FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Fernandina Beach shoppers will notice a significant change in their grocery store options as two of the three grocery stores on the island close for renovations simultaneously. This leaves the island with just one traditional grocery store option.
Winn-Dixie in Fernandina Beach is closing at the end of July to convert into an Aldi, a process expected to take about six to eight months. Meanwhile, the Publix on the island has been closed since the end of April for renovations and will not reopen until the fall of next year. This leaves Harris Teeter as the only traditional grocery store available on the island.
Residents have shared concerns about the closures. Brenda McAllister, a Fernandina Beach resident, shared her thoughts on the situation.
“It just seems unfortunate that the timing is such that it is that Winn-Dixie has to close, and we’re going to be without two stores for some period of time,” McAllister said.
Fawn Garcia also lives on the island. She views the closures as an inconvenience. She plans to go over the bridge to do her shopping.
“Go to Aldi over there, or Winn-Dixie over there. Those are the only other choices,” said Garcia. “Actually, Dollar General is a possibility too.”
Harris Teeter will remain open throughout these closures, but many residents may need to venture off the island for their grocery needs. Maurie Dugger, community engagement director for the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, noted that they are working to expand the Saturday Farmers Market to include a second day during the week.
“One of the early solutions that is coming forward is a mid-week market, working with the city of Fernandina on planning or any of the code issues,” Dugger said.
In addition to the farmers market, there are other options available for residents. Dugger mentioned various local businesses that can help meet grocery needs.
“We have a local health food store. We have a general-purpose market. We’ve got some ready-made meals, all still within that same footprint,” she said.
Garcia is considering alternative options to get fresh food.
“That’s a possibility. I might, I’m not sure,” she said about going to the Farmers Market if it opens for a second day.
McAllister plans to shop at Harris Teeter while the other two grocery stores are closed. She may make occasional trips off the island but intends to primarily shop locally.
“I will shop at Nassau Health Foods as well,” McAllister said. “Also, I forgot about there’s a produce stand on 14th Street that I will be going, have been going to, and will continue to go there.”
While the absence of two grocery stores will be an adjustment, it presents an opportunity for the community to come together.
“We don’t want people to freak out, we don’t want people to panic because we know that this is a very short term. And as we are moving forward, we’ve got a ton of opportunities for folks to really think about the local options that we have that we haven’t thought about,” Dugger said.
Harris Teeter shared a statement with News4JAX about how it’s preparing for the potential increase in business:
Harris Teeter is aware of the changing retail landscape in Fernandina Beach. We are always evaluating our operations to better serve our customers. Our valued Fernandina Beach shoppers can continue to count on fresh, high-quality products at great prices, excellent customer service, and the meaningful community partnerships they have come to know and expect from their Harris Teeter. And we look forward to welcoming new customers to share our In Food With Love spirit.
Danna Robinson, the director of corporate affairs and customer relations at Harris Teeter
In response to the closures, the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau plans to collaborate with local agencies to help seniors learn how to order groceries online. Resources for residents will be posted on the Amelia Island website.
