St. Petersburg's leaders are fighting to keep the only chain supermarket that serves the Midtown area.
Last week, Sweetbay announced plans to close 33 stores across Florida, including the one at 1794 22nd St. S.
In 2005, when Sweetbay first announced plans for a grocery there, the city believed in its potential and secured $1.3 million in taxes to help make it a reality.
Community leaders maintain the store and the rest of Tangerine Plaza have made a big difference in the quality of life in the area.
"This is more than just a grocery store, which is why the city of St. Petersburg put skin in the game. It's about the dignity of a neighborhood, the renaissance and revival of the neighborhood. It's about foot traffic. It's about a revival of the schools that surround and a revival of the housing as we see it," said St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster.
"This is more than a building. It's the beginning of growth. We cannot let the building go dark" said Rep. Darryl Rouson (D) 70th District.
Foster says Sweetbay management won't take his phone calls. He wants to develop a plan with local corporate leaders to keep the store open.
If that doesn't work, Foster and other leaders want to find another store to fill the building.
The store is set to close Feb. 13.
The Midtown location employed more than 20 teenagers every summer as part of a youth development program.
The St. Petersburg stores set to close are at 6095 Ninth Ave. N., 955 62nd Ave. S., and 1794 22nd St. S.
Six stores are closing in other parts of Pinellas County; seven are closing in Hillsborough County and four in Pasco.