A Crossroads of Tampa Bay

The Gateway district in north St. Petersburg is more than just a busy corridor of highways and office parks. It is a unique 30-square-mile “edge city” where Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Pete converge, connected by major thoroughfares like I-275, U.S. 92, Roosevelt Boulevard, and the Howard Frankland Bridge. Its central location has long earned it the name “Gateway” — a true entry point to Pinellas County and all of Tampa Bay.

What makes Gateway remarkable is not just its roads and bridges but the collisions of community life that happen here. Professionals head to corporate offices in Carillon Park, families live in newer residential complexes like Peridot Palms and Ibis Walk, and locals from neighborhoods like Fossil Park, Meadowlawn, Riviera Bay, and Barcley Estates all intersect in this district.

While Gateway is often thought of as an economic center, it is also surrounded by some of St. Pete’s most livable neighborhoods:

• Fossil Park – Known for its recreation center, youth baseball legacy, and quiet mid-century homes.
• Meadowlawn – A lakeside neighborhood with man-made lakes, family-friendly parks, and active schools.
• Barcley Estates – Tree-lined, suburban tranquility with an active neighborhood association.
• Riviera Bay – Waterfront canals with boating access, known for the “Merry Christmas” sign tradition on the Riviera Bay Bridge.
• Criswell Heights & Euclid Heights – Smaller residential pockets offering affordable homes and quick access to Gateway businesses.

Each of these neighborhoods contributes its own flavor to the larger Gateway story, making this area one of the most diverse and dynamic in St. Petersburg.

At Gulf Coast Community Church, we believe God placed us at the Gateway on purpose. Our location allows us to serve not only St. Pete but also west Tampa, north St. Petersburg, and south Clearwater. Many people moving into Gateway come from out of state, and we see it as our calling to welcome them with Christ’s love.

Here are some specific ways we have connected in this area:

• Youth Sports: Hosting a free youth baseball clinic at Fossil Park for the past three years, providing mentorship and encouragement for young athletes and their families.

• Mentorship in Schools: Through the Lunch Pals program at Meadowlawn schools, members of our congregation mentor students during the school day, offering consistency and hope.

• Church Partnerships: Partnering with St. Pete Presbyterian during their building repairs after Hurricane Helene, sharing our space for Sunday services and ministries like The James Club and Christian Cadets.

• Community Service: Participating in neighborhood clean-ups around Meadowlawn lakes and supporting families in Barcley Estates through shared events and resources.

• Workplace Presence: With so many professionals employed in Carillon and surrounding businesses, our church seeks to encourage members to live out their faith in the workplace and connect with co-workers in meaningful ways.