Publix donating directly to Putnam (Whom I suspect he might be another Scott) was a dumb move advertising-wise. On the other hand, that much money seems to indicate that the Republican is considered the hands down favorite for the governorship of Florida. Publix does not make many dumb mistakes.
My position is that if you have a lot to lose, like 30% of your clientele and you are running a 3%-5% profit, you are better off not placing the name of the company up front and center where can be attacked for taking a position.
Politics is fleeting. What looks cool today is anathema next year. If you are an artist, your risk of ending up in a Reality-TV show next to Gary Busey will increase for taking a political side.
Be smart, let others do the political fight and you be smart about contributions.
Brendan Eich was professionally destroyed by the left in 2014 for making a contribution in 2013 to a cause Barack Obama supported in 2012.
Politics is fleeting, indeed.
On the other hand, there is a reason Microsoft spends more money on lobbying than research and development.