Aldi and Ross Coming to Oldsmar

Fans of Aldi and Ross will be happy to know that the discount stores will be setting up shop in Oldsmar.

The new stores will be located at the Forest Lakes Plaza, which is located at the corner of Forest Lakes Boulevard and Tampa Road. Winn Dixie served as an anchor store for the shopping center, however, the grocery store moved out four years ago and the plaza has remained an empty eyesore ever since.

"The plaza has been operating with a high vacancy rate since the closing of the Winn Dixie," Planning and Redevelopment Director for the City of Oldsmar Marie Dauphinais, told city council members on June 23.

During the city council meeting, leaders approved a variance allowing Ross to install a 368-square-foot sign. The sign exceeds the city's 150-square-foot limit.

2,779 square-feet of the existing building will be demolished, according to Dauphinais. The building will be repainted in earth tones (see photos).

The parking lot will get a makeover with landscaping added along Tampa Road and a landscaped entrance way with Washingtonia Palm trees.

Rennovations should begin in a few months.

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