Avondale Publix vote tonight

A makeover of downtown Avondale Estates is expected to take another step forward tonight, when the city votes on a permit for the Publix project.

The grocery store will anchor a mix of shops and condos planned for a four-block area just east of the Tudor-style downtown.

If the board of mayor and commissioners approves the conditional use permit as expected at tonight’s meeting, the developer will need only to complete one more step - to show financing - before breaking ground on the project.

If all goes as planned, the Publix and other shops should be open by year’s end.

The board meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Avondale City Hall, on North Avondale Plaza. The public is welcome.