Why does the Publix Super Market, in downtown Tampa, have an armed security guard? (Miami: crime, neighborhoods)

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by bobisinthehouse

But my question is about, why there is a guard protecting Publix. He was inside the store, right in front of the cash registers. He had a side arm which was a GLOCK 17 9mm Safe-Action Pistol. I know about all guns. Is there a bad area in Hyde Park, near downtown where criminals rob stores. I always thought that area is very safe.

It's been a while since I've been to that Publix, and when I was there, I didn't see a guard. This leads me to believe that:

1) This is a new thing.
2) He may have been part time.
3) Something bad must have recently happened there.
4) Maybe the money guy was there?

The only other Publix I've seen with a security guard (and it was a guard hired by the complex) was at the Pinellas Park Publix in an area where a lot of homeless like to hang out. It being so close to Downtown, there is a possibility that have an issue with the homeless coming over the bridge and harassing people at Publix.

[WinterK]

Originally Posted by McBain II

The Publix I used to visit (Missouri and Highland in Clearwater...one of the converted Albertson's stores) has an armed guard on duty as well.

I think you mean Missouri and Lakeview? Missouri and Highland run parallel to each other.

[McBain II]

Originally Posted by WinterK

I think you mean Missouri and Lakeview? Missouri and Highland run parallel to each other.

Yeah, that's what I meant.

[LKJ1988]

Never saw a guard at any Publix. Maybe the guy was just shopping.

[cjairo191]

There is always a cop at the publix in south tampa off Dale (not the one near gandy or further down). Why are they there in such a supposed nice area??? Protecting the rich. Never seen one at the bayshore one, but it's near the holidays and people get needy. I think more of the grocery stores should have security..

[mortpes]

Parking lot areas are high risk areas for crime.

[KPB]

You'd think that all Pubix's would have an armed guard at the door considering some store's do almost $100k a day.

[BucFan]

I recall seeing a few TPD standing outside the downtown Publix the last time I was there. I was thinking about parking there and running down Bayshore Blvd, so I figured they were there monitoring for rule-braking parking violators like myself. I figure the area (being downtown) is popular for parking by non-customers and they need to enforce the customers only rule.

[LKJ1988]

Originally Posted by BucFan

I recall seeing a few TPD standing outside the downtown Publix the last time I was there. I was thinking about parking there and running down Bayshore Blvd, so I figured they were there monitoring for rule-braking parking violators like myself. I figure the area (being downtown) is popular for parking by non-customers and they need to enforce the customers only rule.

Our so called Tampa know it all said there is no Publix down town.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by LKJ1988

Our so called Tampa know it all said there is no Publix down town.

Lol.