St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - June 5, 2025

[The St. Petersburg City Council convened on June 5, 2025, for a regular meeting that included approvals, proclamations, public comments, and votes on several key items. The meeting opened with an invocation, pledge, approval of the agenda, and the consent agenda. A significant portion of the public comment period was dominated by concerns over homelessness, public safety, and the enforcement of City Bill 1365. Later, the council honored citizens and organizations with proclamations, approved funding for affordable housing and storm repairs, and referred items to committees.]

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved by roll call vote (all present voting yes). No specific items were pulled for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Karen Carmichael (Sage Condominiums President, Downtown Neighborhood Association President) expressed concern about mental health and substance abuse issues in downtown, citing incidents affecting residents, children on field trips, and seniors. Urged city action.
• Jason Mathis (CEO, St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership) thanked council for service, acknowledged increased downtown challenges over the past three years, praised police, and urged consideration of a Clean and Safe program, noting downtown accounts for ~20% of property value on 3% of land.
• Ronica Whaley (address 221 First Avenue North) reported being threatened, assaulted, and experiencing thefts and break-ins at her restaurant, stating police cannot enforce due to city non-compliance with Florida House Bill 1365. Expressed fear and frustration.
• Carrie Mboga (225 First Avenue North) criticized the council for failing to enforce City Bill 1365, stating that a recent fatal incident occurred because prior complaints were ignored. Demanded transparency and action.
• Aaron Peter (Ovation Condominium Association, 180 Beach Drive NE) read a letter from the board expressing growing concern about homelessness affecting safety, property values, and tourism. Urged enhanced measures.
• Sandra Shapetta (3717 46th Avenue South) urged citizens to contact senators about the federal budget reconciliation bill, warning of $535 billion in Medicare cuts, loss of state AI regulation, and environmental protections being stripped.
• Caran John Baptiste (Provost, SPC Downtown Center) reported three safety incidents in 2024 involving homeless individuals and called for proactive collaborative safety measures.
• Michael Dito (Manager, Shiso Crispy, 1421 Central Avenue) described daily encounters with homeless individuals, theft of tips, threats, and lack of enforcement. Shared personal recovery journey and urged more programs and enforcement.
• Stephen Overstreet (1433 Central Avenue) spoke on behalf of Shiso Crispy employees, reporting threats with knives and break-ins, and called for better policing.
• Emily May (Manager, Shiso Crispy) stated she feels her life is at risk daily from violent acts by homeless individuals, acknowledging root causes.
• Pete Bolan (adjacent to Williams Park) advocated for multiple solutions: working with circuit courts on repeat ordinance violators, enforcing new state sit-lie law, adding at least 20 more police officers, and supporting a Clean and Safe program.
• Sean McNamara (100 Beach Drive, St. Pete Presidents Condo Association) presented a petition for a Clean and Safe program with 300 signatures. Distinguished between homelessness and "social disruptors" who choose disruptive behavior.
• Christopher Pitts (General Manager, One St. Petersburg, 253-unit high rise) spoke in strong support of a Clean and Safe program, citing vandalism, threats, and property damage. Noted his team serves as unofficial cleanup crew.

Awards & Presentations

• Distinguished Citizen Award – Henry Peter: Recognized for winning U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor's 2025 Congressional Art Competition for his photograph "Hurricane Days," capturing family in aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Henry Peter, a Gibbs High School rising senior, spoke, thanking the city and his teachers. Council members praised his work and its healing power.
• Aphasia Awareness Month Proclamation: Presented by Chair Gerdis. Proclaimed June 2025 as Aphasia Awareness Month in St. Petersburg. Representatives from Voices of Hope for Aphasia accepted.
• Juneteenth Proclamation: Presented by Councilmember Fig Sanders. Proclaimed June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth Day. Speakers Esther Sunny (NAACP) and Terry Lipsey Scott (African American Museum of Florida) spoke about ongoing struggles for equity and the need for systemic change.
• Pride Month Proclamation: Presented by Councilmember Floyd. Proclaimed June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Representatives from St. Pete Pride and Project No Labels spoke, noting the 23rd anniversary of St. Pete Pride. Council members emphasized solidarity and resistance against state-level bigotry.
• Gibbs High School Class of 1955 Proclamation: Presented by Councilmember Givens for the 70th reunion. Graduate Lewis Williams spoke about the class's achievements. Special recognition of Rosa Holmes Hopkins, first African American Miss Festival of States (1955).

