Largest Publix grocery store in Alachua County breaks ground in Newberry

NEWBERRY, Fla. (WCJB) - As a sign of the city’s growth, a groundbreaking ceremony for the first Publix grocery store in Newberry was held on Thursday. It will be the largest Publix in Alachua County.

Company officials, city leaders, and even Congresswoman Kat Cammack attended the groundbreaking at the corner of State Road 26 and County Road 235.

City leaders say they’ve been trying to bring the store to the city for the past 10 years. It has been in the planning stages for 3 years.

“You know we have to brag the city of Newberry now it’s going to be home to the largest Publix in Alachua County and that’s going to be amazing,” Mayor Jordan Marlowe said. “I can’t wait to see the conveniences that it brings. I can’t wait to see my fellow mayors and tell them you know, it’s really great to have the biggest largest Publix in Alachua County right here in my hometown”

Currently, the closest Publix to Newberry is in Jonesville and the largest grocery provider in the city is Hitchcock’s Market.

Commissioners say Newberry residents can now expect more commercial developments in the future. Marlowe says the feedback has been positive from residents and young people are excited about new jobs.

“I know a lot of high school students like me they’re looking for a good job and I know Publix is going to provide that for them because they hire younger than most businesses around here,” said Nicole Marden, a high school student and the daughter of a city commissioner.

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