Immokalee community faces grocery access challenges

A temporary bus route created to help Immokalee residents access groceries has ended just weeks after it began. The pilot route was launched to connect residents to a Publix in Ave Maria after the community’s only full-service grocery store closed in late October.

Commissioner McDaniel confirmed that low ridership and communication issues led to the decision to shut down the pilot route.

Immokalee, known for being a walking and biking community, has been without a full-service grocery store since the Winn-Dixie on Lake Trafford Road and State Road 29 closed.

Maria Hernandez, a local resident, said, "People say that Publix is so expensive, and right now the community is going through tough situations."

Caroline Gutierrez, another resident, believes recent ICE activity has made some residents hesitant to use buses or leave their homes.

"They are scared. They are even scared to go to the restaurant. They asked them for IDs and everything. It's not right. It's crazy," said Gutierrez.

Gutierrez also shared her concerns about Aldi replacing Winn-Dixie, saying the store is too small for the community's needs.

"We're not happy about it. We need a Walmart. There's a lot of people in here," she said.

For now, the Immokalee community remains without a full-service grocery store.