Lakeland is preparing to sell two downtown properties to Publix Super Markets for $10 each. City Attorney Palmer Davis told city commissioners on Friday that the $10 sale price stems from a deal negotiated 30 years ago, not a new incentive.
The two buildings are part of the information technology hub Publix has been building downtown, which is expected to create at least 200 new high-skill, high-wage jobs in Lakeland over the next four years.
The City Commission is expected to approve the transactions on Monday. The structures will be sold “as is.” In addition to $10 for each property, Publix will cover all closing costs.
The deal
The transaction includes the former J.C. Penney building at 321 S. Kentucky Ave., which Publix leases from the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Orange Street parking garage and adjacent 61-space surface lot, which Publix leases from the city…