Discussion Items

• CRA Funding for Habitat for Humanity Pelican Place: Admin recommended $2.2 million in CRA funds plus $1.43 million land value for 40 affordable townhomes targeting 80% AMI with zero-interest mortgages. Habitat CEO Mike Sutton answered questions about HOA fees, resale restrictions, and homebuyer education. Council expressed strong support.
• CRA Affordable Housing Loan Program Amendments: Proposed updates including new ADU construction incentives (up to 40% of cost, with affordability periods). Dr. Sliker presented. Council questioned the open-ended funding for ADUs; admin noted average cost ~$250,000 and desire to monitor. Approved unanimously.
• Funding for Edward White Hospital Senior Housing: Request to replace $5.9 million in ARPA funds for 71 affordable senior housing units (60% AMI). St. Pete Housing Authority rep Michael Lundy answered questions about reserves, unit mix (mostly 1BR), and healthcare services provided by Evara Health. Approved.
• Tropicana Field Repair Contracts (F1, F2, F3, F8): Four items totaling ~$5.3 million for continued remediation, protective work, and security services. Discussion of moving security costs from Rays to city due to construction. Total approved to date ~$38.5 million toward original $56 million estimate. One public speaker (Lafayette Roy Lewis Jr.) urged building a new stadium instead of repairs. Items approved together.
• District 2 Master Plan Consultant Selection: Council acknowledged selection of WSP USA for $400,000 contract to develop a 12-14 month master plan focusing on equity, resiliency, and sustainability with extensive public engagement. Councilmember Gabbard highlighted community-driven process.
• Sewer System Resilience Projects (F9A, B, C): Verbal report from Claude Tangersley on lift station 85 improvements, pump replacement, and cure-in-place pipelining. Confirmed consent order obligations completed; final step is installation of aqua fence at Lift Station 85 (expected end of June). Items approved.
• New Ordinances (First Readings): G1 (Emery House historic landmark designation), G2 (Land use/zoning changes for three sites in gateway area), G3 (comprehensive land development regulation amendments including payment-in-lieu option for sidewalks). All scheduled for second readings and public hearings on later dates. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Consent Agenda: Approved by roll call, all present in favor.
• Vote on CRA Habitat Pelican Place Funding: Approved by roll call (yes: Driscoll, Givens, Floyd, Curtis, Gabbard, Harding, Hanowitz, Fig Sanders).
• Vote on CRA Affordable Housing Loan Program Amendments: Approved by roll call (all present yes).
• Vote on Edward White Senior Housing Funding: Approved by roll call (all present yes, with one absent: Gerdis).
• Vote on Tropicana Field F1, F2, F3, F8: Approved by roll call (all present yes, Gerdis absent).
• Vote on District 2 Master Plan Selection: Approved by roll call (all present yes, Gerdis absent).
• Vote on Sewer System Resilience Projects (F9A, B, C): Approved by roll call (all present yes, Gerdis absent).
• Vote on Ordinances G1, G2 (A, B, C), G3: All approved by roll call, with Gerdis absent. Public hearings scheduled for June 12 (G1, G2) and July 10 (G3).
• New Business H1 (State of Economy Report): Motion amended to refer to July 24, 2025 Economic & Workforce Development Committee for detailed discussion. Approved by roll call (Gerdis absent).
• New Business H2 (Restricting Peddling Hours): Referral to Public Services & Infrastructure Committee to discuss legal options and potential new restrictions. Approved by roll call (Gerdis absent).
• Committee Reports: Removed child poverty item from youth committee list; added Woodland Parks courts to wikawashi project list; approved amendments to city investment policies. All passed unanimously (Gerdis absent).

Recess & Adjournment

• The council recessed for lunch and reconvened; the meeting adjourned after announcements including a stay on Job Corps closure and notice of a Juneteenth celebration.