Maximo Park in southern Pinellas County is about to get a little larger.

  • Plans in place to remove mounds of gravel at Maximo Park
  • Will open up 4.5 acres of waterfront property
  • St. Pete paying $150,000 to remove the mounds
  • Maximo Park

A deal has been worked out between the county and the Department of Transportation to remove piles of debris in a storage area of the park and open up 4.5 acres of waterfront property. 

The park is located in south St. Petersburg, just off Interstate 275 and Pinellas Point Drive South near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 

But just before southbound I-275 drivers get to the bridge, they can easily spot mounds of gravel. 

"I always wonder what are they there for," said Joseph Emery, who lives near the park. "They've been there for awhile. It's just very unsightly, you know?"

FDOT has been storing the piles of street milling material at the park. But that will change soon as a plan five years in the making finally becomes a reality. 

St. Pete City Councilman Steve Kornell said the city has agreed to pay an estimated $150,000 to have the debris removed and stored elsewhere.

"It's going to make the neighborhood look nicer," Kornell said. "When you're coming off the interstate, you're going to have a nicer view than you do right now. It's going to be a place people can use."

Once the mounds are removed, the public will access to waterfront property that the city thinks will make a great addition to the park. In fact, city officials want public input on what ammenities the public would like on the land.

"I think it will be a more scenic way to show St. Pete," said Kristen Emery. "And yeah, I think it will be cool."