Florida's three Safeway stores have been acquired by Publix, including one at the Largo Mall.

Publix, which announced the purchase on Thursday, said the stores will remain operating under Safeway until early September. The locations are expected to re-open under Publix during the fourth quarter of this year.

The Largo Safeway opened in 2016 after $10 million in renovations. The box had previously been an Albertsons — as were the two other Florida locations: one in Altamonte Springs, near Orlando, and the other in Oakland Park, near Fort Lauderdale.

"Publix continues to look for ways to expand within our operating area to better serve our customers," said CEO Todd Jones in a statement. "We are excited for this opportunity to acquire existing stores within our home state."

The Florida Safeway stores were managed by a Houston distribution center. The California-based chain is popular on the West Coast and owned by Alberstons Cos.

Safeway's location at 10500 Ulmerton Road is across the street from another Publix — similar to the position of the Publix stores near 34th Street S. in St. Petersburg.

Previous coverage:Take a look inside the Safeway grocery store in Largo

While the Safeway stores will not close until the fall, the pharmacies will close sooner. Publix did not release an exact date but said posters will be displayed explaining prescriptions have been transferred to Publix pharmacies.

Safeway employees "are encouraged to purse job opportunities at Publix" the company said in its news release.

Contact Sara DiNatale at sdinatale@tampabay.com. Follow @sara_dinatale.