Stories about the coronavirus pandemic are free to read as a public service at tampabay.com/coronavirus. Sign up for our DayStarter newsletter to receive updates weekday mornings. If this coverage is important to you, consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Tampa Bay Times at tampabay.com/subscribe.
• • •
Publix announced Friday that it wants to hire “thousands” of new employees this month amid the coronavirus pandemic. The positions would be in stores and distribution centers and come as demand is increasing as coranavirus spreads.
“We take pride in serving our communities during times of need, and with the unprecedented demand we are experiencing, we’re in need of more associates to help across our operating area,” said Publix Vice President of Human Resources Marcy Benton. “We’re looking for people who have a desire to serve, are passionate about the food industry, are willing to work hard and ready to build a career at Publix.”
Publix’s nine distribution centers in Florida are in Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, and Sarasota. They also have them in Lawrenceville, Ga. and McCalla, Ala.
Publix said it is seeking people in service, manufacturing, warehousing and other industries. The coronavirus has led to many businesses having to lay off employees, and Publix said specifically in a news release that it is seeking people “who have recently found themselves unexpectedly without work.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday ordered all the state’s restaurants to only offer delivery or takeout, which could lead to more job losses as some restaurants will close.
People interested can fill out an online application at www.publix.jobs.
“Publix is continually recognized as a great place to work and a leader in the supermarket industry,” the company said in its news release. “The company has never had a layoff and has a strong culture of promotion from within, community involvement and environmental sustainability. In addition to career advancement opportunities, Publix offers an array of benefits to help full- and part-time associates obtain healthcare, further their education, save for retirement and enjoy discounts on numerous products and services. Eligible Publix associates also benefit from being owners of the company through profit sharing in the employee stock ownership plan and stock purchase plan.”
• • •
Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage
EVENT CANCELLATIONS: Get the latest updates on events planned in the Tampa Bay area in the coming weeks.
STORES REACT TO VIRUS: Some businesses adjust hours or announce temporary closings.
BE PREPARED: Guidelines for essentials to keep in your home should you have to stay inside.
STOCK UP YOUR PANTRY: Foods that should always be in your kitchen, for emergencies and everyday life.
JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: See updates and tips posts, and ask questions of our journalists.
FOLLOW OUR COVERAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Reddit.
LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters
Keep up with Tampa Bay’s top headlines
Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter
You’re all signed up!
Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.
Explore all your optionsHAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips.
We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.