8 Winn-Dixie grocery stores coming to state

What once was an Earth Fare in Boynton Beach will become a Winn-Dixie, along with seven other Lucky’s Market and Earth Fare locations across Florida.

In total, eight Lucky’s Market and Earth Fare locations are under contract to become Winn-Dixie supermarkets, according to a statement Wednesday from Southeastern Grocers Inc., WinnDixie’s parent company.

That includes Lucky’s Market stores in Fort Myers, Gainesville, Lake Mary and

Melbourne, and Earth Market stores in Boynton Beach, Jacksonville, Lakewood Ranch and Viera.

All the Lucky’s and Earth Fare stores in Florida closed earlier this year.

Since 2005, Southeastern Grocers Inc. has filed for bankruptcy reorganization three times and closed 31 South Florida stores.

The company emerged from bankruptcy most recently in May 2018 after shedding $600 million in debt. Recently, Southeastern has focused on opening its Latinoriented specialty chain,

Fresco y Mas. Two Fresco y Mas locations have opened in Hollywood and Lauderhill since 2017.

Aldi and Publix took over several Lucky’s sites throughout the state.

“At Southeastern Grocers, we are committed to supporting, enriching and growing the communities we serve,” Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in the statement. “Winn-Dixie is deeply rooted in Florida, and we are proud to expand our footprint and enhance our presence throughout the state.”

The eight new WinnDixie locations throughout Florida will include:

■ 8855 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach

■ U.S. 41 & Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers

■ 1459 N.W. 23rd Ave., Gainesville

■ 11700 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville

■ 11525 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch

■ West Mary Blvd., Lake Mary

■ 3170 W. Haven Ave., Melbourne

■ 5410 Murrell Road, Viera