St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - June 11, 2026

The St. Petersburg City Council met on June 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM to discuss a wide range of items including proclamations, disaster recovery programs, housing initiatives, a controversial parking ordinance, and public comments on tenant conditions. The meeting featured multiple award presentations, unanimous approvals on most agenda items, and a lengthy debate on a proposed neighborhood resident-only parking ordinance that ultimately did not advance.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda and consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Council policies and procedures manual approved as part of consent; Councilmember Fig Sanders later voiced concerns about attendance expectations and procedural adherence.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Open Forum: Reverend Ben Atherton Zeman (Unitarian Universalist Church) expressed support for LGBTQ+ protections and thanked Council for inclusive faith and family month. Amy Miller (resident) urged passage of resolution recognizing the Narvaez landing expedition. Brad Falbo (resident) accused city officials of violating public records law and raised questions about Mayor Welch's family ties to historic gas plant deals. Jenna Gordon (trans woman) spoke in favor of a resolution opposing discriminatory state legislation. Thomas Gross (resident) called for the city to bid on the Morgan complex and supported the LGBTQ resolution. Delta Ray supported the same resolution and advocated for public ownership of the Morgan property.
• Public Hearing on J2 (Parking Ordinance): Multiple business owners and the St. Pete Chamber president opposed the ordinance, citing harm to small businesses and urging further economic impact analysis. Council of Neighborhood Associations representative supported the ordinance as a tool for neighborhoods. The MLK Business District president thanked staff for adding a one-block buffer along major streets.
• Second Open Forum (after public hearings): Speakers Courtney Bermudez, Charles Phillips, and Carla Correa (St. Pete Tenants Union) described dire conditions at the Morgan Apartments (mold, safety hazards, unpaid utilities) and urged the city to purchase the property and operate it as public housing.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations & Awards: The Council recognized Pulse Remembrance Day (June 12), Pride Month, Inclusive Faith and Family Month, the Governor's Hurricane Conference Innovation Award (Hometown Haulers program), Distinguished Citizen Awards for Hometown Haulers participants, Codes Compliance Assistance Appreciation Week, Caribbean American Heritage Month, and World Ocean Day. Each proclamation included remarks from council members and community representatives.
• Residential Recovery & Elevation Program (F2): Aubrey Phillips (Director of Strategic Initiatives) reported that as of June 8, 2026, the city had 1,635 cases in document collection, 611 in review, 240 on hold, and 184 complete. A total of 37 grant awards totaling over $370,000 had been issued. The Council unanimously approved a resolution delegating authority to execute grant agreements to speed up homeowner awards.
• Habitat for Humanity – Grove Townhomes (CR82): The Council unanimously approved $481,852 in TIF funds for 11 affordable townhomes (3-bedroom, 2.5-bath) at 1805 18th Avenue South, with a per-unit subsidy of $43,805. All units are restricted to buyers at or below 80% area median income.
• Legal Items: Increased engagement with Layne & Raflik for HOA documents (to $22,500) and appointed Bryant Miller Olive for ad valorem revenue matters (initial $25,000) – both approved unanimously.
• New Business: G1 (Budget Discussion) – Chair Hanowitz moved to schedule a committee of the whole on July 30 to discuss the recommended budget; approved unanimously. G2 (LGBTQ+ Resolution) – Vice Chair Floyd’s resolution opposing state legislation that discriminates based on sexual orientation/gender identity passed unanimously. G3 (Narvaez Landing Expedition) – Councilmember Gurtis’s resolution recognizing the historical significance of the 1528 landing near Jungle Prada passed unanimously.
• Neighborhood Resident-Only Parking Ordinance (J2): The proposed ordinance to create a framework for parking zones generated extensive debate. Councilmember Harding and others opposed, citing potential harm to small businesses and unintended consequences. Councilmember Hanowitz, the sponsor, noted the ordinance is a common tool in growing cities. After discussion, no motion was made; the item was effectively deferred. The one-block buffer along major streets, which had been added after business community feedback, was acknowledged but not sufficient to gain majority support.
• Comprehensive Plan Amendment (J3): First reading of an ordinance to remove marina development restrictions in North Vinoy Yacht Basin; second reading scheduled for August 27, 2026. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Unanimously: Consent agenda, F2 (residential recovery delegation), CR82 (Habitat for Humanity), I1 & I2 (legal contracts), G1 (budget schedule), G2 (LGBTQ resolution), G3 (Narvaez resolution), H1A (management evaluation shortlist), J1 (RUSH funds for homeless services – $2,328,301), and J3 (comprehensive plan amendment on marina restrictions).
• Not Voted/Deferred: The neighborhood parking ordinance (J2) received no motion to approve after extended debate and will not advance at this time.
• Directives/Next Steps: Staff to follow up on the Morgan Apartment situation, including inspection results and potential city purchase. The next council meeting will include the second reading of the marina ordinance (J3) on August 27, 2026. The Council entered a break period after this meeting.