A tale of two Gulfports: soaring, sinking

It only takes about three minutes to drive from one of Gulfport's commercial districts to the other, but in terms of prosperity, they seem worlds apart.

The town's waterfront arts district along Beach Boulevard S has seen a resurgence of new businesses, with the Apothecary Pharmacy, Yummy's Chicago Style Deli and Domain Food & Spirits opening in the past month alone.

Owners say a well-established art scene and the frequent street festivals have brought exposure.

"We've had a real good response, and the Art Walks really help us out," said Richard Reale, owner of Yummy's. An open-air produce market just outside the doorstep helps bring another 300 or so people by every Tuesday, Reale said.

But while businesses may be flourishing in the arts district, the shops and restaurants along the intersection of 49th Street and Gulfport Boulevard are suffering from the loss of the anchor store, Winn-Dixie.

Neighboring businesses have reported losing 25 to 40 percent of their income since the supermarket closed in February.

"I'm losing my shirt," said Ed Neri, owner of Dominic's Pizzeria, directly across from the former grocery store on Gulfport Boulevard.

In what may be a growing trend, Neri has rented a space along Beach Boulevard and is willing to pay three months' rent on an empty building so he can hold the spot until he moves in August.

"We were going to stay here. We were really happy … We were doing quite well," Neri said, but the empty shopping center across the street has encouraged crime and drug dealers to move in.

Since the supermarket closed, the parking lot has been left dark and the neighboring Chinese restaurant has been robbed twice, according to Mayor Mike Yakes, who has championed replacing the Winn-Dixie with another supermarket.

The city has recently joined with St. Petersburg in efforts to revitalize the commercial area but may see more businesses leave if the shopping center is left to founder.

The owner of Gulfport Hardware, Dave Cretella, said he wants to expand his business when neighboring Dominic's Pizzeria leaves, but only if business improves.

"Some of the snowbirds have left, and that will affect business, but not like this," Cretella said. "If it turns out bad here, I'll move out of Gulfport completely."

Nick Johnson can be reached at nickjohnson@sptimes.com or 893-8361.