Giant publix shopping cart
Giant shopping cart cruises through Viera to herald new Publix opening
Courtesy S. Jennifer Paulson
Keep your eyes out for an unusual site on Brevard’s roadways this week – a giant Publix shopping cart.
The massive, metal cart with the traditional Publix green handle, will be in town for the opening of Brevard’s newest grocery store. Located in Palm Bay, at 9179 Babcock St. S.E., the new store opens its doors Thursday at 7 a.m.
Space Coast residents first got a look at the giant Publix shopping cart in April. It was in town for the opening of a new Viera Publix.
At the time onlookers gawked and flooded social media with images and videos of the oversized buggy driving on the street and even through some neighborhoods.
How you can see the giant Publix shopping cart in Brevard
Head to the grand opening of Brevard’s 26th Publix location.
The massive shopping cart will be at the new two-story Palm Bay store.
“Customers may catch a glimpse of the large, motorized Publix shopping cart traveling around the community on opening day,” a Publix spokesperson said in an email. “The shopping cart is another way Publix is celebrating the company’s new location with the community and driving awareness for customer convenience.”
The head-turning vehicle started appearing at some Publix grand openings earlier this year.
Who made the giant Publix shopping cart?
Total Precision Fabworx, a relatively new Clearwater-based company made the oversized cart. Mike Dunlap, owner of the company, built the mammoth cart with his business partner, Tate Freeman.
It took them about three months to build the cart that stands 11’9” tall, about 14’ long and more than 7.5’ at its widest point. It’s believed the cart weighs about 2,000 pounds.
The builders started out with a Volkswagon Sand Rail, which is a vehicle stripped down to the barest essentials. It consists of a tube frame, an engine and transmission, front and rear suspension, wheels and tires, brakes, seats and steering. Although you might miss him, there is a driver sitting in the vehicle controlling the cart.
From there, lots of welding took place to construct the cart’s black frame, a seat upfront for a super, super large child to sit, a green bar to push the cart and even ads on the front and sides of the buggy.
It’s designed to go no more than 45 mph, which means you won’t see the giant Publix cart cruising down Interstate 95. Hopefully it won’t be left to go astray in the parking lot and it will be returned to the proper area.
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.