TAMPA, Fla. — First, the Sweetbay grocery chain closed at Tangerine Plaza in 2013. 

Four years later, Walmart pulled out of the plaza. 

Now, progress in the Tangerine Plaza in St. Petersburg’s designation as a food desert could soon change.

There are currently two submitted offers to reinvest in the property. One offer would demolish the current plaza and build affordably priced apartments, while the other offer would establish a food pharmacy.

Residents who live near the area shared about the impact a potential sale could have on them.

Yadira Cruz Gonzalez knows the importance of a meal, her fridge is stocked up for the week. “We have milk for those who are older, in this case for my grandma and my aunts,” she said.

Yadira has been living in St. Petersburg for two years. She says many people in her community lack access to food, especially food that is good for their health.

“We are young, but we have older family members that need to learn how to eat healthy,” she said.

She said she understands both proposals, “I think that it shouldn’t be focused on one thing because there are a lot of people here who are also in need of housing.”

Officials with the city say they received one offer from the local real estate firm Stoneweg U.S. offering $1.5 million to create a mixed-use development with affordably priced apartments.

At the same time, Positive Impact Ministries offered $1.75 million to purchase the lot to create a neighborhood market and a food pharmacy.

Karen Rae is the executive director for Positive Impact Ministries. She said the plaza aids in their weekly food drives to help meet the food needs in the community.

“Everyone deserves to have a dignified shopping experience, and that’s what we want to provide for our neighbors right here at tangerine plaza,” Rae said.

Stoneweg U.S. didn’t respond to a request for comment, but according to their proposal, they believe providing options for housing is important for families.

For Yadira, she hopes the purchase of the property will mean seeing the community transform, and that food insecurity is top of mind.

“I think that it would be best to have access to food. That way, we can learn what is good for us to eat,” said Yadira.

She said this community is based on helping each other, and with resources like food, it’s helping bridge the gap for access to food.

The city also sent a letter from former St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster in support of Positive Impact Ministries, who said, “The public benefit far outweighs the purchase price or any other use.”

The decision will now be left to city council members to decide which proposal to approve.