St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - August 21, 2025

The St. Petersburg City Council met on August 21, 2025. The meeting included a police department quarterly report, presentations on the Mahaffey Theater and Tampa Bay Rowdies, discussions on a feasibility study for a municipal electric utility, and public comments on stormwater maintenance and utility concerns. The council also approved several items, including a one-year extension for the Rowdies and a historic landmark designation for Trinity Lutheran Church.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jan French (District 6 resident): Requested the city perform maintenance on stormwater systems, stating that drainage pipes between lakes are clogged and Duke Energy barriers have fallen into creeks, backing up water and flooding streets.
• Heidi Stiller (District 6 resident): Urged the city to provide timelines for stormwater projects and improve maintenance. She noted that her neighborhood faces increased flood risk and that the city's response to C-click fix requests often lacks specifics.
• Cassie Gonzalez (District 6 resident): Supported a feasibility study for a municipal electric utility, describing high Duke Energy bills and a choice between groceries and keeping the lights on. She criticized waiting on Clearwater's study and urged the council to "dump Duke."
• Melina Fortunato (District 5 resident): Expressed full support for a public utility option and against renewing the Duke contract, citing sustainability, cost, and reliability concerns.
• Dylan Dames (District 7 resident): Urged council to move forward with a feasibility study for public energy. He described poor communication from Duke during Hurricane Milton and said "private sector will never choose us."
• Robert Curry (District 7 resident): Supported studying a public utility, arguing that higher electric bills send money to shareholders instead of benefiting the community.
• Chris Steinacher (Chamber of Commerce President/CEO): Spoke in support of the private sector, including the Rowdies and Mahaffey Theater. He noted that the cost of living in St. Pete is 97% of the national average and urged investment in private sector partners.
• William Kilgore (St. Pete Tenants Union): Criticized the city's response to the Morgan Apartments issue, where a landlord collected utility payments but did not pay the city, leading to threats of water shutoff. He called for the city to hold landlords accountable.
• Multiple speakers on Duke Energy: Residents expressed frustration with high bills, outages, and lack of transparency. Many urged approval of a feasibility study for a municipal electric utility. Christy Ibrahimovic described a harrowing experience with Duke, accusing the company of being self-insured and unaccountable.
• Multiple speakers on Mahaffey Theater: Robert Blackburn and Lance Rogers spoke in support of Bill Edwards and Big Three Entertainment, praising Edwards' philanthropy and community investment. They urged continued funding and support.
• Speakers on Trinity Lutheran Church historic designation: Supporters (including Helen Maurer, John Potts, Claudia Petty, Everard Hunt) argued the church meets criteria for landmark status and that a vote was properly held. Opponents (including Pastor Paul Gibson, Gretchen Frederick, Lynn Talon, Leah Heineki) requested a delay, citing concerns over ADA compliance, insurance costs, and a pending merger that might change congregational wishes.

Discussion Items

• Quarterly St. Pete Police Department Report (Chief Holloway): Overall crime down 16%, violent crime down 27%, property crime down 13%. Homicides year-to-date down 20%. The chief highlighted the Second Chance program, the CALL program (97% of calls handled without police), and the mayor's youth initiative (75% of participants have not re-offended). Stolen guns remain an issue: 67 reported stolen, 55 from vehicles. Councilmembers praised the department's approach to homelessness and youth programs.
• Mahaffey Theater Presentation (Big Three Entertainment): Bill Edwards reported that the theater has hosted 2.6 million guests since 2011, with 225,000 visitors and 290 performances last year. He noted the facility sustained hurricane damage and needs significant repairs (sound system, roof). He requested a longer-term extension (two years) to recoup costs from the month-long closure for repairs. Administration offered a one-year extension, citing a need to potentially go to RFP. Council discussion was split: some favored longer-term certainty for the operator; others wanted an RFP for transparency.
• Tampa Bay Rowdies Extension: Administration proposed a one-year extension (through November 2026) for the Rowdies to operate Al Lang Stadium. The Rowdies average 5,500 fans per match and have contributed to the community. Councilmembers expressed support for the team and hoped for a long-term agreement, while noting the need for capital investments in the stadium.
• CDBG-DR Disaster Recovery Program (F5): The council approved two vendor agreements (Horn LLP and ICF Incorporated) totaling $12.9 million over six years to support the $159 million Sunrise St. Pete disaster recovery program. Programs include residential recovery, affordable rental housing, and public infrastructure mitigation. Approvals are pending HUD action plan approval (expected by August 29). Councilmember Gabbard emphasized the need for council engagement and transparency.
• Feasibility Study for Municipal Electric Utility (H4): The council voted 5-3 to pass a resolution requesting the administration issue an RFP for a feasibility study on a municipal electric utility. Proponents argued it is a necessary first step to gather information and ensure transparency ahead of Duke Energy franchise agreement negotiations in 2026. Opponents preferred to wait for Clearwater’s study and have a broader council discussion first. Councilmember Floyd noted the decision on the franchise agreement must be made by July 31, 2026.
• Trinity Lutheran Church Historic Landmark Designation (J5): The council approved the designation 7-1. The church at 467 4th Ave N meets four landmark criteria. Some councilmembers expressed concern over a vote that may not reflect congregational consensus post-merger. Opponents requested a delay. The majority held that the application is valid and the building qualifies, leaving internal church matters to the congregation. Councilmember Hanowitz voted no, citing the timing and congregational divisions.
• 10th Street Church of God Designation Boundary Amendment (J6): Unanimously approved. The amendment reduces the historic designation boundary to only the sanctuary building, allowing the non-contributing addition to be demolished and the property redeveloped. The building will be preserved as a single-family residence. Councilmembers praised the adaptive reuse.

Key Outcomes

• F3: Rowdies Extension – Approved unanimously to extend the operating agreement through November 2026.
• F5: CDBG-DR Vendor Agreements – Approved unanimously to execute contracts with Horn LLP and ICF Incorporated for $12.9 million.
• H4: Municipal Electric Feasibility Study RFP – Approved 5-3; administration to issue an RFP for a feasibility study on a municipal electric utility.
• J5: Trinity Lutheran Church Landmark Designation – Approved 7-1 to designate the main sanctuary as a local historic landmark.
• J6: 10th Street Church of God Boundary Amendment – Approved unanimously to reduce the historic designation boundary to the sanctuary building only.
• Additional Committee Referrals: H3A (adding CDBG-DR to HLUT committee) passed 7-1. G1 (USF St. Pete presentation) and G2 (CBA discussion) both passed unanimously.