Sam's Club Opens in St. Pete

Around 50 patrons waited in line before 8 a.m. Thursday to be among the first inside the brand new St. Petersburg Sam's Club, located at 1725 34th St. N. 

Brief speeches were given by Florida Rep. Jeff Brandes, Mayor Bill Foster and former Mayor Rick Baker. 

"This is the day we’ve been waiting on for a long time," Foster said Thursday. "Thank you to the Sam’s organization for being a great employer, a great partner of value and a great philanthropist in the community. Welcome to the neighborhood and welcome to the city of St. Petersburg."

Earlier this year the , because the development is located on a brownfield.

Residents in St. Pete voiced loud opposition to the tax break.

"Walmart doesn’t need our money, the building is already there," said Lenny Flank at the June meeting. "They have to hire the people to run the store. They are not going to not hire people. They are not going to let the contamination sit there in the middle of the store. (The tax break) doesn’t make any difference to Walmart." 

Foster said the development of Sam's Club will help the local economy and could help 34th Street. 

"Not only is the new location a great addition to a revitalized 34th Street corridor, but we are happy to initiate a new corporate citizen to our community who shares with us our commitment to those who need help," said Foster in a news release.

 "Before even opening its doors, Sam's Club donated $45,000 to community organizations, including our schools, Police Department charities, the Metro Wellness Center, the Ronald McDonald House and more."

The Sam's Club also as a gas station on the property, located at the intersection of 17th Avenue North and 34th Street.