PUBLIX GROCERY IS COMING TO FREEPORT

Freeport is on the Map. I am sure the opening of the Panama City International Airport has helped in this decision. With the new Panama City International Airport opening its doors in May 2010, I expect Freeport to see a lot more attention.


Publix grocery coming to Freeport [Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach]
Recent SVU News
02/05/2010 5:18 PM ET

Feb. 5--FREEPORT -- The whisperings have been confirmed: A Publix Super Markets is coming to town.
A 45,000-square-foot store is set to open sometime in 2011, said Dwaine Stevens, a spokesman for Publix in Jacksonville.
The store will be just west of U.S. Highway 331 south of State Road 20.
After 20 years of trying to attract a larger business to the area, Freeport Mayor Mickey Marse said Publix will do more than just generate jobs.
"Really and truly I was born here," Marse said. "When I was growing up you had three options: You knew someone at Eglin, you worked on a boat or you got in a vehicle and left. ... I'd like to see the people here, the ones being raised and educated here, be able to stay and make decent money."
"It is good economically for the city," said City Planner Latilda Henninger. "This city has always been supportive of economic development."
Marse said he has been told that construction will begin in March.
"I think it's a good thing," he said. "We have one grocery store here, so competition will be good."
Mike Owens, manager of Kelley 's SUPERVALU, Freeport's only grocery, said the Publix news was no surprise.
" We have heard the rumor," Owens said. "It's inevitable. As the town grows bigger, businesses are going to come. I think it will be OK."
Rather than worry about the competition, Owens said he will embrace it and offer costumers something larger stores cannot.
"We can respond to concerns more quickly and requests a little more quickly," he said. "Smaller businesses can focus on taking care of the costumer.
"Competition is always good for the costumer."