Tampa Firefighters Honored With Donation, Discounts At Winn-Dixie

TAMPA, FL — It wasn't planned. Tampa Winn-Dixie customer Ron Popolillo just happened to arrive at the grocery store at 6425 County Line Road in Tampa just as the store associates were presenting a check to Tampa Fire Rescue Saturday.

In remembrance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the check totaled $2,001, the year terrorists flew into the World Trade Center, killing 3,000 people.

It was a gesture that hit home for Popolillo.

He reached into his wallet and drew out his World Trade Center work ID, a solemn reminder of another coincidence that spared his life.

Instead of heading to the World Trade Center that day, Popolillo was summoned to New Jersey for business. He watched the second plane hit the south tower from Jersey City, knowing his co-workers hadn't survived.

He said it was a rare opportunity for him to talk about that day with first responders who he knew could relate to the lingering horror and guilt.

The Tampa firefighters weren't just at Winn-Dixie to pick up a check. They also filled their grocery carts, stocking up on supplies for the fire station with a bonus 20 percent grocery discount from Winn-Dixie.

While remembering the nation's heroes on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, also made sure to pay tribute to those community heroes who are currently risking their lives.

On Saturday, all stores throughout the state offered firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and emergency dispatchers a 20 percent discount on their groceries.

“At Southeastern Grocers, we remember this monumental day in history by honoring the courageous heroes that selflessly served our communities on that day that changed our lives forever and by recognizing our heroes who continue to serve on the front lines every day," Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said.

"We acknowledge the brave individuals who stand up when their neighbor is faced with danger, and we hope this act of gratitude will empower our associates, customers and others to spread kindness in honor of the 9/11 heroes and all those we lost 20 years ago," Hucker said. "On this solemn day of remembrance, it’s more important now than ever that we stand in unity. We are stronger together.”

SEG has a long history of giving back to local community heroes. As part of its “pay it forward” initiative last year, SEG picked up the grocery bills for thousands of the pandemic’s heroes who shopped during the grocer’s first responder shopping hour. The frontline workers who shopped at SEG stores throughout the Southeast were surprised with a $0 grocery total at the register.