St. Petersburg City Council Meeting – February 12, 2026

The St. Petersburg City Council met on February 12, 2026, from approximately 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The meeting included awards and presentations for Black History Month, the CALL Program, Radio St. Pete, the Al Downing Jazz Association, and recognition of former Mercy Hospital employees. A report from the executive director of Forward Pinellas covered the potential merger of regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Several new business items were addressed, including a referral to discuss violence at Jordan Park, an increase in affordable housing loan funding, and a resolution adopting a definition of Islamophobia. All agenda items passed unanimously, with one councilmember absent and one recusal.

Consent Calendar

• The meeting agenda was approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ruth Whitney (standing member of the Community Benefits Advisory Council) expressed concern that a proposed restructuring (increasing standing members from four to six and reducing ad-hoc community members) was passed without adequate discussion. She voted against it.
• Dr. Perry G. Washington (St. Petersburg resident, cross streets 5th St. & 2nd Ave.) criticized the city for failing to investigate his arrest during a property dispute, stating he was “arrested in my own yard” on his 67th birthday.
• Public comment on G3 (Islamophobia resolution):
  • Haley Manigold (Dover, broader St. Pete community) supported the resolution, calling the Muslim community “strong and compassionate leaders.”
  • Alina Hussain (civil rights attorney, mother of two) supported the resolution, citing a “dramatic uptick in instances of Islamophobia” and the need for institutions to recognize anti-Muslim bias.
  • Marley Marks (human rights policy consultant, No Hate in Politics) supported the resolution, sharing personal stories of Muslim friends and a student who experienced harassment.
  • Chelsea Mandrigas (recent revert to Islam, lifelong St. Pete resident) supported the resolution, emphasizing the impact on youth.
  • Aman Al Koni (Islamic Society of Pinellas County, resident on Lake Ave. & 4th) supported the resolution, noting that 20% of American Muslims are African American and that hate incidents have occurred locally (e.g., torn Qurans, USF MSA attacks).
  • Rev. Andy Oliver (pastor, Allendale United Methodist Church) supported the resolution as a matter of loving one’s neighbor and noted that both parties in the Florida Legislature passed a similar resolution.
  • Monir Bokiza (Imam, Islamic Society of St. Petersburg, 4109 43rd Ave. North) supported the resolution, thanking the council for considering it and highlighting the constant hate speech directed at his school’s social media.

Discussion Items

• Forward Pinellas Update (Report): Executive Director Witt Blanton presented on the potential merger of the three MPOs (Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas) into a single regional MPO. He explained the timeline (decision-making in April–June 2026), proposed board composition (23 elected officials, 2 regional agency representatives), and the challenge of preserving the Pinellas Planning Council’s independent land-use authority. Councilmembers Brandy Gabbard, Gina Driscoll, and Deborah Fig-Sanders expressed support for regional collaboration but noted differences with Hillsborough County. Councilmember Givens clarified that St. Petersburg’s vote would come through the Pinellas MPO, not as a principal signatory.
• G1 – Duke Energy Franchise Agreement (Referral): Councilmember Gabbard requested a referral to the Health Energy Resilience and Sustainability Committee for an update on negotiations and potential extension. Passed unanimously.
• G2 – Jordan Park Violence and Resident Concerns (Referral): Councilmember Fig-Sanders requested a referral to discuss increased violence at Jordan Park and other housing communities (Childs Park, Harbordale). After a brief deferral, Councilmember Gerdes offered to place it on the Youth and Family Services Committee agenda for March 19, 2026. Fig-Sanders accepted. The motion passed unanimously.
• G3 – Definition of Islamophobia (Resolution): Councilmember Floyd presented a resolution to formally adopt a definition of Islamophobia and incorporate it into city anti-discrimination policies. He shared that he faced hateful online comments after condemning Islamophobic remarks by elected officials. After public comment, Councilmembers discussed the merit: Harding expressed unease with the narrow focus but was “willing to support” after hearing advice; Gabbard, Driscoll, Fig-Sanders, Givens, and Gerdes all voiced strong support, drawing parallels to a prior anti-Semitism resolution. The resolution passed unanimously.
• G4 – Community Benefits Advisory Council (Referral): A referral to the Committee of the Whole to discuss standing member applications and make appointments by March 12, 2026. Passed unanimously.
• H1 – Affordable Housing Loan Fund Increase (Resolution): Councilmember Gerdes moved to increase the interfund loan authority from the Economic Stability Fund to the Affordable Housing Fund from $5 million to $10 million. Councilmember Harding supported the use but wanted future discussion on the fund’s purpose. Councilmember Gabbard recused herself due to a conflict with the related development. The resolution passed unanimously (8-0, with Gabbard recused and Hanowitz absent).
• H2 – Billing and Collections Management Evaluation (Resolution): Councilmember Gerdes moved to approve the scope of services for a management evaluation of the billing and collections department and authorize the administration to issue an RFP. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• G3 (Islamophobia Definition): Resolution adopted unanimously (8-0, Hanowitz absent).
• H1 (Affordable Housing Loan Increase): Resolution adopted unanimously (8-0, Gabbard recused, Hanowitz absent).
• H2 (Billing Evaluation): Resolution adopted unanimously (8-0, Hanowitz absent).
• All referrals (G1, G2, G4): Approved unanimously.
• Next Steps: The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 PM. Councilmembers noted upcoming community events (Collard Green Festival, Localtopia, Rays Fan Fest, Winter Pride).