No more mainland 'Pub Subs': Fort Myers Beach Publix reopens eight months after Hurricane Ian
No more journeying to the mainland for groceries, treats and beloved subs; Fort Myers Beach's only grocery store has returned.
The Fort Myers Beach Publix reopened to the community following its eight-month closure after Hurricane Ian demolished the region in September 2022.
Eager residents joined Publix and local officials as they kicked off the grand reopening of the store, providing care packages to the first 300 residents attending the grand opening filled with Publix plastic cutlery, napkins, plates, storage bags, disinfecting wipes and cups.
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The building sustained immense damage from Ian's 155 mph winds and severe 18-foot storm surge. Ian also wrecked 97% of Fort Myers Beach's other buildings, including businesses and homes.
Store manager Darryll Yarick spoke to the crowd about what it means to return to the recovering community and be able to provide for them again.
"It's great to see everyone back together again. A lot has been said about Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers Beach … how our residents have been displaced and how before today, you would have had to leave the island to get your favorite Pub Subs," Yarick said. "Well, that all changes today."
What has the last nine months looked like for the Fort Myers Beach Publix?
Lindsey Willis, Publix media relations manager, talked to the News-Press about what it took to get to their grand reopening, saying they were happy to welcome customers back into their store.
Just like the rest of the island, she said Publix has been focused on rebuilding since Hurricane Ian, and while patrons will notice some changes, it will be familiar.
“Last year’s storm still impacts many residents, and we know how important it is to provide them with these basic but important items,” Willis said in a press release. “Our customers and communities we serve are at the heart of all we do. As our community continues to rebuild, we are honored and privileged to serve our customers and welcome them back to their Publix store.”
What does the staffing look like?
Yarick will continue to serve as store manager. He has 18 years of service with Publix and five years at the Fort Myers Beach location.
Yarick joins the majority of his stores’ associates returning to their home store to continue serving the community.
How will Publix continue to provide for the Fort Myers Beach community?
The reopening provided an opportunity to give back to the community. Boxed lunches were provided to residents and construction crews who are rebuilding homes and infrastructure on the island.
Publix is also donating $5,000 in shelf-stable food, hygiene items, paper products and a Publix gift card for the purchase of additional needs to Beach Baptist Church on Fort Myers Beach to go toward efforts to help those still impacted by the hurricane. Beach Baptist Church feeds about 2,000 people each month.
“At Publix, we remain committed to standing side-by-side with residents and our associates as the community rebuilds. Let’s continue to do good, together,” Willis said.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Publix is reopen in Fort Myers Beach eight months after Hurricane Ian
