PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — The closure of a Winn-Dixie is fueling fresh frustration across Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, as residents say grocery options aren’t keeping pace with the region’s rapid growth.

After the news broke Saturday, many took to social media to voice concerns, with some suggesting that a Trader Joe’s could help meet demand and reduce the need to travel to Palm Beach County for more variety.

Port St. Lucie, now home to nearly 255,000 residents, has become Florida’s sixth-largest city, according to the U.S. Census—an increase of about 50,000 people since 2020, according to previous reports.

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With Winn-Dixie’s departure, five major grocery chains remain serving the city: The Fresh Market, Publix, Sprouts Farmers Market, and ALDI.

Supermarket threshold is defined at a minimum of 2,500 people and a maximum of 40,000 according to a study from the University of Texas at Arlington. Based on current population levels, that would leave roughly 45,000 residents per store if demand were evenly distributed — suggesting there is ample room for an additional supermarket.

While they are starting to see more businesses like Costco, Buc-ee’s, and Yard House in the area, comments show they still want more variety in their hometown, so they don’t have to keep driving far away and can keep business local.