14-05-2025
Crews investigate damaging fire at CVS, Publix in St. Pete Beach shopping center
BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) – Several stores, including CVS and Publix, at the Dolphin Village shopping center are severely damaged following a fire on Tuesday.
Marissa Bauer, an employee at a shop in the plaza, called 911 when she heard fire alarms sound, Tuesday afternoon.
She described, 'I mean, it was just a wall of orange flames and black smoke coming from the top.'
Dozens of crews responded to extinguish the flames believed to have started at the CVS.
'I kind of went out the front door, and I saw a bunch of people running outside of CVS, and I popped my head in and saw the whole store engulfed in flames. I ran in and grabbed my coworker,' said Bauer. 'My heart dropped a little bit, I started freaking out. I definitely started to worry it was going to spread over into our store quickly.'
According to leaders with St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue, the fire reignited at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, and spread from the CVS to a nearby Publix and other surrounding shops.
Crews investigate damaging fire at CVS, Publix in St. Pete Beach shopping center
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Families who live in the area are surprised by the extent of the damage.
'Unrecognizable, I mean it's not even the same structure,' Max Sparrow said
Fire department leaders are investigating what sparked the fire. Several stores experienced extensive damage.
CVS released the following statement:
'We're grateful to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue for quickly responding to the fire at our Gulf Boulevard store this afternoon. We're cooperating with investigators as they try to determine the cause and are thankful no one was seriously hurt. The store is closed due to extensive damage. Patients with immediate prescription needs can visit the CVS Pharmacy at 3501 54th Avenue South for assistance.'
Publix released the following statement:
'Our store is not open currently and we are following the direction of the local fire department on reopening. We will refer all questions to the local fire and police departments. As always, our priority remains the safety of our associates and customers.'
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