pictures).

Location: 30535 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,060

What people are saying: Store is bright, clean & looks welcoming! Many people say the staff here treats them like family.

Location: 500 E Lake Rd S, Palm Harbor

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,033

What people are saying: This store is super popular! It's Large, immaculate, organized, and well stocked. The Publix here holds up to the standards set throughout all the public around the affluent areas of Tampa.

Location: 1520 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,011

What people are saying: Lots of people are giving love to this store. The Bogo‘s, the deli, the bakery, the fantastic people that work there. In addition, Publix has such community impact because they’re in the community and they give back to the community. The one thing people warn about this location is the parking lot.

Location: 902 Curlew Rd, Dunedin

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 752

What people are saying: It's a nice and clean store. They place to stop for all of your beach snacks before heading to Honeymoon Island.

Location: 200 Island Way, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 307

What people are saying: With this location being so close to Clearwater Beach, most of the reviews are from tourists who have never experienced a Publix before and are blown away. Many have commented they wish they had this store in their home state. All the comments mention how clean this store is and how friendly the staff are.

Locations: 13031 Walsingham Rd, Largo

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 169

What people are saying: A lot of great reviews of the bakery at this location! Nice and clean inside and outside the store. Friendly and helpful staff.

Location: 525 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 2,623

What people are saying: The deli and bakery staff at this store are unmatched! One person said they drive further on their lunch breaks to go to this store because of the staff.

Location: 1921 N Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,978

What people are saying: It's your typical Publix. Normally a good selection of products and friendly staff.

Location: 1491 Main St, Dunedin

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,459

What people are saying: This store is very clean and organized which makes it easy to find whatever you're looking for, even if it's not your usual Publix.

Location: 857 W Bay Dr, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,277

What people are saying: Always helpful, friendly staff. And the best part...they actually service their carts. So, no wobbly wheels, no loud, rhythmic thumping as you roll through the store.

Location: 10411 Ulmerton Rd, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,226

What people are saying: Always clean, friendly and they are always restocking things. If you can't find what you're looking for then just ask and they will take you to it.

Location: 1555 S Highland Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,206

What people are saying: Many have called this location their favorite store, even though they live closer to another location. They also mention how friendly the staff is.

Location: 12022 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo,

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 897

What people are saying: The employees are excellent, the meat and produce are great. Some say that it is just not stocked well enough.

Location: 619 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 784

What people are saying: Your typical Publix store, a little compact but will have everything you need. A lot of reviews mention the deli workers are amazing here!

Location: 3825 E Bay Dr, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 621

What people are saying: The staff is super friendly here, but there are some complaints about their deli. So it may be best to get your Pub sub at a different location

Location: 1295 S Missouri Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 161

What people are saying: Many people are saying they love this Publix. The subs are awesome and everyone that works there is helpful and kind.

Location: 5000 E Bay Dr, Clearwater

Rating: 4.4

Number of reviews: 1,552

What people are saying: Like ALL Publix's... This one was 5 star as well. They have great selections of wine and all other products and the store is very clean!

Location: 120 Carillon Pkwy, St. Petersburg

Rating: 4.4

Number of reviews: 1,244

What people are saying: Some say this store is smaller or it's not designed like most grocery stores, and items are placed in a unique way. But otherwise has the same great reviews as other locations.

We all know which grocery store is Florida's favorite, there really is no comparison to Publix. No body can really compete with the buy one, get one deals and the Pub Subs. But did you know people have a preference over certain Publix stores? We would never think to leave a review of a grocery store but apparently it's pretty common. We recently ranked the best Tampa Publix locations to see which one would end up on top. Now everyone is asking how their favorite store in the Pinellas/Clearwater area ranks. Here's what we found.

So we say we "ranked" these stores but really, there is no BAD Publix location. Almost every store has a 4.4 star rating or better. Odds are no matter where you shop, you're bound to have a pleasant experience. However, it's not uncommon to go out of your way for your "better" Publix rather than what's closer. Some people do this just because they like the layout of the store more, or because some deli's and bakery's just have that special touch. One common complaint you hear from someone who's not visiting their normal Publix is that they have no idea where anything is. Every Publix has a different layout, so when you visit one that's not your usual, it's almost like stepping into another world.

