Winn‑Dixie, the Jacksonville‑based grocery chain, announced it will sell its final five Georgia locations to Food Lion, completing a strategic shift to operate solely in Florida. The stores in Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island and Valdosta will stay open under the Winn‑Dixie name until the sale closes, then briefly shut for conversion before reopening as Food Lion in mid‑December, Food Lion said.
According to News4Jax, the transaction will create about 375 jobs at the former Georgia sites. After the divestiture, Winn‑Dixie expects to run more than 120 grocery stores and over 100 liquor stores across Florida. President and CEO Raymond Rhee emphasized the company’s century‑long roots in Florida, noting that concentrating resources in the state will help “expand and strengthen our presence across Florida” and continue serving the communities that have shaped its story.
In entertainment news, Rockstar Games revealed that a post‑launch celebration for Grand Theft Auto VI – titled “GTA 6: The Festival” – will take place on November 21 at the Mana Wynwood venue in Miami. Headtopics reported the event will feature live performances by Cardi B, Travis Scott and Don Toliver, alongside DJ sets that echo the game’s Vice City soundtrack.
The festival’s ticket lottery is currently open, with entries closing on Tuesday, November 10 at 4 PM ET. Winners will be notified via SMS by 7 PM ET the same day, and the ticket‑purchase window opens on Wednesday, November 11 at 12 PM ET on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Participants must be at least 17 years old and may submit only one entry.
Both stories matter to Jacksonville residents: the Winn‑Dixie sale underscores the city’s role as the headquarters of a major regional retailer, while the GTA 6 festival offers a rare opportunity for local gamers to experience a flagship gaming event without traveling far from home.
What’s next? Winn‑Dixie expects the Georgia stores to convert to Food Lion by mid‑December, pending closure of the sale. Fans hoping to attend the Miami festival must submit their lottery entry by November 10 and be ready to purchase tickets on November 11 if selected.
Sources: news4jax.com, us.headtopics.com, us.headtopics.com
