St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - May 28, 2026

This meeting of the St. Petersburg City Council covered several legislative items, including a first reading of an ordinance to create neighborhood resident-only parking areas, committee reports addressing environmental purchasing policy consolidation and a resolution on state property tax reform, and final approval of a bird sanctuary designation. The council also approved a CRA resolution for the development of five affordable 3D-printed homes. No public comment was heard on most items, but one business owner spoke in opposition to the parking ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items not requiring separate discussion) was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Philip Ingram, representing Trip Signer (address 2339 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N), spoke during the first reading of Ordinance 638-H (neighborhood resident-only parking areas). He expressed concern that expanding resident-only parking could harm small businesses along commercial corridors outside downtown, citing reduced customer access, employee recruitment challenges, and potential negative impacts on local tax revenue. He specifically noted his planned $50,000 investment in upgrades to his restaurant on MLK Street could be jeopardized. He urged caution and requested partnership with the city to balance resident and business needs.

Discussion Items

• E1 – Ordinance 638-H (First Reading): Neighborhood Resident Only Parking Areas

  • Clerk introduced the ordinance, setting a public hearing for June 11, 2026. Council members questioned staff on implementation details. Vice Chair Floyd asked for clarification that entire neighborhoods would not be required to vote; only the defined area seeking resident-only parking would need two-thirds resident approval. Staff confirmed that each proposed zone would require separate council action, traffic studies, and consultation with neighborhood associations and affected businesses. Councilmember Givens asked how the process originated (referral from a council member via committee). Councilmember Gurdis asked whether council could modify boundaries of a proposed zone, and staff confirmed they could shrink it with proper notice. The first reading was approved unanimously.

• H1 – HERS Committee Report (May 21)

  • Councilmember Gabbard moved to combine two referral list items: (1) discussion on the city's environmental purchasing policy (Councilmember Driscoll) and (2) a report on ISAP energy consumption and renewable goals (Councilmember Floyd). Motion approved unanimously (Councilmember Driscoll absent).

• H2 – Lair Committee Report (May 28): Resolution on Property Tax Reform

  • Councilmember Gabbard presented a resolution urging the Florida legislature to carefully consider the impacts of property tax reform, amended with changes to whereas clauses. Discussion included warnings from council members about the potential magnitude of cuts. Councilmember Givens noted a proposed increase in the homestead exemption to $250,000 could cost the city $70+ million, directly affecting police and fire funding. Councilmember Fig-Sanders thanked Gabbard for proactive work. Vice Chair Floyd criticized Tallahassee rhetoric about cutting waste, stating cuts of that scale would inevitably reduce services. The resolution was approved unanimously.

• J6 – Ordinance Designating St. Petersburg as a Bird Sanctuary

  • Second reading and final approval. Councilmember Driscoll explained that the official designation is contingent on approval by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at its August meeting. Staff will submit the completed application after city passage. Approved unanimously.

• CRA2 – Resolution for Affordable Homes at 18th Avenue South

  • The CRA board (convened as the council) considered a resolution to authorize an agreement with Bright Community Trust (BCT) for five single-family affordable homes on city-owned parcels (2013-2021 18th Ave S). CEO Frank Wallace spoke in favor, highlighting 3D printing technology (one home already under construction, with a June 22 event) and the use of a community land trust (CLT) model to ensure perpetual affordability at 120% AMI. Council members asked about income qualifying and marketing; Wallace described using a local realtor and social media. Councilmember Givens suggested connecting with the St. Pete Housing Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency program. Motion approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• E1: First reading approved; public hearing set for June 11, 2026.
• H1: Motion to combine two referral items passed unanimously.
• H2: Resolution urging state property tax reform consideration passed unanimously.
• J1-J4: Approved unanimously (removed from active agenda).
• J6: Final passage of bird sanctuary ordinance (contingent on FWC approval) passed unanimously.
• CRA2: Resolution authorizing agreement with BCT for five affordable homes passed unanimously.
• J5: Approved unanimously.