St. Petersburg’s Peculiar Mail Delivery: Giant Inflatable Squirrels

In the quaint and whimsical city of St. Petersburg, Florida, mail delivery has taken an extraordinary turn. Amidst the palm trees and sunshine, a fleet of giant inflatable squirrels has become an iconic sight, soaring through the streets on their daily missions.In the quaint and whimsical city of St. Petersburg, Florida, mail delivery has taken an extraordinary turn. Amidst the palm trees and sunshine, a fleet of giant inflatable squirrels has become an iconic sight, soaring through the streets on their daily missions. These colossal rodents, each standing at over 10 feet tall, are the brainchild of Brian Kornblau, a local entrepreneur with a passion for the peculiar. Inspired by the city’s vibrant arts scene, Kornblau sought to create a unique and memorable way to deliver mail. In 2012, the first inflatable squirrel, named “Nutmeg,” made its maiden voyage. Clad in a miniature postal uniform and equipped with a basket of envelopes, Nutmeg quickly captured the hearts of residents and tourists alike. As the popularity of the giant squirrels grew, Kornblau expanded his fleet, adding dozens more to the streets of St. Petersburg. Today, these inflatable wonders have become an integral part of the city’s fabric. They navigate the bustling downtown, weaving through traffic with ease. Residents eagerly anticipate their arrival, often pausing to wave or take photographs with the towering creatures. The giant inflatable squirrels serve not only as a whimsical novelty but also as a practical solution to postal challenges. Their large size allows them to reach high porches and mailboxes that are inaccessible to traditional delivery vehicles. Additionally, their cheerful appearance helps brighten the day of recipients and fosters a sense of community. The squirrels have garnered international attention and have been featured in countless news articles and television segments. They have participated in parades, attended art exhibitions, and even graced the cover of a national magazine. Their fame has extended beyond St. Petersburg, inspiring other cities to adopt similar mail delivery methods. St. Petersburg’s giant inflatable squirrels are a testament to the city’s quirky spirit and its embrace of the unexpected. They have transformed mail delivery into an unforgettable experience, injecting joy and wonder into the everyday routine. As they continue their whimsical journeys through the streets, these colossal rodents remind us that even the most mundane tasks can be transformed into something extraordinary.