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Lakeland’s ‘prototype’ Publix: What’s coming to Lake Miriam Square

See what’s planned for Publix’s newly rebuilt store that could give us a glimpse into the future of grocery shopping.

New Publix store under construction at Lake Miriam Square, with wood framing, concrete walls, parked vehicles, and equipment.

Construction is coming along on this new supermarket, which was originally planned to be 63,000+ sqft.

Photo by LALtoday

Lakeland isn’t just part of Publix’s history — soon it will be at the forefront of its supermarkets’ future. The grocer is in the middle of a major remodel of its new “prototype” store at the corner of South Florida Avenue and Lake Miriam Drive that could change the grocery shopping game.

Before we jump into what’s new, let’s refresh: Publix closed and demolished its Lake Miriam Square store in the summer of 2024 to then rebuild it with a larger footprint.

GreenWise Market POURS bar

You can order coffee, beer, wine, and more at Pours and enjoy it in-store while you shop.

Photo by LALtoday

Now, details have been released about what will set this supermarket apart. Expect features you won’t find at the chain’s other Lakeland locations, like:

  • Pours counter offering beverages, smoothies, and acai bowls
  • Expanded deli options, like burrito bowls + fresh-baked pizza
  • Mezzanine seating area where you can enjoy your bites

You can see these features on display at other “prototype” stores in Wesley Chapel and Tampa — and some Publix devotees may recognize a few from the former GreenWise Market (may it rest in peace). This location was converted into a regular supermarket in 2024, but the Pours section is still alive and well.

Lake Miriam Square plaza with shops including Gosh! Asian Bistro & Sushi, Coast Dental, Glam Color Bar, and Publix Pharmacy.

Don’t forget that the other businesses in the Lake Miriam Square plaza are still open during Publix’s reconstruction.

Photo by LALtoday

One notable option missing from the new Publix is the Chinese food counter, but worry not, lo mein lovers. It’s now open as Lake Miriam Chinese Kitchen in the same plaza, along with surrounding businesses, which are all still open to customers. Lunch at Palace Southside before an appointment at Vy Nails, anyone?

While Publix has been mum on an exact date, plans originally called for the grocery store to reopen this summer. In the meantime, you can shop at the nearest store right across the street at 4747 S. Florida Ave.

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