A Madeira Beach Walgreens parking lot has become the unofficial new spot for student pickup - and it has customers running in the other direction. 

  • Madeira Beach Walgreens parking lot taken over by students
  • Customers say they avoid the store when school lets out 
  • Students and parents use parking lot for pickup instead of school 

Around the time when school gets out at Madeira Beach Middle School, customers say they avoid the Walgreens that is across the street.

"It's pretty bad. Like I said, I just wouldn't come to Walgreens," said customer Lynn Phipps. 

Dozens of students use the parking lot to get picked up and customers say it causes a traffic jam. 

"I have to time it. Thank heavens I can, because these school children and their pickup cars, that's the big thing too, the pickup cars, just mob this whole area," said customer Juanita Strickland. 

Parents say they use the parking lot because it's faster than waiting in the car line at school to pick their kids up. 

Parent Clarissa Norris said, "It's kind of hard over there 'cause the car line is really long." 

A Walgreens spokesperson said they want to ensure they're providing convenient access to the store for customers. Walgreens also said parents should use pickup and drop off procedures as recommended by the school. 

The middle school principal, Chris Ateek, said the car line on campus is the safest and most efficient way to pick up students. 

Ateek said the school does not condone using nearby businesses to pick up students. 

One parent said she realized that it's likely hurting business at Walgreens and will stop. 

"I think it's not fair. I do," said parent Kelly Coleman. 

Customers just hope the problem is addressed soon. 

Principal Ateek said he has notified parents about the problem through newsletters, phone messages, and at meetings. 

He said the middle school is a steward of the community and he wants to be a good neighbor.