LIVE OAK, Fla. — Construction is scheduled to begin on the Publix at Live Oak Crossing late this year.

According to Dwaine Stevens, a spokesperson with Publix Super Markets, construction is expected to commence on the new 45,000-square foot store in December. The store is projected for opening late in 2020.

The new Publix, which will be located at the intersection of 72nd Trace and U.S. Highway 129 on the northern end of Live Oak, has been approved by the Suwannee River Water Management District for an environmental resource permit.

A permit was filed last week with the City of Live Oak to begin prep work at the site. George Curtis, the planning and zoning director for the city, said there will be additional permits — and plans — for the actual construction of the store itself. Those have not yet been filed.

According to plans for the site, in addition to the main Publix building, the site will also include shops attached to the northern side of the building as well as three outlot locations.

The new Publix will include a drive-thru pharmacy according to those plans.

Atlanta-based ARS Ventures, LLC, is the project developer.

The project has been years in the making.

In August 2016, the City of Live Oak annexed 11.59 acres, for the purpose of a shopping center, into the city limits.

This is in the same location where the Live Oak Crossing shopping center and Publix will be constructed.

Dennis Music, with Overlook Investment Group, submitted that proposal to the city. He said at the time he was acting on behalf of a client he didn’t name.

Currently, the local Publix is located at South Oaks Square, 1528 Ohio Ave. S. The current store is 36,000 square feet.