LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets Inc. said Thursday that it has agreed to buy three stores in Florida from Albertsons Cos.’ Safeway chain. The stores are located in the cities of Altamonte Springs, Largo and Oakland Park.

“Publix continues to look for ways to expand within our operating area to better serve our customers. We are excited for this opportunity to acquire existing stores within our home state.”

Publix said it plans to continue operating the outlets as Safeway stores until early September, although it will close the stores’ pharmacies before that. Publix posters will be displayed within the Safeway’s pharmacies to let customers know once their prescriptions have transferred to the Publix pharmacy.

Employees at the Safeway are encouraged to pursue job opportunities with Publix, the company said, and will be provided with details on how to apply for employment. Publix said it expects all three stores to have grand opening dates, under the Publix banner, within the fourth quarter of this year.