South Florida Publix Locations Cracking Down On Pets In Stores Policy

It’s about time! It appears that Publix is mounting a serious effort to stop shoppers from bringing their dogs into their stores. The push just got started in South Florida Publix locations thanks to dogged reporting from BocaNewsNow.com. Given that the disgusting practice violates federal law, hopefully the move will spread across the state. I don't see pets in the Estero location. Not sure about Fort Myers or Naples.

This isn’t the first time Publix has taken a stand. In 2018, they focused on banning pets in grocery carts, but that was really the extent of it, and that’s not a common ocurence, or the biggest problem. The sniffing and licking of food meant for human consumption, not to mention the urine and feces in the aisles was, and is, a much bigger problem.

Now, though, Publix is taking a real stand.

Window signs already remind shoppers that it’s illegal to bring in anything other than a true service animal. But on top of that, the company is in the process – at least in South Florida, so far – of putting up larger signs that shoppers wont be able to miss. Store managers have been told to notify law enforcement if nothing else works to keep pets out of the stores. Their owners could be charged with trespassing.

Importantly, shoppers will be reminded on these new larger signs, that emotional service animals – ESAs – are not true service animals trained to assist the blind, or those who have epilepsy, and the ESAs will not be allowed.

By the way, this is not an excuse to leave your dog in a hot car while you go inside to shop. Don’t get me started on that! If your dogs are not trained, working service animals, leave them at home.

There are about 876 Publix stores in Florida. Let’s hope each one of them seriously backs this effort.

Ranking Fort Myers Publix Stores From Best To Worst

Publix stores are everywhere in SWFL and if you're ever wondered which Publix in Fort Myers might be better than others, I've done the heavy lifting for you.

Much like everyone has the Pub Sub they like best, I'm sure everyone has a Publix they prefer over others. Where I live in Fort Myers, I have 4 of them within just a few miles. One I could walk to if I really wanted (no thank you, Florida sun). But I always go a little further to the "fancy" Publix. The one right at McGregor and Gladiolus. While I can't put my finger on exactly what it is that sets it apart, it has a feel of class to it that I enjoy.

In this day and age everyone has an opinion. Remember the chicken sandwich wars over Chick-fil-A vs Popeye's? And everyone likes to the share it. So here we are with the Publix wars of Fort Myers.

How I Created the Ranking of Publix stores in Fort Myers:

Looking at the Publix website, there are 15 Publix stores in Fort Myers. While I mentioned my favorite above, and I haven't been to every single one, I decided to expand out of my personal feelings. So Google reviews it is. Here they are ranked from best to worst, based on internet reviews. If you want to see the Cape Coral rankings, those are here.

1. Publix Super Market at Shops at Village Walk

7950 Dani Dr Suite 200, Fort Myers, FL 33966

Rating: 4.6

Number Of Reviews: 1,374

On top thanks to reviews like this: "What is not to like? Very clean,first of all. And the employees were super attentive and friendly. I easily found everything I needed. And the fresh food was so fresh! I also found plenty of gluten free and plant based foods which I usually order from whole foods or Amazon. I will continue to shop here"

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/26.604104,-81.808558