JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Winn-Dixie Company has received approval from Jacksonville City Council for an agreement that will pave the way for a $65 million investment in the company’s local operations over the next five years.

In a 16-to-2 vote, council members approved the agreement that supports an investment expected to strengthen the company’s Store Support Center, expand its local store footprint and support future job growth across the Jacksonville area.

The two no votes were Council President Kevin Carrico and Councilman Rory Diamond.

Winn-Dixie says the deal, supported by Mayor Donna Deegan, the Jacksonville City Council and community leaders, is a win-win for the city and the grocery chain.

“As Jacksonville’s hometown grocer, this is a meaningful milestone for our company and for the community we have proudly served for generations,” a company spokesperson said. “Today’s approval is an investment in the future of Jacksonville and in the long-term growth of The Winn-Dixie Company.”

Central to the plan is the development of the Edgewood location, which Winn-Dixie describes as a world-class workplace designed to foster collaboration, innovation and career development for its associates.

“The Edgewood campus represents an exciting opportunity to establish a long-term home for our Store Support Center,” the spokesperson said. “This investment strengthens our ability to serve our communities and meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Company officials say the campus will serve as the anchor for Winn-Dixie’s continued growth and future operations in Jacksonville.

Winn-Dixie officials pointed to strong engagement from associates, customers and neighbors as evidence of the company’s deep ties to the Jacksonville community.

“We have seen firsthand the passion and engagement from our associates, customers and neighbors who have been at the heart of our story,” the company’s statement said. “We are proud to continue building our future in Jacksonville for generations to come.”

Read the full statement below:

We are grateful to Mayor Deegan, the Jacksonville City Council and community leaders for their support and approval of this agreement.As Jacksonville’s hometown grocer, this is a meaningful milestone for our company and for the community we have proudly served for generations. Today’s approval is an investment in the future of Jacksonville and in the long-term growth of The Winn-Dixie Company. This decision allows us to move forward with plans to invest $65 million over the next five years in our Jacksonville operations to strengthen our Store Support Center, invest in our local store footprint and support future job growth.The Edgewood campus represents an exciting opportunity to establish a long-term home for our Store Support Center — a world-class workplace designed to foster collaboration, innovation and career development for our associates as we continue building the future of The Winn-Dixie Company. This investment strengthens our ability to serve our communities and meet the evolving needs of our customers.We have seen firsthand the passion and engagement from our associates, customers and neighbors who have been at the heart of our story – and we are proud to continue building our future in Jacksonville for generations to come.

Anthony Hucker, Chairman & CEO of The Winn-Dixie Company