Publix at Dolphin Village in St. Pete Beach to be rebuilt into larger, elevated new prototype store
/The former publix super market at the dolphin village shopping center prior to the fire of may 2025 | brixmor property group
Five months after a devastating fire left Dolphin Village’s Publix and neighboring shops in ruins, plans are now moving forward to bring a larger, more modern supermarket back to the barrier island.
New York-based Brixmor Property Group, owner of the fire-damaged shopping center, announced Monday that it will submit development plans to the City of St. Pete Beach for a new 51,000-square-foot Publix Super Market, a major expansion from the previous 33,000-square-foot store.
The proposed design includes covered parking beneath an elevated store, a feature aimed at improving shopper convenience and storm resilience.
The fire-damaged dolphin village shopping center | st. pete rising
Project approvals and construction are expected to take several years, and an opening date has not yet been determined.
“Publix is a vital part of Dolphin Village and the only full-service grocery store on the island,” Matthew Ryan, regional president for Brixmor Property Group, said in a statement.
“We are proud to partner with Publix on this next-generation store. We remain deeply committed to the community by working closely with the city to rebuild and revitalize Dolphin Village for future generations.”
“This new store reflects our dedication to providing a modern and convenient shopping experience while remaining a trusted part of the community we’ve proudly served for decades,” added Lindsey Willis, Publix media relations manager.
The fire-damaged dolphin village shopping center | st. pete rising
Mayor Adrian Petrila voiced support for the plan, stating, “The city recognizes the essential role that Publix plays in our community as well as the critical importance of resilient redevelopment.”
“We are encouraged to hear that a plan will be submitted for the city’s consideration,” Petrila added. “We look forward to working with Brixmor to strive for a timely and successful reopening.”
When the fire broke out in May, the flames first destroyed the neighboring CVS, then later spread to other businesses, including Publix.
No official cause has been publicly announced.
Today, a sign in front of the fenced-off fire-damaged area lists the open storefronts.
Although much of the Dolphin Village shopping center remains vacant, new plans signal the first major step toward bringing more life back to the property.
