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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - September 17, 2026

City Council — Thursday, September 17, 2026

BodySt Petersburg, Florida

SessionCity Council

DateThursday, September 17, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 4:32:21

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:04

Welcome to the City of St.

0:06

Petersburg City Council meeting.

0:09

Your elected officials are Mayor Ken Welch.

0:13

District 1, Copley Gurdis, District 2, Brandy Gabbert, District 3, Mike Harding, District 4, and Council Chair, Leseth Hanowitz.

0:28

District 5, Deborah Fig Sanders.

0:31

District 6, Gina Driscoll.

0:35

District 7, Corey Gibbons Jr.

0:38

And District 8 and Council Vice Chair, Richie Floyd.

0:47

Welcome everyone to the September 17th, 2026 City Council meeting.

0:51

Clerk, could I have a roll call, please?

0:53

Gurtis.

0:54

Here and a whips.

0:56

Here.

0:56

Gabbert.

0:57

Here.

0:57

Harding.

0:58

Six Sanders.

0:59

Here.

0:59

Driscoll.

1:00

Here.

1:00

Givens.

1:01

Here.

1:01

Floyd.

1:02

Here.

1:03

Today we're gonna have our invocation given by Rabbi Philip Weinprob of Congregation Badness Israel.

1:08

And please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:11

If you can stand, please.

1:15

Members of the Council, honored guests and neighbors, thank you for the privilege of opening the meeting.

1:20

I come to you in the season of the Jewish High Holidays.

1:24

We just celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the new year, and this weekend, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

1:30

A season that is built around showing up, about saying, here I am, he and those words are used by Abraham the Prophet when he was called.

1:39

Words that I used today when I welcomed a little boy into the covenant at eight days.

1:44

The covenant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

1:46

It's the word that our tradition uses whenever someone is asked to show up, not as a bystander, but as a participant, ready to be counted upon.

1:55

And I asked my community this week, how do we say heen any?

1:59

How do we say here I am, not only to our own faith community, but to all people, to our neighbors, our city, even when it's hard.

2:06

Because right now it is hard.

2:09

My community has been in the city of St.

2:11

Pete for 103 years.

2:13

And at the same time, thank God not here.

2:16

Across the country, Jewish congregations have faced violent threats with visibly Jewish people attacked on the street in front of their homes and their houses of worship.

2:24

And that hatred stems from a single ancient lie that whatever anyone's problem is, blame the Jews.

2:30

Anti-Semitism is rising in ways that many of us did not see or expect in our lifetime.

2:36

But we know that hatred against Jews does not end there.

2:38

It multiplies and leads to hatred against so many others.

2:43

So none of us is asked to call to fix that alone.

2:46

But everyone is asked to notice.

2:48

Everyone is asked to speak up and stand beside any person being singled out because their safety and dignity is bound up in our own.

3:04

And our city council as an example of that.

3:07

So before you begin your work today, may we be a community that says heenany that says I show up, that I stand up for one another.

3:15

Jew or Christian, Muslim or Hindu, Buddhist or Sikh, believer, or seeker, every color, every race, every creed.

3:22

May we have the courage to stand up for our neighbor when they're diminished, and the humanity and the humility to be stood up for when we are in need.

3:31

May the decisions made in this room today be guided by justice, tempered by compassion, and rooted in the recognition that we share one city, one future, and the gift of knowing one another.

3:43

Let all of us say he and he.

3:45

Here we are, together.

3:47

Amen.

4:04

Thank you, maybe seated.

4:06

Thank you, Rabbi Wantrop for the uniform report.

4:11

Council members, we have an agenda for approval.

4:20

Council members, please enter your votes.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural████████████████████20%

Community Redevelopment Area█████████████████17%

Budget Equity Analysis███████████████15%

Transportation Safety█████████9%

Youth Programs████████8%

Public Engagement██████6%

Public Safety████4%

Community Engagement███3%

Zoning and Land Use██2%

Summary of Proceedings

St. Petersburg City Council Meeting - September 17, 2026

This meeting of the St. Petersburg City Council on September 17, 2026, covered a wide range of topics including routine approvals, public comments on traffic safety, transparency, homelessness, infrastructure, and surveillance, a South St. Pete CRA budget presentation, and the second public hearing and final adoption of the FY2027 city budget. The meeting opened with an invocation by Rabbi Philip Weinprob of Congregation B'nai Israel, who spoke on the Jewish High Holidays and the importance of standing up for neighbors.

