Publix replacing store in St. Pete

It's not the years, it's the mileage, as Indiana Jones once famously opined. Well, sometimes it's the years, too.

That's what's driving Publix Super Markets Inc. to raze its 40,000-square-foot store in Disston Plaza, in St. Petersburg, and replace it next year.

The new 45,600-square-foot Publix will anchor a newly renovated Disston, which will feature new lighting, landscaping and parking improvements. A new traffic signal is being installed, as well, and a roadway in the area will be widened.

Plaza owner The Sembler Co. says the balance of the 123,000-square-foot retail center, at 3501 49th St. N, will remain open during the renovations. They, too, are scheduled to be completed by fall 2018.

Brian West, a Publix spokesman, notes the existing supermarket dates back to 1961.

“We have a great customer base there, so there's no need to go to another location,” says West. “It's just a very tired building and time to re-do it.”