St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - August 7, 2025

The St. Petersburg City Council met on August 7, 2025, to address a full agenda. The meeting included presentations on the Advanced Air Mobility Task Force, Florida Holocaust Museum renovation, Bowley Center Safe Haven program, Tropicana Field non-roof repairs, FY26 utility rates, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade funding. The council also approved numerous ordinances, resolutions, and new business referrals. Several public comments were heard on topics including anti-semitism definitions, MLK parade funding, utility rates, and public power. The council voted on key items with notable 7-1 and 6-1 splits. Councilmembers voiced concerns about communication from the administration regarding an FDOT memo on street markings.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved unanimously.
• Consent agenda (routine items) approved unanimously.
• Public hearing E1 (Joe Wall) approved unanimously.
• Public hearing E2 (FY2526 annual action plan) approved unanimously after presentation and questions.
• Public hearing E3 (ordinance restricting soliciting hours on residential property) approved unanimously.
• Ordinances G1 (alcohol permit for Deuces Corner Park event), G2 (alcohol permit for Azalea Park event), and G3 (street easement vacation at 800 2nd Ave S) approved unanimously.
• First readings G4 (historic landmark designation for Trinity Evangelist Lutheran Church) and G5 (amending historic landmark boundary for 10th Street Church of God) approved unanimously.
• New business H1 (referral for municipal election code cleanup), H2 (referral for capital projects list), H3 (referral for multifamily financing presentation), and H4 (referral for revenue alternatives if Rays leave) approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alexander Velsik spoke against the city's support for the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, arguing that certain bullet points equate criticism of Israel with antisemitism and described actions in Gaza as genocide. He urged the council to withdraw support.
• Amber Woods discussed the MLK parade, suggesting that its funding could be redirected to address South St. Petersburg's needs, including food desert issues and storm resilience. She also expressed concerns about utility rate increases and proposed that the burden be shared with developers.
• Esther Sinai spoke in support of the MLK parade, emphasizing its historical roots in the local civil rights movement. She opposed comparing its funding to Pride events and advocated for relocating the parade to MLK Jr. Street. She urged fairness and intentionality.
• Marley Price thanked the council for keeping an open mind on a feasibility study for public power. She criticized Duke Energy's rate setting and lobbying activities, and noted a recent $500,000 check from Duke to Pinellas County as possibly funded by ratepayers.

Presentations and Reports

Advanced Air Mobility Task Force

• Ed Montanari, task force chair, updated the council on progress. The task force is studying advanced air mobility (AAM), including eVTOL and conventional electric aircraft, with an education phase featuring industry experts. A timeline shows FAA certification expected in 1–2 years, and the industry is projected to grow to $30 billion by 2030. The task force reviewed vertiports, power requirements, and workforce development. Final recommendations are due January 2026. Councilmembers asked about compatibility with Albert Whitted Airport, partnership with Tampa International, and expanding workforce training.

Florida Holocaust Museum Update

• Josh Bombstein (past board chair) and Eric Stillman (new CEO) presented. The museum has completed renovation and expansion, adding a new core exhibit, the Danish rescue boat "Thor," and a third floor for the Elie Wiesel collection—the only Holocaust institution to receive it. Grand reopening is September 9, 2025, with a preview party September 8, a ribbon cutting, a members preview, and a free day on September 10 sponsored by Duke Energy. Councilmembers expressed excitement and gratitude.

Bowley Center Safe Haven Update

• Kevin Morrone, President/CEO of Bowley Centers, presented on the Safe Haven program for chronically homeless individuals with severe mental illness. Since 2020, 257 individuals have been served; 81.5% were homeless over a year; average cost is $20,856 per bed vs. $40,000–$60,000 for other crisis services. Outcomes include an 82% transition rate to permanent housing or higher care. Case studies highlighted successes and challenges. Scalability and federal funding cuts were discussed. Councilmembers praised the program and asked about faith-based partnerships.

Tropicana Field Stadium Non-Roof Repairs

• Raul Quintana presented two items: F4, an award to Shaw for field work ($1.3 million), and F5, GMP #3 for architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, audio/video, and broadcast work ($14.4 million). These repairs are required under the city's use agreement with the Rays. Roof materials are arriving; panel installation starts next week. Total project costs remain within the initial $50–60 million estimate. The council voted 7–1 to approve (Councilmember Gibbons dissenting). Legal clarified that the termination of the gas plant agreement does not affect the use agreement. Councilmembers debated the necessity and cost, with some calling for fiscal restraint.

FY26 Utility Rates

• Claude presented scenarios for funding the SPAR program. Administration recommends Scenario F, which uses $25 million in CDBG-DR funds for stormwater in FY26, keeping the overall average increase at 8.6% and preventing a larger rate hike. Scenario E (adding $1/month) would accelerate $32 million in bonds. The first reading is August 14; final hearing September 4. Water closet fees rise from $600 to $1,000 to recover full cost. Council provided direction to proceed with Scenario F, with some members advocating for more aggressive investment (Scenario E combined with F). Councilmember Gabbard expressed concern about rate impacts on residents and questioned the data.

MLK Parade Event Planning Services

• George Smith recommended awarding a three-year contract to the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival after an RFP process. The annual city support is $150,000, plus $80,000 for a marquee HBCU band (if secured). Previous organizer Advantage Village Academy did not reapply. Public commenter Trevor Mallory expressed concern about the transition and budget. Councilmember Driscoll questioned the increased funding at a time of budget shortfalls and initially proposed limiting to $150,000. Councilmember Fix Sanders emphasized the economic and cultural importance, and Councilmember Givens highlighted legacy. The motion passed 6–1 (Councilmember Driscoll dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• Tropicana Field Repairs: F4 and F5 approved 7–1 (Gibbons dissenting).
• MLK Parade Contract: Approved 6–1 (Driscoll dissenting).
• FY26 Utility Rates: Direction given to administration to proceed with Scenario F; ordinance to be introduced August 14.
• Other Items: All consent items, ordinances, and new business referrals passed unanimously.
• Next Steps: Advanced Air Mobility Task Force report due January 2026; Florida Holocaust Museum reopening September 9, 2025; Bowley Center partnership continues; utility rate public hearings on August 14 (first reading) and September 4 (final).
• Future Discussions: Councilmember Gabbard announced plans for a new business item on alternative street art following the FDOT memo; Councilmember Driscoll emphasized the need for better communication from administration on that issue.

Councilmember Announcements

• Councilmember Driscoll noted a memo from FDOT on street markings received June 30 but not shared with council until August, expressing frustration over communication.
• Councilmember Gabbard discussed state legislation (SB 180) and coalition building with other municipalities; plans to report on FLC conference.
• Councilmember Floyd noted the committee vote on a feasibility study for public power is not a council decision.
• Councilmember Gibbons promoted back-to-school events and hurricane preparedness.
• Council Chair Gurdis welcomed students back to school and thanked camp and city staff.

The meeting adjourned after a full-day session.