Consent Calendar

Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda: The agenda and consent agenda were approved unanimously, with the addition of four union agreements (CB20-CB23).
Social Services Allocations (CA4): Councilmember Gabbard highlighted improvements at the St. Vincent DePaul facility following a collaborative action plan with city staff and police, crediting the facility for becoming a better neighbor. Vice Chair Floyd noted receiving complaints of heavy-handed police presence there, urging continued compassion. The item was approved unanimously.
Union Agreements: Councilmember Gurtis conveyed thanks from Suncoast PBA President John Vasquez for prioritizing the contracts, which cover communications center personnel. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

Susan Fowler and Carl Feinstack (residents of 730 76th Ave N): Expressed concerns about lack of sidewalks, missing speed limit signs, dangerous intersection at 7th St N and 76th Ave N, and heavy truck traffic. They requested speed humps and safety improvements.
Brad Falbo (1856 Sal Mary Way S): Criticized open forum rules as restrictive, cited a lawsuit over public records transparency, and accused Councilmember Gabbard of failing to respond to records requests. He urged council to investigate city spending.
Liam Oliver (1363 42nd Ave N, St. Petersburg High School senior): Representing the school's civic engagement club, he advocated for prioritizing affordable housing, rental assistance, and supportive housing over criminalizing homelessness. He urged the city to listen to homeless individuals.
Jason Scott (4636 Redfish Ln): Criticized a Duke Energy study via Concentric, calling claims of $2-4 billion to municipalize unfounded. He noted Duke's rate increase and opposition to Senate Bill 484.
Raleigh Coates (St. Pete High sophomore): Highlighted geographic inequality, noting a 16-year life expectancy gap between Snell Isle and Campbell Park. He asked the council to use municipal funds to support community-led food co-ops and address food deserts.
Jackson Suggs (3321 Jackson St N): Expressed frustration with prolonged road construction projects and urged the city to build roads resilient to hurricanes.
Riker (St. Pete High student): Presented club poll showing 97% negative opinion of Flock cameras. Raised privacy concerns, potential for police abuse, AI misidentification, and disproportionate surveillance of minority communities. Asked council to exit the Flock contract.
Kathy Harrelson (St. Pete Heights): Supported a citizen advisory committee for green infrastructure but stressed priority must be protecting the existing tree canopy. Criticized sidewalk plans that sacrifice trees.
Brother John Mohammed (legacy CRA resident): Spoke during the CRA budget discussion, recommending reallocation of funds from multifamily development to home rehabilitation, workforce development, and direct business support. He asked for clarity on how adjustments could be made before final adoption.
Budget public hearing commenters:
- Brad Falbo: Cited 81% increase in funds for Axon (linked to Flock), lack of transparency in food expenditures and contractor oversight, and urged council to deny the budget.
- Lauren Hubbard (1110 3rd St S): Requested completion of the 31st Street South safety study and investment in the Lakewood Trail Connector.
- Jacob Ehrlich and Matthew Fallhaber (Lakewood Estates residents): Asked for prioritization of the 31st Street Complete Streets study and Lakewood Trail Connector improvements, citing pedestrian safety concerns.
- Jay James, Savrina Stewart, Jessica Tomlinson, Hong Nam Dong (Bay Area Dream Defenders members): Advocated for the "Save Our Streets" campaign, urging reallocation of public safety funds to youth programs, community outreach coordinators, and prevention initiatives. They cited a recent shooting at Child's Park YMCA and the need for accessible youth services.

