March is a landmark month for shoppers in Pinellas County, as Florida’s favorite grocer rolls out not one, but two highly anticipated locations. With one store rising from the ground as a complete rebuild and another debuting as a brand-new construction, these openings reflect Publix’s commitment to modern design and community convenience. Whether you are a resident looking for a closer pharmacy or a fan of the expanded deli menu, these two stores—opening just seven days apart—offer plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Below, we dive into the specifics of each location, the new amenities you can expect, and how these openings fit into the larger landscape of Florida grocery expansion in 2026.
📍 Store #1: Clearwater Grand Reopening (March 5)
The first ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place in Clearwater. While technically a “reopening,” this is far from a simple refresh. The location at 1295 S. Missouri Ave. has been completely demolished and rebuilt from the ground up within the Clearwater Plaza shopping center.
Project Scope and Design
The original structure, which had been operational since being converted from an Albertsons in 2009, is now gone. In its place stands a modern 46,791-square-foot facility. This project faced delays last summer due to a tragic construction accident, making the March 5 opening a significant milestone for the community and the construction crews who saw the project through to completion.
New Layout and Features
Shoppers walking through the doors on March 5 will experience the full breadth of Publix’s latest store design philosophy. The focus is on wider, shopper-friendly lanes to reduce congestion and a more open layout that improves visibility throughout the store.
Clearwater Plaza Rebuild Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | March 5, 2026 |
| Address | 1295 S. Missouri Ave., Clearwater, FL |
| Total Size | 46,791 sq. ft. |
| Store Type | Rebuild (formerly an Albertsons) |
| Key Amenities | Drive-Thru Pharmacy, Expanded Deli, Self-Checkout |
One of the standout additions is the drive-thru pharmacy, a feature highly sought after for its convenience. Inside, the deli has been significantly expanded. It now includes service options for burrito bowls, fresh-baked pizza, a salad bar, and a hot food buffet, catering to the growing demand for ready-to-eat meals. You will also find a Pours beverage bar offering specialty drinks and a dedicated olive bar and popcorn stand, elevating the standard grocery run into a culinary experience.
📍 Store #2: St. Petersburg Grand Opening (March 12)
Just one week later, all eyes turn to St. Petersburg. On March 12, Publix will open its doors at 6605 38th Ave. N. This location is particularly notable for its size and the fact that it is a completely new construction, requiring the demolition of the previous building on the site in 2024.
A Store Built for Capacity
Spanning a massive 55,454 square feet, this St. Petersburg location is significantly larger than the Clearwater rebuild. This extra space allows for even more amenities and wider aisles designed to accommodate the high volume of foot traffic expected in this busy corridor.
Adjacent Publix Liquors and Pharmacy
In addition to the standard grocery departments, this store features an adjacent Publix Liquors, allowing customers to handle all their shopping needs in one trip. The pharmacy inside will offer the same drive-thru convenience found in Clearwater, ensuring prescription pickup is quick and easy.
St. Petersburg New Build Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | March 12, 2026 |
| Address | 6605 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL |
| Total Size | 55,454 sq. ft. |
| Store Type | New Construction (demolished former building in 2024) |
| Key Amenities | Adjacent Publix Liquors, Drive-Thru Pharmacy, Seating Area |
Community Impact and Logistics
The opening of this new location comes with a logistical shift for local shoppers. Due to the proximity of the new store, the Publix located at Eagles Park Retail Center (5577 Park St. N.) will permanently close on Saturday, March 7. This consolidation allows Publix to serve the community from a larger, more modern facility with improved parking and layout.
🛒 The “New Publix” Experience
Both the Clearwater and St. Petersburg locations serve as prime examples of the “new Publix” aesthetic that the company has been rolling out across Florida. If you haven’t visited a newly built or renovated Publix lately, here is what you can expect:
- Expanded Deli and Food Service: Gone are the days of just sliced meat. These stores feature robust food service programs including burrito bowls, freshly baked pizza, fried chicken, and substantial hot and cold buffets.
