Sweetbay to close 33 stores in Florida

Sweetbay has announced plans to close 33 underperforming stores in Florida.

Sweetbay will also close the pharmacy at its Bonita Springs location.

The company plans to close the stores by mid-February.

"While these decisions are difficult, especially given the impact on our associates, customers and communities, these actions will continue to enhance the performance of our overall store portfolio and further enable us to deliver profitable growth and accelerate shareholder value," said Nicole LeBeau, a spokeswoman for Sweetbay.

After these actions are complete, Sweetbay will have 72 stores in Florida.

St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster said he has contacted the supermarket chain to discuss options for the locations.

"After learning last evening about the proposed closure of three St. Petersburg Sweetbay stores, including the location in Midtown, I immediately assembled key staff members and property stakeholders to share information and discuss options," Foster said. "As of this morning, I had conversations with Sweetbay representatives and two meetings with staff and interested parties, and this will remain a high priority pending resolution."