(Editor’s Note: The Sun Sentinel values the views of our readers. We received many letters about the decision by Publix to allow customers to openly carry guns in its stores. We invite all of our readers to send us your opinions.)

For 25 years I have shopped at Publix. No more. The Sun Sentinel’s front-page article makes me fear for my life (“Florida allows open carry of guns, so Publix will, too,” Oct. 9).

I could be shot dead arguing with a distraught customer over the last box of Cheerios. I could be shot dead in a checkout line by an impatient shopper behind me who’s tired of waiting.

These scenarios are no more exaggerated than are cases of road rage. These incidents happen more and more. Emotions are on edge, and some people will act out their rage.

After the first shooting incident at a Publix anywhere, maybe the company will rethink its insane policy and return to common sense and a concern for public safety.

Sheryl Hirsch, Parkland

Publix idiocy

I called Publix to advise them that my family, with two households that spend more than $1,000 a week, would no longer shop there.

It took me 15 minutes to reach customer service. The representative advised me that the wait was due to people protesting Publix’s gun policy. I pointed out the idiocy of the logic that they were just following Florida law, when that law allows private businesses to ban firearms on their property.

We will do our grocery shopping at Whole Foods, Target, Aldi, Costco, Walmart or Trader Joe’s.

David J. Kingsley, Plantation

Gun owners won’t flaunt it

I lived in the open carry state of Texas for more than 15 years. Never once did I see a citizen, other than a police officer, display a firearm in an open carry fashion.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Georgia, Virginia, Oklahoma, Alabama and Nevada, all open carry states. I have never seen anyone with a pistol on the hip, or a rifle slung over their shoulder, on the street or entering a store.

The reality is that law-abiding citizens who carry firearms are not going to flaunt it. They know the best course of action is concealed carry and will continue to do so, despite being allowed to carry openly.

Your editorial (“Publix should keep guns out of its stores,” Oct. 12) is off-base. It does nothing but scare patrons. If you see someone in tactical gear with a long gun entering a place of business, you can bet it is not with good intentions.

You write that the reason shooters target supermarkets or schools is that so many people are there. Wrong. Those are soft targets, and people know there are no lawfully armed citizens to prevent shooters from committing their atrocities.

Wayne Zimmerman, Pembroke Pines

Publix is flat-out wrong

I totally agree with the Sun Sentinel editorial. I am 77 years old. I worked at Publix in the 1960s and have shopped there exclusively since I started my own family in 1972.

I refuse to accept the risk and the “look” of shopping in a store that lets patrons openly carry guns. Publix management must take a stand — regardless of its well-known political leanings.

Even though open carry is legal, it sets a very bad example. Unfortunately, I will be forced to shop from now on at Publix’s competitors. I will not subject myself or my family to this, and I will actively campaign to advise others in my sphere of influence to do the same.

It is flat-out wrong for Publix to take this stance. I congratulate Walmart, Target and others for not allowing open carry in their stores.

Howard Ross, Boynton Beach

My decision: stay away

I live across the street from my local Publix and shop there often. I can walk, if I’m not buying too many items.

Although open carry is now the law in Florida, individual businesses have the option to not allow firearms on their premises. I applaud businesses that chose that. Publix has not.

I therefore have made the difficult decision to no longer shop at Publix. Despite the inconvenience, I will get in my car and shop elsewhere. I will also let my local store manager know of my decision in person. (I realize store managers had no choice in this matter). And I implore other like-minded readers to do the same.

Helene Wechterman, Deerfield Beach

Goodbye, Publix

Indeed, shopping always was a pleasure at Publix. In the 30-plus years I have lived in Florida, it  was my go-to place.

I liked the way they treated their customers, and their help. I felt comfortable and safe there, whether finding or returning items or getting assistance loading my car.

But things have changed. Now, if you want to bring your cute little puppy — sorry, no pets. But if you want to show off your lethal weapon, welcome!

Goodbye, Publix. You’re not the only game in town. I will miss you.

Norma Shapiro, Tamarac

Leave the premises

If you see someone in Publix with a gun, leave your cart where it is — food and all — and leave immediately. If enough customers do that, maybe the chorus line of nauseating gun owners and company directors will come to their senses.

Jay Fine, Hollywood

Your Wild West Publix

Publix will allow open carry of guns while shopping. How pathetic and sick is our society?

The gun nuts continue to push the idea of a return to the Wild West, but when a Charlie Kirk is gunned down, they’re in shock that it occurred.

Florida was lots more fun before the “small government” GOP decided to impose its values on our population to a seemingly maddening level.

Mark Walker, Boca Raton

The word will get out

Publix is asking for trouble, allowing people with guns in their stores.

What’s next, neo-Nazis in the parking lots with AR-15s?

Tourists have already been warned not to travel to the U.S. The word will get out, and our country will be in a recession before we know it. This state is going down the toilet.

Mario Papalia, Margate

Selective enforcement

Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis said that, as of Sept. 25, state law allowed the open carry of firearms, and it follows federal, state and local laws.

“Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix,” Willis said.

Does Publix similarly follow the law about pets? No. It lets all dogs in, service animals or not, and allows dogs to sit in the shopping carts, walk around, sniff and lick food. Publix should check to see how many Boca Rude-ton residents have had pictures taken in its stores, breaking the law.

I guess treating customers with dignity and respect applies only to what Publix wants. How about what its customers want, and what makes them feel safe?

Gail Schorr, Boca Raton

Shoppers and safety

I’ve shopped at three different Publix stores over the past 33 years. I have always felt safe up until now. Publix will now allow mentally deranged individuals to walk into their stores with guns openly visible.

Will Publix hire armed security guards to protect the welfare of its shoppers? I think not.

Philip Berman, Boca Raton

Where shopping is a danger

At its 2024 convention, the NRA itself didn’t allow carrying of loaded weapons at some of its venues, but Publix will allow customers to openly carry guns in Florida stores. Mind-blowing!

Michael Simon, Boynton Beach

Give up that ribeye

With Publix now allowing open carry, “Cleanup on Aisle 10!” may soon have a dark new meaning.

Shopping is not as much of a pleasure with a revolver in your face (“Hey, man, I had my hand on that steak first. Give it up!“)

Jeff Kleiman, Boynton Beach

Apologies in advance

Apologies in advance to the employee who’s tasked with restocking items in my Publix cart. I have exited the store to avoid an accidental shooting. Thanks for your service.

Nancy S. Cohen, Lighthouse Point

Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below. Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters will be edited for clarity and length. 

Originally Published: October 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM EDT