⊲ Publix is set to build a 52,425-square-foot grocery store and liquor store, along with 8,400 square feet of adjacent retail space, on 10.02 acres in the Traditions Phase 1 subdivision south of Winter Haven, featuring a drive-thru pharmacy, two out parcels along Thompson Nursery Road and development led by Orlando-based Windercrest Development Group, which recently submitted construction plans to the city.
⊲County Manager Bill Beasley announced the confirmation of Amber Smith as director of Polk County’s communications division following an appointment by the Board of County Commissioners.
⊲Mega Mercado, which began as a Latino market with a Mexican restaurant in west Lakeland 22 years ago, has opened a second location in south Lakeland, at 6645 S. Florida Ave., featuring a larger Mexican restaurant alongside a smaller Latino market.
⊲Sora Eatery proposed transforming a vacant restaurant space at Lakeland Linder International Airport into a food hall featuring Asian-inspired dishes like onigiri and teriyaki alongside American classics, with plans for full operations by April 1, pending city commission approval.
⊲A portion of State Road 33, in Lakeland, a two-lane country road, will be reconstructed to accommodate nearly two decades of growth that includes Florida Polytechnic University and the Bridgewater community.