Some Residents Are Excited For A Car-Free Halloween Stroll, Others Not So Much

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Some businesses look forward to Sunday's Halloween Event on Central Avenue that will close two miles of the street closed off to cars, and a few residents have concerns the headaches this could bring if it turns into something permanent.

Central Avenue will be shut down to motorized vehicles in the Grand Central District and EDGE District from Dr. MLK Jr. Street North to 31st Street North. The Halloween on Central event will only be open to pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and hover boards.

Business owner of Love Food Central, Keisha Thrift, is looking forward to Halloween on Central.

"I think it's fantastic," Thrift told the Crow's Nest. "I say that it's a great idea that Central Avenue, our main road, should be car—free. They should offer an avenue for bicyclists, people on scooters or people walking—just to be safe."

Nicole Roberts, coordinator of Car—Free St. Pete, organized the event. Roberts shared with the outlet that Boise, Idaho, has a street car — free, and businesses have had a 30 percent increase in consumer activity. She wants to demonstrate to local businesses the benefits of only pedestrian, bicycle and electric—scooter traffic.

Some residents feel if this is to turn into a permanent closure it would create a parking problem for nearby streets along with congestion.

"No way," Terri Alexander told Patch. "There is already an issue with parking and this would make matters worse. I live near by and have already noticed people parking along our streets leaving us to park blocks away. If they want to block off an area then maybe Beach Drive because they have parking garages and fewer businesses."

Patch asked the city of St. Petersburg if they plan on making this a permanent closure in the future. They said in an email that Sunday's event isn't a test for decisions based on making it a permanent closure, but as people slowly shift away from a car—centric culture, it may be a preview of a future St. Pete.

"I tend to agree with others about the parking issue, and certainly no one wants the businesses to suffer," Priscilla Young said. "It seems like a main reason for no cars would be because there are performances in the streets, vendors, etc. Absent that, then what is the compelling reason for car free? If it is to provide a car-exhaust-free zone, then would that actually bring in more business to the street? The parks along the bay and the Pier provide ample area for freely walking without the worry of traffic, except for bikes and skaters, and exhaust fumes."

Attendees are invited to wear Halloween costumes Sunday while rediscovering locally owned businesses. The event is 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from MLK Jr. St. to 31st Street North.

This is in partnership with St. Pete 2050 Visioning Process, Car-Free St. Pete, the city of St. Petersburg, Grand Central District, EDGE District and Open Streets St. Pete to shut down 22 blocks of Central Avenue, from MLK Jr. St to 31st Street, on October 31st, 2021.

For more information about Car—Free St. Pete, visit its website.