Grocery giant gives college a try

TAMPA — A 29,000-square-foot Publix grocery store will open on the University of South Florida's main campus in Tampa.

The store will be Publix's first on-campus location in Florida, according to a release. USF's agreement with Publix includes a 21-year ground lease with six five-year term extensions for a store to be built at the corner of Fletcher Avenue and North Palm Drive, the statement adds.

The store will be a part of USF's new Student Housing Village, putting more than 10,000 students within walking distance of the store. Construction is expected to begin later this year, the statement says, and could be completed late next year.

“Our students' top request was to bring a grocery store to campus so that we could create a healthy living and learning environment that fully supports them in their goals and ambitions,” says USF President Judy Genshaft. “This Publix location will bring a great dimension to our new student village and create a vibrant and welcoming environment on the Tampa campus.”