Pinellas Park, Fla. – A major vacant parcel in the heart of Pinellas County is set for a new chapter. Belleair Development Group, a local commercial‑property owner, has gone under contract to buy the 156‑acre former Wagon Wheel flea market site on Park Boulevard.
History of the property
The Wagon Wheel flea market served the community for more than five decades, offering fresh produce, clothing, live music and dancing. The market closed temporarily in March 2020 due to the COVID‑19 pandemic and was permanently shuttered by June of that year.
What the developer is considering
While no final plans have been announced, Belleair Development Group says the size and location of the land open several possibilities. Early concepts include a mix of apartments and commercial space, though a data center is explicitly ruled out.
“It’s not very often you get 100+ acres in the middle of Pinellas County that’s undeveloped. So, we’re trying to carefully look at each step and each opportunity and each real possibility with the property,” said Christian Yepes, a spokesperson for Belleair Development Group.
Annexation and permitting
The site currently lies in unincorporated Pinellas County. Belleair Development Group intends to annex the property into the city of Pinellas Park, arguing that city jurisdiction would streamline the permitting process.
The developer has submitted a permit application to the Southwest Florida Water Management District for a wetlands delineation. Traffic studies are also planned to determine any needed infrastructure improvements.
The city of Pinellas Park is awaiting additional paperwork from the developer. The annexation and development proposal is not expected to be presented to the Planning and Zoning Committee until early next year.
Community impact
If approved, the project could bring new housing options and commercial activity to an area that has been empty since 2020, potentially boosting local tax revenue and providing jobs. Residents can look forward to updates as the developer moves through the review process.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
