Residents of St. Pete Beach say the Publix damaged in this week’s fire was a critical resource—especially for those still recovering from last year’s hurricanes.

“All of our rooms are suites with full kitchens, full-size refrigerators, coffee makers, toasters—it’s really been a lifeline having those amenities here, with Publix right across the street,” Robert Czyszczon, general manager of Plaza Beach Resorts, told Bay News 9. “Losing it will be very hard on many of our guests.”

The resort sits across from Dolphin Village, where a fire broke out Tuesday inside a CVS. Many locals rely on businesses in that plaza, including Wendy Athens, who’s lived at Plaza Beach Hotel since November.

“I’ve learned to get by with less—which is good—but I never expected to be here this long,” Athens said. “I thought I’d be displaced for two months at most. It’s May, and we’re still here.”

Athens is among several long-term guests whose homes were severely damaged during Hurricane Helene. For her, having a kitchen in the hotel room has been essential.

“You can throw together a meal quickly, and there’s a place to store food,” she explained to Spectrum News.

Until now, Athens and others relied on the nearby Publix for groceries. With the store now closed, their options are limited.

“It just broke my heart,” Athens said. “It’s the only grocery store on the island. There are a lot of people still displaced—and even those back in their homes might not have transportation.”

Czyszczon estimates about 80% of his guests are staying through FEMA vouchers, and many don’t have cars. The Publix’s proximity allowed them to cook meals and save money.

Amanda Baird, spokesperson for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, said the SunRunner bus can get passengers from Dolphin Village to the South Pasadena Publix in 15–20 minutes. That location is also near a CVS on Gulfport Boulevard.

Still, Athens noted that traveling farther poses challenges for seniors and others with limited mobility.

“Some of our displaced neighbors have mobility issues. They can take the Freebee or SunRunner to get there, but it’s just one more hurdle—and people have already been through so much,” she said.

Czyszczon pointed to a nearby Walgreens for some basic grocery items, and Athens mentioned the Corey Avenue Sunday Market as a fresh produce option.

As for the future of the damaged Publix, company spokesperson Lindsey Willis said in a statement, “The safety of our associates, customers and community is our first priority. We are cooperating with local fire and police departments. At this time, we have no additional details about the store’s status or reopening, but associates have been reassigned to other locations.”

Czyszczon hopes the recovery process begins soon, acknowledging it could be a long road ahead.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

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