According to the Publix website, there’s over 20 Publix stores in and very near the Clearwater area. This includes other locations like Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Largo and a couple St. Pete locations. If we ranked every Publix store in Pinellas county, we would be here for a VERY long time. So we only included the top 20 on Publix's website. Then we went to Google reviews to see how many that store has and what people were saying. If you usually go to the Publix off Gulf to Bay, then you're not going to go out of your way to Palm Harbor just because of a couple opinions. But if there is one in your area with a higher ranking, then maybe you can try it out!

Location: 10500 Ulmerton Rd #800, Largo

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,231

What people are saying: This is a HUGE Publix with a fresh salad station and even a Starbucks inside! Lots of people say there's plenty of room in the aisles and it's always well stocked.

Location: 2514 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,162

What people are saying: Great location with awesome staff and are making changes to the store for the better. The bakery has a lot of good reviews (with pictures).

Location: 30535 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,060

What people are saying: Store is bright, clean & looks welcoming! Many people say the staff here treats them like family.

Location: 500 E Lake Rd S, Palm Harbor

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,033

What people are saying: This store is super popular! It's Large, immaculate, organized, and well stocked. The Publix here holds up to the standards set throughout all the public around the affluent areas of Tampa.

Location: 1520 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,011

What people are saying: Lots of people are giving love to this store. The Bogo‘s, the deli, the bakery, the fantastic people that work there. In addition, Publix has such community impact because they’re in the community and they give back to the community. The one thing people warn about this location is the parking lot.

Location: 902 Curlew Rd, Dunedin

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 752

What people are saying: It's a nice and clean store. They place to stop for all of your beach snacks before heading to Honeymoon Island.

Location: 200 Island Way, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 307

What people are saying: With this location being so close to Clearwater Beach, most of the reviews are from tourists who have never experienced a Publix before and are blown away. Many have commented they wish they had this store in their home state. All the comments mention how clean this store is and how friendly the staff are.

Locations: 13031 Walsingham Rd, Largo

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 169

What people are saying: A lot of great reviews of the bakery at this location! Nice and clean inside and outside the store. Friendly and helpful staff.

Location: 525 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 2,623

What people are saying: The deli and bakery staff at this store are unmatched! One person said they drive further on their lunch breaks to go to this store because of the staff.

Location: 1921 N Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,978

What people are saying: It's your typical Publix. Normally a good selection of products and friendly staff.

Location: 1491 Main St, Dunedin

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,459

What people are saying: This store is very clean and organized which makes it easy to find whatever you're looking for, even if it's not your usual Publix.

Location: 857 W Bay Dr, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,277

What people are saying: Always helpful, friendly staff. And the best part...they actually service their carts. So, no wobbly wheels, no loud, rhythmic thumping as you roll through the store.

Location: 10411 Ulmerton Rd, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 1,226

What people are saying: Always clean, friendly and they are always restocking things. If you can't find what you're looking for then just ask and they will take you to it.

Location: 1555 S Highland Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.6

Number of reviews: 1,206

What people are saying: Many have called this location their favorite store, even though they live closer to another location. They also mention how friendly the staff is.

Location: 12022 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo,

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 897

What people are saying: The employees are excellent, the meat and produce are great. Some say that it is just not stocked well enough.

Location: 619 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 784

What people are saying: Your typical Publix store, a little compact but will have everything you need. A lot of reviews mention the deli workers are amazing here!

Location: 3825 E Bay Dr, Largo

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 621

What people are saying: The staff is super friendly here, but there are some complaints about their deli. So it may be best to get your Pub sub at a different location

Location: 1295 S Missouri Ave, Clearwater

Rating: 4.5

Number of reviews: 161

What people are saying: Many people are saying they love this Publix. The subs are awesome and everyone that works there is helpful and kind.

Location: 5000 E Bay Dr, Clearwater

Rating: 4.4

Number of reviews: 1,552

What people are saying: Like ALL Publix's... This one was 5 star as well. They have great selections of wine and all other products and the store is very clean!

Location: 120 Carillon Pkwy, St. Petersburg

Rating: 4.4

Number of reviews: 1,244

What people are saying: Some say this store is smaller or it's not designed like most grocery stores, and items are placed in a unique way. But otherwise has the same great reviews as other locations.