NICEVILLE — Construction of the Publix grocery is expected to begin soon, and company representatives are looking to open the store in early 2014.
Publix has leased land at the intersection of John Sims Parkway and Rocky Bayou Drive from Valparaiso Realty, and plans to build a 45,600-square-foot store there. A groundbreaking has not been scheduled, but Dwaine Stevens, Publix’s media and community relations manager for North Florida, said the company plans to open the store in early 2014.
“We are always looking for great locations to invest and bring our services,” Stevens wrote in an email. “Niceville is a great location and continues to grow. We look forward to serving this community.”
Before construction can start, Publix must submit its final building plans to Niceville officials for review and pay permit fees and impact fees. The cost of the impact fees will not be finalized until the final plans are submitted.
“They’re talking about submitting the plans in the next couple of weeks and starting construction in the first week of May,” said Darcy Chaney, building inspector for the city.
Construction is expected to take nine months, Stevens wrote. Hiring for the store is expected to start about two months before it opens.
The new Publix will feature a deli, bakery and pharmacy.
In addition to Publix, the development will boast up to 13 other stores ranging from 1,400 to 2,264 square feet. The shells of the stores will be built first and then be completed to the specifications of the tenants after they are leased.
Contact Daily News Business Editor Dusty Ricketts at 850-315-4448 or dricketts@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustyRnwfdn.