News Summary
St. Petersburg, Florida will feature a rare 76-million-year-old Gorgosaurus skeleton named Devaiah atop a new parking garage. This unique exhibit is part of The Central development, which includes a mixed-use space aimed at enhancing the community’s appeal. The skeleton, housed in a secure glass case, will be accessible for free to children, aiming to promote STEM education. Set for installation in early 2027, the exhibit is expected to attract tourists and stimulate local businesses.
St. Petersburg to Showcase Rare 76-Million-Year-Old Gorgosaurus Skeleton atop New Parking Garage
St. Petersburg, Florida will soon be home to a rare 76-million-year-old Gorgosaurus skeleton, which will be prominently displayed on the roof of a newly opened parking garage on Central Avenue. This unique exhibit is part of The Central, a mixed-use development that is currently being constructed in the EDGE District of the city.
The newly unveiled parking garage has a capacity of 540 vehicles and is ready for public use. It sits at the heart of The Central project, which encompasses a 140,000 square foot office building, a 168-room hotel, 42 workforce housing apartments, and 14,000 square feet of retail and gathering spaces.
Development CEO Casey Ellison has indicated that the inclusion of the Gorgosaurus skeleton is intended to transform the perception of a typical parking garage by enhancing the visual appeal and contributing positively to the community. The idea of adding the dinosaur exhibit arose late in the design phase, coinciding with plans to establish a one-acre urban park atop the garage.
This specific Gorgosaurus skeleton has been named Devaiah, in honor of co-founder Sidd Pagidipati’s father. The specimen is considered rare, with only 20 known Gorgosaurus skeletons in existence worldwide, and is privately owned. Pagidipati’s initiative to purchase dinosaurs stems from a vision to make these historic creatures publicly accessible, thereby igniting interest in STEM education among the young and inquisitive.
Security and Accessibility
Devaiah will be protected within a specially designed UV-protected glass case, engineered to endure extreme conditions, including the potential impacts of a category five hurricane. Children will be granted free admission to view the skeleton, while general admission details for other visitors are expected to be announced in the near future.
Anticipated Impact on the Community
The Gorgosaurus is slated for installation in early 2027, coinciding with the anticipated overall completion of The Central development. This new attraction is expected to not only captivate residents but also draw tourists, thus injecting new life into local business and tourism sectors. The rooftop park will also provide direct access to hotel guests and office tenants, allowing them to engage with their surroundings.
This initiative follows the successful establishment of Big John, the world’s largest triceratops skeleton, which currently resides at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa. Mayor Ken Welch has voiced support for unique attractions like the Gorgosaurus, highlighting their potential to foster community engagement and tourism in St. Petersburg.
Future Developments
Additional information regarding the dinosaur exhibit, as well as plans for the urban garden associated with The Central, is set to be disclosed by Ellison Development in the coming months. The Gorgosaurus skeleton will serve as not only a remarkable visual icon but also a tool for educational purposes, making science and history more accessible for the community.
As anticipation builds around this groundbreaking project, the Gorgosaurus skeleton is poised to become a significant feature in St. Petersburg’s landscape, marking the city as a place of innovation, education, and community collaboration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg to Feature Unique Rooftop Dinosaur Exhibit
Additional Resources
- St. Peter Ising: 76-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur
- Wikipedia: Dinosaur
- St. Pete Catalyst: Jurassic Parking
- Google Search: Gorgosaurus
- Fox 13 News: Developer Plans Dinosaur Home
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gorgosaurus
- I Love The Burg: Rooftop Dinosaur Garden
- Google News: St. Petersburg Dinosaur
- WFLA: St. Pete Parking Garage Dinosaur Skeleton
- Google Scholar: STEM Education
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
