‘Hungry for a PubSub’: Pinellas Park officials help rescue an alligator in the Publix parking lot

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Pinellas Park Police helped rescue an alligator in a Publix parking lot that was “hungry for a PubSub.”

Officers said they were called to the 49th Street and Park Boulevard area around 6:40 p.m. after someone reported seeing an alligator walking in the area.

When officers arrived, they said they saw a 5- to 6-foot alligator walking down the sidewalk, approaching the busy intersection. The alligator eventually entered the Publix parking lot at 4701 Park Boulevard.

“We can only speculate that he was on his way to pick up a PubSub,” police wrote on Facebook.

Several officers tried to keep the alligator away from traffic and approaching citizens, police said.

Florida Fish and Wildlife officers later arrived at the scene and helped relocate the alligator to a large body of water.

“We are pleased to report that both he and the buyers are safe!” police said.