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PUBLIX SUPERMARKET
Makes Shopping and Road Tripping a Pleasure
By Mike Miller Updated June 29, 2026
The Publix Supermarket is very much a part of Florida history. If you are a Floridian and shop at Publix, you will feel at home in any of their hundreds of stores located across the state.
When I first came to Florida in 1960, most Publix stores looked like the one above.
They were always identifiable by the large V that framed the entrance.
In more recent years the architecture has been modernized, but the excellent service and high quality food still remain the same.
George Washington Jenkins started the chain back in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida with one store.
He then built another in 1935, also in Winter Haven.
Business was great, so in 1940 Mr. Jenkins combined the two Winter Haven stores into one.
It was trend setting for its time, with air conditioning, fluorescent lighting, self opening electric eye doors, and shiny terrazzo floors.
It is historically significant as the first free standing Publix
For many years, Publix stores were primarily located in Central Florida, but over the years they began to open stores in South Florida and other locations along both coasts.
They finally had most of Florida covered by the time Mr. George, as his employees affectionately called him, passed away in 1996 at the age of 88.
Publix is still controlled by the descendants of George Jenkins. His grandson was until recently the Chief Executive Officer.
Another unique feature of the company is that it is largely owned by its employees. Chances are your checkout clerk and bag boy are stockholders.
During your Florida travels you can always count on Publix to have clean restrooms, a great deli with meals and sandwiches, fresh produce and seafood and just about any thing else you need.
Publix now has more than 1,455 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. The corporate headquarters is in Lakeland, Florida.
The last time I checked the company's website, there were 896 Publix super markets in Florida.
College Park Publix in Orlando, 2026One of my favorite Publix stores is in the College Park neighborhood of Orlando. It's a modern store that incorporates the iconic Publix look of the old days.
If you would like to learn more about Publix, they published a book in 1980 titled "Fifty Years of Pleasure" written by Pat Watters. My copy is autographed by Mr. George himself:
"Thanking you for helping make it possible. Best Regards, George Jenkins."
PUBLIX AND THE BRIDGE TO MATLACHA
Hurricane Ian devastated Matlacha and the bridge to Pine Island in September 2022. The bridge was rebuilt as soon as possible and this iconic photo was taken shortly after. Relief on the way.
Publix Trucks on the Way To Pine IslandFIND A PUBLIX SUPERMARKET
When traveling in Florida I like to go to Publix for their clean restrooms, great selection of produce and groceries, and first class deli.
This link will help you find the Publix nearest your location.
A Personal Memory of Publix
In 1962 I was pretty new to Florida and lived in Jacksonville. Up there Winn-Dixie was the big grocer at the time. I had never heard of Publix.
My grandparents had retired to Venice, Florida in 1961 and I visited then in the fall of 1962. They lived in a small rented house just off US-41.
They told me about this brand new store named Publix and I went grocery shopping with them. I can still remember Grandpa cutting up and using that grocery cart like it was a scooter.
Now I'm so old I use it as a walker.
Florida is the fastest-growing state in the United States and also the fastest-changing. If you see anything in this article that has changed or is in error, please let me know.
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By Mike Miller, Copyright 2009-2026
Florida-Back-Roads-Travel.com
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