City of St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - March 5, 2026

The St. Petersburg City Council met on March 5, 2026, to consider a consent agenda, public hearings, and several reports and resolutions. Key actions included approval of a settlement, adoption of the Palmetto Park neighborhood plan, allocation of HOME funds for rental assistance, and an update on Lime bike share expansion. The meeting also featured proclamations for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Flood Awareness Week, and a presentation on the Embracing Our Differences exhibition.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (Councilmember Gibbons absent). Item CA3, an allocation for the Williams Park Bandshell construction phase, was noted by Councilmember Driscoll as part of a larger renovation vision. Item CB10, an allocation for locating utilities during fiber optic installation, was highlighted by Councilmember Harding who expressed frustration over utility breaks caused by contractors.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during open forum, either in person or via Zoom.

Discussion Items

• Awards & Presentations:
  • Councilmember Gurdis presented a proclamation for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, honoring Park Center for Disabilities for over 73 years of service, serving more than 900 children and adults annually, and celebrating the grand opening of its children's services center on March 25.
  • Councilmember Gabbard presented a proclamation for Flood Awareness Week (March 9-15, 2026). Floodplain Manager Hannah Rebholtz and her team were recognized for their work, especially after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The city participates in the Community Rating System to reduce flood insurance premiums.
• J1 - Workers' Compensation Settlement: The Council unanimously approved a $100,000 settlement for Anthony Corsella vs. City of St. Petersburg, reducing total city exposure from $509,380.
• F1 - Palmetto Park Neighborhood Plan: The Council unanimously accepted the updated Palmetto Park Neighborhood Plan (originally written in 1992). The plan identified priorities including complete streets, sidewalk repair, bike lanes, improved recreational amenities, and food access. Approximately 88% of residents travel by private vehicle; 6% use public transport or bikes. The plan aligns with the South St. Pete CRA and qualifies for implementation funding.
• E1 - HOME Funds Reallocation for Rental Assistance: The Council unanimously approved a substantial amendment to the FY2025-26 HUD Annual Action Plan, transferring $156,000 in HOME funds to support Boley Centers' Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program. This addresses a 20% increase in fair market rents and will help prevent homelessness for extremely low-income households, serving an average of 20 households at about $4,200 per month total.
• Embracing Our Differences Presentation: Sarah Wertheimer, President/CEO, presented the upcoming outdoor exhibition at Pointer Park (March 5 – April 12) featuring 50 artworks and 50 quotations selected from over 14,000 submissions. The program includes free field trips, educational resources, and community events. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for March 7 from 1-4 p.m.
• F3 - Lime Bike Share Agreement Amendment: The Council unanimously approved a three-year extension of the license agreement with Lime and a $10,000 appropriation from scooter fees to replace legacy bike racks. Since the 2023 transition to Lime e-bikes, St. Pete has seen over 72,000 trips, with a 30% increase during Grand Prix year-over-year and more than 100% increase in October trips compared to the previous system. Lime offers discounted fares for income-eligible riders.
• F4 - Oaklawn Cemetery Research Update: Planning Director Derek Kilborn provided an update on the ongoing ground-penetrating radar and archaeological investigation of Oaklawn Cemetery. Phase 1 and 2 are complete; Phase 3 (ground truthing) will begin after the upcoming baseball season (post-World Series, which starts October 23). If graves are found, work will stop and the State Historic Preservation Officer will be contacted per Florida statutes.
• F5 - TOD Act (SB 1342/HB 1183) Discussion: The Council discussed the Community Planning and Preservation Commission's resolution opposing the Transit-Oriented Development Act. City staff reported that the bill is unlikely to pass this session but may return. Councilmember Gabbard requested that future legislative matters be discussed in the Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Committee to ensure coordinated positions.
• G1 - Zoning Map Amendment: The Council unanimously approved an ordinance changing the zoning of a 3.84-acre parcel at 7701 22nd Avenue North from NS-1 to IC/I, setting a public hearing for March 26.
• H1 - Harborage Marine Lease Extension: The Council unanimously approved a referral to the Public Services and Infrastructure Committee for discussion on the lease extension.
• I1 - Community Benefits Program: The Council unanimously approved moving the discussion of potential changes to the community benefits program to the March 12, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous, with Councilmember Gibbons absent.
• The consent agenda (including CA3 and CB10) was approved.
• The workers' compensation settlement of $100,000 was approved.
• The Palmetto Park Neighborhood Plan was accepted.
• $156,000 in HOME funds were reallocated to Boley's TBRA program.
• The Lime bike share agreement was extended for three years, with $10,000 allocated for rack replacements.
• The Oaklawn Cemetery Phase 3 investigation will proceed after the 2026 World Series.
• Multiple referrals and motions were approved for future committee discussions.