Hurricane Irma was the most powerful storm to strike the Florida Keys in more than a half century.
Miami Division Loss Prevention Manager Josh Edelstein played a big role in helping to collect supplies and reopen #500, Key West. His relationship with Florida police chiefs and his relentless efforts to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in the Miami Division helped Publix reach the hard-hit island just a few days after the storm. On Sept. 14 at 5 a.m., Florida State Troopers escorted a convoy of several Publix trucks from the Miami distribution center to make their way south.
As part of that convoy, one truck filled with ice and one with water — a donation coordinated by our media and community relations team — provided residents with much-needed relief. Regional directors, district managers, retail improvement specialists, loss prevention specialists and other associates joined the convoy to assist in opening the store quickly. By 10 a.m., we opened our doors and provided service to anxious customers in Key West.
“Josh’s efforts helped Publix serve the Key West community faster than we would have anticipated,” said Director of Loss Prevention and Safety Dennis Wamsley. “These are the times when you see our culture of service in action — continuing to be there for our communities when they need it most.”
Associates welcomed and helped upload trucks to open #500 Key West
