Publix snags trio of centers

Publix Super Markets Inc., following a flurry of purchases of shopping centers it anchors in the waning days of the last economic recession, may be at it again.

The Lakeland-based grocery chain has acquired a trio of shopping centers in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties for $68.7 million, property records from the three counties show.

Brian West, a Publix spokesman, says that the acquisitions do not represent the kick-off to another round of intentional buying.