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Long-awaited Publix opens in Orlando’s Packing District

Site used to be home to citrus packing houses

ORLANDO, Fla. – Holly McWilliams and her family got up early and came right over to the new Publix in the Packing District.

The family lives in College Park, and for the last several years, they’ve seen all the construction that’s been taking place.

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“We have been anxiously waiting for all the development over here and we are super-pumped it’s all started to open up and be able to be used,” McWilliams said.

The supermarket, at the Groves at College Park plaza, is at the same spot where a replica of Dr. Phillips’ iconic juice stand opened in January.

The addition is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize some 200 acres of land that was once home to one of Central Florida’s busiest citrus packing houses.

“I like it because we just live right there and I wanted to see how big the parking lot is because we go to the Publix in College Park,” Jenny Deaton said.

Deaton met with her husband, Doug, at the new store for the grand opening on Thursday and said grocery shopping will now be more convenient.

“It’s going to be much easier,” Deaton said.

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