Albertson's to Close Manatee Avenue Store

Albertsons LLC will shutter its local grocery stores in 60 days, describing the stores as largely unprofitable.

The grocery store chain announced Tuesday it will close 13 of its 17 Florida stores, including the stores at . The store at 8415 Lockwood Ridge Road, near the intersection of University Parkway in Sarasota will also close.

Christine Wilcox, public affairs director for Albertsons, said the company is closing all but its healthiest stores. The company will also close its distribution center in Lakeland. Nearly 1,100 employess across the state will lose their jobs. In Manatee County nearly 80 employees will be laid off.