Exhibit 99


                                                         Contact:  Lee Brunson
                                                         (863) 680-5339



            Publix Reports First Quarter Results and Stock Price

LAKELAND, Fla., May 1, 2003 -- Publix's sales for the first quarter of 2003 were
approximately $4.3 billion, a 3 percent increase from last year's $4.2 billion.
Comparable-store sales for the first quarter of 2003 decreased 2.3 percent. The
first quarter of 2003 was negatively affected by the late Easter holiday, which
was in the first quarter of 2002.
      Net earnings for the first quarter were approximately $187.1 million this
year, compared to $195.2 million in 2002, a decrease of 4.1 percent. Earnings
per share were $0.99 for the first quarter of 2003, the same amount per share as
the first quarter of 2002.
      These amounts are based on unaudited reports that will be filed later this
month with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company's quarterly
report to the SEC, Form 10-Q, will be available on its Web site at
www.publix.com/stock on May 14, 2003.
      Based on the most recent appraisal, Publix's stock price decreased $1 from
$38.50 per share to $37.50 per share. Publix stock is not publicly traded and is
made available for sale only to current Publix associates and members of its
board of directors.
       "Unfortunately, the market continues to struggle with the many challenges
facing our economy. Our flat earnings per share for this quarter could not
offset these market conditions," Publix CEO Charlie Jenkins Jr. said.
      Publix is owned and operated by its 119,500 employees, with 2002 sales of
$15.9 billion. Currently Publix has 756 stores in Florida, Georgia, South
Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The company has been named one of Fortune's
"100 Best Companies to Work For in America" for six consecutive years. In
addition, Publix's dedication to superior quality and customer service is
recognized as tops in the grocery business, most recently by an American
Customer Index survey. For more information, visit the company's Web site,
www.publix.com.