Devastating Fire at CVS Store in St. Pete Beach

Firefighters working to contain the fire at the CVS store in St. Pete Beach.

News Summary

A three-alarm fire broke out at a CVS store in St. Pete Beach, leading to significant damage and the evacuation of nearby businesses. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the four people inside the store. Multiple fire agencies responded, managing to contain the blaze after extensive efforts. Investigations into the cause are ongoing, while community support for affected businesses has emerged in the aftermath of the disaster.

St. Pete Beach – A devastating fire broke out at a CVS store in St. Pete Beach on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, around 2:45 p.m., prompting a robust response from multiple fire agencies. The store, located at 4685 Gulf Blvd. within the Dolphin Village shopping center, quickly escalated to a three-alarm blaze, resulting in significant damage not only to the CVS but also to adjacent businesses.

Fortunately, all four individuals present inside the CVS at the time of the fire managed to escape unharmed. The initial flames and heavy smoke forced nearby stores to evacuate as a precaution. Approximately 42 fire units from multiple agencies were dispatched to combat the growing inferno, which was initially contained by 6:00 p.m. However, the situation worsened when the fire reignited around 9:00 p.m., leading to further destruction.

The intensity of the blaze caused the roof of the CVS to partially collapse, contributing to the spread of fire to several surrounding establishments. Affected stores include Publix, Swim City, Hungry Howie’s, an AT&T store, and a UPS shop. City officials described the firefighting efforts as a challenge, likening it to a game of “whack a mole” due to frequent flare-ups that required ongoing attention.

Firefighters ultimately succeeded in fully containing the fire by 11:30 p.m. on the same day. Despite the chaos and destruction, no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.

CVS has confirmed that the store has suffered a total loss. A spokesperson stated that employees of the affected store are being offered the option to transfer to nearby locations, ensuring that they can continue their employment. For immediate prescription needs, customers have been directed to the downtown St. Petersburg CVS at 3501 54th Ave. South.

In addition to CVS, Publix has reported that its staff have been relocated to other stores while assessments of the damage are conducted. Local business owners expressed their concern over the fire as another setback for a community still recuperating from recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, which had already put a significant strain on the shopping center.

The local community has shown shock and devastation in response to the fire, emphasizing the challenges many businesses and families are currently facing. Fire crews have maintained a 24/7 presence at the site to monitor for any possible flare-ups, ensuring public safety in the area.

As investigations into the fire’s cause are underway, officials have urged the public to avoid the vicinity to facilitate ongoing inquiries. During firefighting operations, Gulf Blvd was temporarily closed. However, the road has since been reopened.

The incident has sparked community support for the affected businesses, with various local organizations stepping up to offer condolences and assistance. As the investigation continues, the resilience of the St. Pete Beach community becomes a focal point in the aftermath of this disaster.

With significant efforts made by firefighters to contain the blaze and protect surrounding areas, officials are now focused on uncovering the fire’s origin and providing support to those affected. The situation continues to be dynamic, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.