Winn-Dixie coming to Gateway Town Center, councilman says

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — While one grocery store is set to leave Brentwood at the end of the year, another is set to take its place, according to a Jacksonville City Councilman.

Winn-Dixie is expected to take the spot currently occupied by Publix at the Gateway Town Center, a news release from Councilman Reggie Gaffney's office says.

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Publix confirmed in October that the store on Norwood Avenue would be closing at the end of its lease on Dec. 28.

"While Publix may be leaving, it creates an opportunity for other grocery stores to build a new relationship with the good people in Brentwood. Winn-Dixie is going to be that business. I am excited to have a grocery store who wants to be in District 7. I anticipate them to open during the first quarter of 2020," Gaffney said in the release.

Neighbors could see a Winn Dixie open in its place in the first three months of the new year.

"One more thing of chitlins, some elbow noodles for my baked macaroni and cheese...paper plates."
Lashanta Johnson is taking care of some last-minute Thanksgiving shopping at the Publix at the Gateway Town Center.

She thought it would be one of her last  grocery trips there this year.

"That was nerve-wracking, because everyone was like, where are we going to go shopping?" Johnson said.

RELATED: City leaders fighting to keep Publix at Gateway Town Center

To bring Winn-Dixie to the neighborhood, legislation co-sponsored by Gaffney and Council Member Sam Newby would appropriate $850,000 from the Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund to provide assistance with renovation for the location where the Winn-Dixie will go at 5210 Norwood Avenue.

Johnson told Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole that this is great news for everyone in the community, but especially the senior citizens.

"You know the old folks place is right there …. behind … on the other side. So it's easier for them to come and go shopping and go home," Johnson said.

Cole reached out to Winn Dixie and Joe Caldwell, the Senior Manager for Southeastern Grocers, gave her this statement:

"I can confirm that we are making all reasonable efforts to bring this unique opportunity to life for the North Jacksonville community, provided that all concerned parties can deliver upon their respective agreements in principal. We believe this story will have a very happy ending in the first quarter of 2020."

"So we're going to have a grocery store here — it's actually happy, and we're good with that!" exclaimed Johnson.

This is a major step in a community where neighbors don't have many options when it comes to grocery shopping.

We will continue to follow this story on Action News Jax as it develops.

Those with any questions or concerns should reach out to Gaffney's office at 904-255-5207 or send an e-mail to RGaffney@coj.net.

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