The on-campus Publix, originally expected to open in late 2017, is now scheduled for completion in spring 2018. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE
While the new housing village is coming along on schedule, the highly anticipated on-campus Publix isn’t expected to open alongside the new halls at the end of the year.
According to Director of Media/Public Affairs at University Communications and Marketing Lara Wade, the Publix is expected to open in spring 2018.
The store was originally expected to open late 2017.
Brian West, Media and Community Relations Manager for Publix Super Markets, Inc., said construction for the Publix hasn’t started yet.
“I suspect we’re still a ways out,” West said in an email.
According to Wade, USF is still finalizing the land lease with Publix.
The initial agreement between USF and Publix called for the supermarket to be approximately 28,800 square feet. The project would also have 145 parking spaces.
The agreement also establishes that after Publix acquires all the permits it needs, it will start preparation and construction within 90 days.
The USF Publix is not the company’s only project in the region. A store will open the Channel District in downtown Tampa.
The chain currently has 775 stores in Florida, according to the company’s facts and figures.