Discussion Items

Autonomous Food Delivery Services (G1): Councilmember Fig Sanders proposed a referral to the PSI committee to discuss encouraging autonomous food delivery in areas with limited parking. Approved unanimously.
CRA Budgets: The council approved the FY27 spending plan for the In-Town Redevelopment Area (CRA2) and the South St. Pete CRA budget (CRA3) after extensive discussion. The South St. Pete CRA budget allocated $22.9 million in TIF revenue, with 66% ($15.1M) for housing and neighborhood revitalization. Councilmembers questioned the balance between multifamily development and single-family rehabilitation, outreach effectiveness, and rollover amounts. Vice Chair Floyd noted the possibility of moving funds between buckets later if needed. Councilmember Driscoll asked for more detailed future presentations. Both items passed unanimously.
Budget Hearing and Final Adoption:
- Liz presented the FY2027 budget overview, noting a 1.05% increase over the rolled-back rate (millage rate 6.4525) to fund public safety wage increases and new fire positions. The general fund budget is $437.3 million.
- Council discussed the need for youth engagement, save our streets funding, and the 31st Street study.
- Councilmember Givens clarified that Axon funding relates to body cameras, not Flock. Parks Director Mike detailed free middle school programs and subsidized child care.
- Councilmember Fig Sanders noted conversations with Dream Defenders and the mayor about incorporating their outreach into existing programs.
- Final votes:
  - Millage rate resolution (J1A): Passed 6-2 (Driscoll and Gibbons voting no).
  - Budget appropriation ordinance (J1B): Passed 6-2 (Driscoll and Gibbons voting no).
  - Multi-year CIP program (J1C): Passed 7-1 (Driscoll voting no).
- Councilmember Hanowitz warned about the potential impact of Amendment 3 (increased homestead exemption) on city revenues.
Towing Contract Announcement: Councilmember Harding raised concerns about the bidding process for the city's towing contract, historically held by Tri-J for 32 years. He stated the process changed from an RFP to an invitation to bid, resulting in higher costs for citizens ($150 vs $130) and potentially putting Tri-J out of business. Administration said the police chief was comfortable with the process. Council requested documentation to review.

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda and Union Agreements: Approved unanimously.
Historic Landmark Designation (E1): Set public hearing for October 1, 2026. Approved unanimously.
Land Use and Zoning Changes (E2A, E2B): Set public hearing for October 15, 2026. Approved unanimously.
Autonomous Food Delivery Referral (G1): Referred to PSI committee. Approved unanimously.
Committee Reports (H1, H2): Removal of items from referral list and reappointment to Housing Authority approved unanimously.
CRA Spending Plans (CRA2, CRA3): Approved unanimously.
FY2027 Budget and Millage: Final millage rate set at 6.4525 mills (1.05% increase over rolled-back). Budget appropriation and CIP adopted (6-2 and 7-1 votes).
Towing Contract: Council to receive documentation; further discussion expected.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome to the City of St. Petersburg City Council meeting. Your elected officials are Mayor Ken Welch. District 1, Copley Gurdis, District 2, Brandy Gabbert, District 3, Mike Harding, District 4, and Council Chair, Leseth Hanowitz. District 5, Deborah Fig Sanders. District 6, Gina Driscoll. District 7, Corey Gibbons Jr. And District 8 and Council Vice Chair, Richie Floyd. Welcome everyone to the September 17th, 2026 City Council meeting. Clerk, could I have a roll call, please? Gurtis. Here and a whips. Here. Gabbert. Here. Harding. Six Sanders. Here. Driscoll. Here. Givens. Here. Floyd. Here. Today we're gonna have our invocation given by Rabbi Philip Weinprob of Congregation Badness Israel. And please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. If you can stand, please. Members of the Council, honored guests and neighbors, thank you for the privilege of opening the meeting. I come to you in the season of the Jewish High Holidays. We just celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the new year, and this weekend, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. A season that is built around showing up, about saying, here I am, he and those words are used by Abraham the Prophet when he was called. Words that I used today when I welcomed a little boy into the covenant at eight days. The covenant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It's the word that our tradition uses whenever someone is asked to show up, not as a bystander, but as a participant, ready to be counted upon. And I asked my community this week, how do we say heen any? How do we say here I am, not only to our own faith community, but to all people, to our neighbors, our city, even when it's hard. Because right now it is hard. My community has been in the city of St. Pete for 103 years. And at the same time, thank God not here. Across the country, Jewish congregations have faced violent threats with visibly Jewish people attacked on the street in front of their homes and their houses of worship. And that hatred stems from a single ancient lie that whatever anyone's problem is, blame the Jews. Anti-Semitism is rising in ways that many of us did not see or expect in our lifetime. But we know that hatred against Jews does not end there. It multiplies and leads to hatred against so many others. So none of us is asked to call to fix that alone. But everyone is asked to notice. Everyone is asked to speak up and stand beside any person being singled out because their safety and dignity is bound up in our own. And our city council as an example of that. So before you begin your work today, may we be a community that says heenany that says I show up, that I stand up for one another.

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