Publix buys properties for $2.35 million

The Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. closed on two parcels adjacent to its Avenue of the Flowers Publix store for a total $2.35 million.

Local real-estate investor W. Howard Rooks sold the 1.52-acre Town Plaza II for $1.25 million to the Publix subsidiary Avenue of the Flowers Acquisition LLC. Bay Isles Enclave Acquisition LLC, whose registered agent is Joseph Wolfer, sold a 0.97-acre property near Bay Isles Road to the subsidiary for $1.1 million. The properties have been under contract since last summer, when Publix filed an application to build a new Longboat Key store.

Publix plans to close its existing store next month, demolish it in May and re-open a new store by December.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].