Publix pitches 700 new jobs in $4.2 million incentives request

Published on December 2, 2016 | By Margarita Alfaro

Publix Super Markets is applying for more than $4.2 million in tax refunds, tax exemptions and cash incentives in exchange for adding 700 jobs and a $28 million facility in Lakeland.

The incentives packages are being sought through Enterprise Florida, the state’s business recruitment and retention arm, under the code name “Project Suede.”

“We are exploring possible opportunities for additional office space for support associates, and as part of our due diligence process, we are researching available incentives in various areas,” Publix Super Markets spokesman Brian West said in an email.

Through the state’s Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program, the company would receive up to $3.5 million in tax refunds over 10 years. Local governments are required to supply one-fifth the incentive, so Lakeland and Polk County governments would each contribute $350,000.

A second program, the Polk County Bonus Incentive, would pay up to $700,000 in cash over 10 years if Publix meets the performance requirements. Half the cost would be borne by Lakeland, the other half by Polk County.

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by: Christopher Guinn, Ledger Staff

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