Publix Moves Towards New $28 Million Facility
LAKELAND, FL – Publix Super Markets has some big plans in the works for its home state, big enough to warrant an exclusive code name for its endeavors; Project Suede. The retail chain is making steady moves to build a new $28 million facility in Lakeland.
"We are exploring possible opportunities for additional office space for support associates, and as part of our due diligence process, we are researching available incentives in various areas," stated Publix Spokesman and Media and Community Relations Manager Brian West in an email, according to The Ledger.
In order to build the new facility, the retailer is applying for more than $4.2 million in tax refunds, tax exemptions, and cash incentives through the state’s business recruitment and retention branch, Enterprise Florida.
If approved, Project Suede would give Publix the following incentives and rewards:
- $3.5 million in tax refunds over 10 years, from Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program and one-fifth from Lakeland and Polk county
- Up to $700,000 in cash over 10 years from Polk County Bonus Incentive contingent on performance requirements, from Lakeland and Polk County
- Property tax exemption through Polk County government, value unknown
In order to receive the Polk County Bonus Incentive, Publix would need to fulfill its proposed 700 new jobs through the project, as verified by an Enterprise Florida audit. Once secured, the award–only granted six times previously–would be the largest granted through the state’s local program.
"The role of incentives is to provide additional high-skill, high-wage job opportunities to the community," said Lakeland Business Development Manager Jason Willey. "I think business development activity in the state of Florida is very competitive. We have to stay competitive with all the other cities and counties throughout the state to continue to attract high quality jobs and organizations."
The Ledger reported that Enterprise Florida, the Economic Development Council, and local governments use code names to keep firms applying for incentives to be kept from appearing in public records.
As Publix continues to solidify its footprint in current and new realms, stay with AndNowUKnow for updated reflections of its impact.
