Publix a big player as elections near

With the primary and general elections nearing, Publix Super Markets has made more than $300,000 in state political contributions this month, according to newly filed finance reports. Publix contributed at least $306,000 from Aug. 1 to Aug. 12, the latest date for information posted on the state Division of Elections website.

Of that amount, $250,000 went to Florida Chamber of Commerce political committees, while another $50,000 went to "Florida Grown," a committee closely tied to Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

Publix also made $1,000 contributions this month to six state House candidates: Ormond Beach Republican Tom Leek, who is running in House District 25; Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, a Mount Dora Republican running in House District 31; Tampa Republican Rebecca Smith, who is running in House District 60; Tampa Democrat Dianne Hart, who is running in House District 61; St. Petersburg Democrat Ben Diamond, who is running in House District 68; and Sarasota Republican Alex Miller, who is running in House District 72.