Dec. 13, Publix: Be there with bells on

You’ve driven to Sarasota, Holmes Beach or Bradenton to go to Publix for the past eight months. You’ve put extra miles on and gas in your car. Possibly, you’ve even endured a bridge closing or two as you’ve driven off the island in pursuit of a Publix shopping trip.

But, just as sleigh bells begin ringing and ting, ting, tingling, too, we’ll be hearing another ringing sound on the Key: the sound of cash registers ringing up customers at Longboat Key’s new-and-improved Publix.
The long-awaited Publix will open at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, approximately eight months after the Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. closed and demolished its 41-year-old Longboat Key store.

The chain built a new 49,000-square-foot store that will include features such as an event-planning center, seating area with Wi-Fi, soup and salad bar, and enhanced produce, deli, bakery and seafood departments.
The store will have approximately 200 employees.

Hours will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

“It is always exciting to open a new store and feel the enthusiasm it generates,” said Shannon Patten, manager of media and community relations, in a prepared statement. “We look forward to being back on Longboat Key and are certain our customers will truly enjoy their experience in their new store.”