News Summary
Florence is set to welcome the Pee Dee region’s first Publix supermarket at the northeast corner of Palmetto Street and Ebenezer Road. The 46,791 square-foot store will not only provide a new shopping experience but is also expected to create about 140 jobs, boosting the local economy. Community support for Publix is strong, with many residents eager for its opening. As Florence experiences significant growth, the new supermarket signifies a bright future for both local shoppers and the economy.
Florence Welcomes First Publix Supermarket
Florence is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to welcome the Pee Dee region’s very first Publix supermarket! This much-anticipated store will find its home on the northeast corner of Palmetto Street and Ebenezer Road, bringing a *thrill of new possibilities* for local shoppers.
A Supermarket Like No Other
The upcoming Publix store will span an impressive 46,791 square feet, making it more than just a grocery store; it’s set to become a shopping experience like no other. Adding to the excitement, this store is expected to create about 140 jobs for the community, providing a significant boost to the local economy. While the exact opening date has not yet been set, the buzz surrounding this new addition is palpable, with local residents eagerly waiting to fill their carts with groceries from one of the nation’s most beloved chains.
Community Support Plays a Big Role
It seems the people of Florence have spoken loud and clear! A recent poll conducted by The Post and Courier revealed that 53% of respondents favored Publix as their grocery store of choice. This overwhelming support has clearly resonated with the grocery giant, indicating that Florence is ready and eager for this new shopping destination.
Thriving Pee Dee Region
The excitement doesn’t stop with Publix. The Pee Dee region is experiencing a serious growth spurt that’s hard to ignore. With over 334,000 individuals making up the workforce in the area, and unemployment rates on the decline, it’s evident that the economy is on the up and up. In fact, 2024 has already seen 13 industry announcements that promise to further uplift local businesses, ensuring that Florence is heading in the right direction.
Job Opportunities on the Horizon
Several companies are making headlines for their investments in the Pee Dee region. EnerSys, for one, is putting its money where its mouth is, with plans to invest a hefty $6.7 million to expand operations in Sumter County. This expansion will create 14 new jobs and bolster its facility by an additional 34,000 square feet to meet the surging demand for battery products.
Bennettsville Printing is also jumping into the mix with plans to invest $8.4 million into expanding its operations. This initiative aims to create 24 more jobs in Marlboro County while focusing on military dyeing and finishing services, an essential industry in the area.
Healthcare Advancements
The growth in Florence isn’t just about trading or retail jobs. The local healthcare sector is also responding to community needs. MUSC Health Florence Medical Center is expanding its residency program, adding eight new Family Medicine and eight Internal Medicine residents. This initiative aims to address physician shortages in underserved areas, keeping healthcare access within reach for many residents.
Moreover, the recently inaugurated Streater Community Center is set to strengthen community engagement by offering resources, particularly for underserved populations like seniors and veterans. This center will also work to reduce healthcare barriers in the community, marking another stride toward a more vibrant Florence.
All Aboard the Florence Growth Train!
As Florence welcomes its first Publix and continues to grow on multiple fronts, both residents and newcomers can look forward to a brighter future filled with job opportunities, fresh groceries, and robust community services. With all these developments, it’s an exciting time to be part of the Pee Dee region, and everyone can surely feel the rising tide of economic enthusiasm!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Publix Super Market Will Open in Powdersville
Additional Resources
- WBTW: Pee Dee’s First Publix Headed to Florence
- WMBF News: Publix Open New Location in Florence
- Post and Courier: Publix Opening in Florence, SC
- WBTW: Pee Dee Man Facing Child Exploitation Charges
- WMBF News: Winning Jackpot Ticket Sold in Pee Dee
- Wikipedia: Pee Dee
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
