St. Petersburg Free Clinic relocation threatens sole grocery store in local food desert.

A neighborhood grocery store in St. Petersburg, known for its crucial role in the local community, faces demolition as part of plans by a nonprofit organization to establish a food pantry and social services hub on the site. Mairs Grocery, which has served the underserved Harbordale community for over 24 years, has established itself as a vital resource, providing hot meals and essential grocery items.

The St. Petersburg Free Clinic has reached a contract agreement to purchase the store alongside the adjacent Badcock Furniture location, located at 2200 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South. The city’s Development Review Commission approved the Free Clinic’s site plan and special exemption during a recent meeting, despite efforts to identify a solution that could preserve the grocer’s presence in the neighborhood.

Local officials, such as Commissioner Chuck Flynt, expressed concern about the future of Mairs Grocery, highlighting that the property is up for sale and could be razed without regard for the community’s needs. Jennifer Yeagley, CEO of the Free Clinic, has stated that her organization does not intend to undermine existing businesses; however, she acknowledged that the community’s concerns about the impact on Mairs Grocery became evident only recently.

The situation has sparked considerable public interest, leading to a Change.org petition aimed at saving Mairs Grocery, which has garnered over 2,500 signatures. While the adjacent Badcock building, now in bankruptcy, will remain, the Free Clinic plans to demolish the 73-year-old strip mall that houses Mairs Grocery to create additional parking for the new facility. This development would increase the parking capacity to 49 spaces, still falling short of the 73 units required by city regulations.

The Free Clinic aims to enhance access to its services, as its new 1.25-acre headquarters would better position it to serve the local population. Currently operating from 863 Third Avenue North, the nonprofit is responsible for providing free medical care, operating the area’s largest food bank, and running two no-cost grocery stores.

During a recent meeting, community members voiced their support for Mairs Grocery, emphasizing its significance as the sole provider of hot meals in the neighborhood and recognizing its status as a beacon of Black excellence in the area. Angel Torrens, president of the Harbordale Neighborhood Association, underscored the importance of preserving Mairs as part of the community’s fabric, preventing the displacement of a key resource.

Stakeholders were not fully informed about the implications of the Free Clinic’s plans on Mairs Grocery. Commissioner Sarah Jane Vatelot raised concerns about exacerbating existing food deserts and creating additional reliance on emergency food resources. Despite the contentious atmosphere, the commissioners ultimately approved the project, allowing the Free Clinic to proceed while encouraging it to explore options for Mairs Grocery’s retention in the area.

The Free Clinic now has a brief window to finalize its plans before the acquisition is completed, and community members, along with local officials, await further developments on this poignant matter that intertwines community service with local commerce.