How the St. Petersburg Free Clinic’s Move Threatens the Last Grocer in a Struggling Food Desert

A beloved grocery store in St. Petersburg, Mairs Grocery, faces demolition as a local nonprofit plans to turn its location into a food pantry and social services center. Serving the Harbordale neighborhood for over 24 years, Mairs has become a vital source for hot meals and groceries.

The nonprofit, St. Petersburg Free Clinic, aims to purchase both Mairs and the nearby Badcock Furniture site on Dr. MLK Jr. St. S. A recent decision by the Development Review Commission allowed this plan to move forward despite community concerns.

Commissioner Chuck Flynt remarked on the potential loss, stating, “Someone else could come in and buy everything without a second thought.” While Jennifer Yeagley, the Free Clinic’s CEO, expressed surprise at community pushback, a Change.org petition to save Mairs has gathered over 2,500 signatures, showcasing strong public support.

The Free Clinic plans to demolish the 73-year-old strip mall that houses Mairs to add more parking, which is currently inadequate for the clinic’s needs. The owners of Mairs had hoped for more open communication with the Free Clinic regarding these plans. Although Yeagley reached out to Mairs’ owners, discussions had not fully addressed community fears.

Community leaders like Angel Torrens, president of the Harbordale Neighborhood Association, underscored the importance of Mairs in the community. “It’s the only place offering hot meals here,” he said, calling it a “beacon of Black excellence.” Torrens emphasized that the Free Clinic’s goals shouldn’t come at the expense of a crucial local establishment.

The Free Clinic, currently located in the Mirror Lake area, aims to serve the underserved populations more effectively by relocating to Harbordale. However, a recent survey indicated that 91% of residents were supportive of the clinic’s mission but unaware of the implications for Mairs Grocery. This points to a disconnect that highlights a broader issue in urban development: how to balance new initiatives with the preservation of beloved local businesses.

Statistics show that food deserts—areas lacking access to fresh food—are a significant concern across America, particularly in marginalized communities. Demolishing local resources like Mairs could worsen this problem, as highlighted by Commissioner Sarah Jane Vatelot, who noted the irony in removing a grocery store while attempting to provide more food services.

As the Free Clinic moves forward with its plans—but with conditions attached, such as increased landscaping and fencing—local leaders remain hopeful that solutions can be drawn that benefit both the clinic and Mairs. “We hope to continue being a responsible community partner,” Yeagley said, underscoring her commitment to finding a middle ground.

The 1.25-acre site will become the Free Clinic’s new headquarters, yet the conversation continues about what this means for the vibrant history of Mairs Grocery and the community it serves.

This situation highlights a need for more integrated discussions between nonprofits and community members in urban planning. Local support is vital, as the path forward should honor both progress and the unique gems that serve communities like Harbordale.

This article is provided in partnership with stpetecatalyst.com.

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