- Bakery and Seafood Displays: The departments are getting larger, with expanded displays that showcase the variety and freshness of the offerings.
- Self-Checkout Integration: Alongside traditional cashier lanes, these new stores feature banks of self-checkout kiosks for those looking to grab a few items and go.
- Outdoor Seating and Canopies: Many of the redesigned stores, including these, feature covered outdoor seating areas where customers can enjoy a coffee or a snack from the Pours bar.
The Giant Shopping Cart Cameo?
There is a fun tradition associated with new Publix openings: the Giant Publix Shopping Cart. This massive cart—standing nearly 12 feet tall and built on a Volkswagen Sand Rail chassis—often makes appearances at grand opening ceremonies, cruising around the parking lot at speeds up to 45 mph. While not guaranteed, shoppers in both Clearwater and St. Petersburg should keep an eye out for this whimsical marketing mascot on opening morning.
📈 The Bigger Picture: Florida’s Grocery Boom in 2026
These two March openings are just a snapshot of a much larger trend happening across the Sunshine State. The grocery sector is experiencing a surge in activity, with multiple chains vying for market share.
Publix’s Continued Dominance
As of late 2025, Publix operated 908 locations in Florida—more than four times the number in any other state. The company is aggressively investing in its infrastructure, not just with new stores but with acquisitions. In January 2026, Publix purchased six shopping centers for $130.4 million, securing prime real estate in high-growth markets like Orlando, Lake Mary, Windermere, and Fort Myers. Looking ahead, new stores are already planned for Viera (July 2026) and Panama City Beach.
Competitive Landscape
Publix isn’t alone in its expansion. Shoppers in Florida are seeing a flurry of activity from competitors:
Competitor Expansion in Florida (2026)
| Chain | Recent Activity / 2026 Plans |
|---|---|
| Aldi | Opened ~60 locations in 2025 (many Winn-Dixie conversions); 180 new stores planned nationally in 2026 |
| Trader Joe’s | Opened in Daytona Beach (Nov 2025) & Melbourne (Dec 2025); More locations planned |
| Winn-Dixie | Refocusing on Florida; Remodeling stores; New locations in Alachua & Keystone Heights by Summer 2026 |
| Sprouts | Opened in Daytona Beach (Feb 27, 2026) & Clermont (March 6, 2026) |
| Walmart | New Supercenter in Apollo Beach (Jan 14, 2026) & The Villages (Early 2026) |
This competitive environment pushes all retailers to innovate. For Publix, maintaining its legendary customer service is key, especially after being edged out by Trader Joe’s in a recent customer satisfaction index. The new store designs and expanded offerings are a direct response to evolving consumer expectations.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
For residents and visitors in the Tampa Bay area, here is a quick recap of the March 2026 openings:
- Clearwater (Rebuild): 1295 S. Missouri Ave. — Opens March 5 at 7 a.m.
- St. Petersburg (New): 6605 38th Ave. N. — Opens March 12 at 7 a.m.
- Note: The nearby Publix at 5577 Park St. N. closes March 7.
Both stores will hold brief ribbon-cutting ceremonies just before opening, welcoming the first customers into the aisles.
💡 Looking Ahead
The openings in Clearwater and St. Petersburg represent more than just new places to buy milk and eggs. They are a testament to Publix’s long-term investment in the Florida communities it serves. With enhanced amenities like drive-thru pharmacies, gourmet deli offerings, and spacious, modern layouts, these locations are designed to save time and elevate the shopping experience.
As the grocery wars heat up in Florida with the arrival and expansion of chains like Aldi, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s, Publix continues to lean on its combination of location convenience, store experience, and the friendly service it’s famous for. If you are in the neighborhood this March, stop by, grab a Publix sub from the expanded deli, and see the future of grocery shopping for yourself.