St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - October 3, 2025

The St. Petersburg City Council met on October 3, 2025, at City Hall. Key actions included the unanimous approval of a $159.88 million Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant for Hurricane Idalia and Helene recovery, an update on USF St. Petersburg's nursing program, and a directive to move forward on a new Science Center facility. The meeting also featured public comment on pedestrian safety and councilmember announcements addressing a social media controversy regarding Lincoln Cemetery.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the meeting agenda (unanimous).
• Approval of the consent agenda (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Garrett Marble (4021 38th Avenue North) expressed strong support for rapid implementation of quick-build pedestrian and cyclist safety projects, citing recent deaths and injuries. He urged the city to fund temporary protective measures on roads with long-term project timelines, stating that delays are unacceptable and cost lives.

Discussion Items

USF St. Petersburg Nursing Bachelor Program Update

• Vice Provost Thomas Smith, Dr. Alison Duffy (Associate Professor, College of Nursing), and Sharon Owen (Director of Strategic Initiatives) presented the transition from a second-degree nursing pathway to a freshman (FTIC) nursing pathway. The inaugural freshman cohort will be admitted in fall 2026, with nursing classes beginning in fall 2028. The program aims to recruit at least 60 students per cohort and will be based in the restored "Band-Aid" building on the St. Pete campus. Simulation training will be conducted on-site. Partnerships with Johns Hopkins All Children's, Orlando Health, BayCare, and other hospitals were highlighted. Councilmembers asked about partnerships with Galen College, Pinellas Technical College, and other local institutions; cultural competency training; and outreach to elementary and middle schools. Councilmember Driscoll praised the program as training "future heroes." Staff will continue to provide updates.

CDBG-DR Grant (Sunrise St. Pete) – Acceptance and Appropriation

• Aubrey Phillips (Strategic Initiatives and Grants Director) presented the request to accept $159.884 million in CDBG-DR funds from HUD for Hurricanes Idalia and Helene, with at least 70% benefiting low-to-moderate income households. The action plan includes residential recovery/elevation, public infrastructure mitigation, and disaster relief reimbursement. A hybrid staffing model was outlined, and the residential recovery program is on track for a November 2025 launch. Councilmembers discussed outreach (326 sign-ups so far), coordination with Pinellas County, and managing resident expectations. The grant was approved unanimously.

Science Center Update

• Councilmember Driscoll requested an update. Staff (Rob and Aaron Fish, Real Estate Property Management Director) reported that the mayor directed staff to move forward on a new facility agreement with Joe Hamilton, with an expected timeline of 90 days to bring an agreement to council. Staff also re-engaged on an abutting property. Driscoll expressed concern that a $95,000 feasibility study (just under the $100,000 council approval threshold) had been conducted without council input, questioning whether it was a coincidence. Vice Chair Hanowitz asked about the status of an independent consultant letter required for bond covenants; staff indicated Stantec is handling it.

Public Hearing – Vacation of Alley (Item E1)

• Ordinance 1174-V for vacation of a 20-foot dead-end alley at 7925 4th Street North was presented by Scott Bullyard (Zoning). Conditions include dedicating easements for utilities and replatting. Staff recommended approval. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda.
• Unanimously approved Ordinance 1174-V for alley vacation.
• Unanimously approved the resolution accepting $159.88 million in CDBG-DR funds and appropriating $146.93 million.
• Staff directed to bring a Science Center agreement to council within approximately 90 days; a verbal update will be provided at the October 16 council meeting.

Announcements & Council Remarks

• Councilmember Fix Sanders refuted a social media post that claimed "none of my fellow council members thought this agenda item was worth supporting" regarding a Lincoln Cemetery item. She stated the post was intentionally incorrect and that she and other councilmembers have worked extensively on the issue. She called the claim a lie.
• Councilmember Givens reported productive meetings with Gulfport’s mayor and Pastor Williams regarding Lincoln Cemetery, and noted Clearwater’s progress on its municipal electric utility appraisal as inspiring for St. Petersburg’s feasibility study.
• Councilmember Harding praised the St. Pete Police Department's "Final Mile" program that escorts unclaimed veterans to burial at Bushnell, noting the participation of multiple agencies and the highway patrol.
• Councilmember Driscoll criticized the social media post and the behavior of the District 7 councilmember (Corey Givens Jr.), saying it was "a sad day for District 7" and that she is mindful of sunshine law limitations on her own Lincoln Cemetery new business item.
• Councilmember Givens apologized for the "circus" on the dais, which Councilmember Harding then called an inappropriate characterization.
• The meeting adjourned with a happy birthday song for Councilmember Harding's daughter.