St. Petersburg City Council Meeting – October 9, 2025

The St. Petersburg City Council met on October 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM (ET) for a regular meeting. The session included multiple proclamations (Clergy Appreciation Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fire Prevention Week, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Breast Cancer Awareness Month), presentations from student ambassadors who visited the sister city Takamatsu, Japan, updates on the Preschool Officer Program (POPS) and a local children’s author, and a series of new business items. The most debated item was a resolution (G3) to adopt two new variations of the city flag—the Harmony Flag and the History Flag—which was ultimately referred to a Committee of the Whole on October 23, 2025, after a motion to withdraw and refer passed 6‑2‑1.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Perry Washington (First Street and Central) addressed the council about a personal dispute with a neighbor and police conduct, expressing frustration with the legal system and stating he intends to sue.
• Nathan (no address given) spoke in favor of the flag resolution (G3), emphasizing the importance of symbols for community identity.
• Andrea Paulus (Greater Pinellas Point) – Artist who designed the flags – spoke in favor, explaining the symbolism of the colors and calling the flags a "new and resilient way" to represent the city after the street mural erasures.
• Trevor Mallory (4501 6th Street South, 33705) spoke in support, calling the flags a "prime example of practicing what we preach" regarding unity.
• Keandra Darling (873 Newton South) – A fourth‑generation St. Petersburg resident – spoke in favor, thanking Councilmember Driscoll for her leadership and urging the council to resist hate and division.
• Holly Noah (811 Placido Way NE, 33704) spoke against the flags, arguing that the terms "harmony" and "history" are not inclusive of everyone and that the existing city flag already represents all 280,000 residents.
• Paul Fontaine (386 22 Haynes Road, Magnolia Heights) – A gay man and real estate agent – spoke in favor via Zoom, stating that visible symbols of acceptance were part of why he moved to St. Petersburg and that he supports the resolution.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously by roll‑call vote.

Discussion Items

Student Ambassador Program (D1)

• Three students (Rachel, Jared, Jada) presented their experiences from the sister‑city exchange with Takamatsu, Japan. They highlighted cultural differences, family life, food, and school activities. Councilmembers praised the program and asked about similarities and lessons learned.

Clergy Appreciation Month Proclamation (D2)

• Mayor Kenneth Welch read the proclamation. Reverend JC Pritchett and Bishop Clarys Penitant accepted on behalf of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, noting the alliance’s 100th anniversary.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation (D3)

• Vice Chair Hanowitz read the proclamation. Lauriana Forsyth (CEO of CASA) and John Long (VP of Abuse Services, Hope Villages of America) spoke. Forsyth noted that 70% of domestic violence cases go unreported and that CASA served over 3,000 people last year, with only 1 in 25 hotline callers receiving shelter. Long highlighted a prevention program in VPKs and elementary schools.

Fire Prevention Week Proclamation (D4)

• Mayor Welch and Deputy Chief Brett Sisko presented the proclamation focusing on lithium‑ion battery safety. Fire Marshal Womack reported that 28% of fires investigated this year were battery‑related. Councilmembers discussed proper disposal and storage of devices.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Proclamation (D5)

• Councilmember Harding read the proclamation. A representative from the city’s Housing and Community Development department noted that South St. Petersburg is in the 95th–100th percentile for lead paint pollution. A community event at Child’s Park Recreation Center on October 25 was announced.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation (D8)

• Chair Curtis read the proclamation, sharing his wife’s stage IV breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Peter Blumencranz (BayCare Cancer Institute) spoke about advances in treatment and a new high‑risk assessment program using CancerIQ software.

Preschool Officer Program (POPS) Update (D6)

• Councilmember Fig Sanders introduced the program. Arthurine Williams (Kids World Preschool) and Jackie Lang (Imagination Station Daycare) described the positive interactions between police officers and preschoolers. Officers Nora Brockna and Officer Merthel testified that the program builds trust and has provided bike and car seat giveaways. Councilmembers praised the initiative.

Children’s Author Devon Miller Presentation (D7)

• Councilmember Fig Sanders introduced Devon Miller, a local author who published his first book at age 11. Miller described his book series, community involvement, and recognition from the Tampa Bay Rays and the Obama family. He donated books and funds to John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Councilmembers commended his achievements.

New Business Items

G1 – Energy Efficiency Initiative Referral

• Councilmember Driscoll requested a referral to the Health, Energy, Resilience, and Sustainability Committee for a discussion on a citywide energy efficiency and clean energy initiative. The motion passed unanimously.

G2 – Public Records Request Procedures Referral

• Vice Chair Hanowitz requested a referral to the Public Services and Infrastructure Committee for a report on the city’s procedures for complying with public records requests. The motion passed unanimously.

G3 – Resolution to Adopt Harmony and History Flags

• Councilmember Driscoll introduced a resolution to add two variations of the official city flag (Harmony Flag and History Flag) to be flown at city facilities at appropriate times. She explained that the flags were designed in response to the erasure of street murals and to promote unity and history. The resolution sparked extensive debate.

  • Councilmember Harding opposed, stating the city flag should represent all 280,000 residents equally.
  • Vice Chair Hanowitz expressed concerns about state preemption, noting that similar legislation had been attempted three times and that the city already flies the Pride and Woodson flags.
  • Councilmember Gabbard criticized the lack of collaboration, stating that a unified process with the administration and community input was needed. She left the meeting early.
  • Mayor Welch clarified that the administration was gathering input through a survey and joint committee meetings, and that there was no pre‑existing plan.
  • Councilmember Floyd supported the resolution, stating that marginalized communities are under attack and that he is ready to support any reasonable measure that makes them feel welcome.
  • Councilmember Givens supported the resolution but questioned whether it could be coordinated with other community ideas and expressed concern about state preemption.
  • Councilmember Fig Sanders asked for more time to gather constituent feedback, noting that the existing flags can still be flown.

  After extended discussion, Councilmember Driscoll withdrew her motion to approve and moved to refer the item to a Committee of the Whole on October 23, 2025. The motion passed 6‑2‑1 (Harding no, Gabbard absent, others yes).

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved unanimously.
• G1 (Energy efficiency referral) – Approved unanimously.
• G2 (Public records procedures referral) – Approved unanimously.
• G3 (Flag resolution) – Motion to refer to Committee of the Whole on October 23, 2025, passed 6‑2‑1. Councilmember Harding voted no; Councilmember Gabbard was absent. The item will be discussed further at that meeting.
• All proclamations were accepted and adopted without objection.
• The Student Ambassador, POPS, and Devon Miller presentations were received with appreciation.