City Council

>> Welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting and your elected officials our mayor Ken Welch district one hopefully Curtis. District 2 Randy gabbard district 3 my party. Its strict for and Council chair Lisette can away. District 5. Deborah big Sanders. Gina Driscoll. Were you given Stu year and and Council vice chair reaching Floyd. >> To the JUNE 11th 2026 City Council meeting for can actually have a roll call for school ear Givens here blowing. Curtis governor here Harding and what's your big Sanders in. They will have our invocation given by pastor Landis Thomas junior from new pleasant Grove Baptist Church if you can please stand and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Good afternoon Sir, the afternoon. >> a gracious heavenly father we do thank you father for another day of life father we thank you Lord for bringing us here father for the celebrations Lord GOD for the awards Lord GOD, but first we have to celebrate you Lord GOD because father you've been so good so kind so graceful and or support tools, Lord got so far that we just thank you for all that you're doing here. The city of St. Petersburg Lord GOD. We ask in the name of Jesus Lord GOD that we keep the greatest commandment that greedy geezers gave that we loved one another the way he loved us Lord GOD. So we just thank you now father we ask in the name of Jesus that you come in Lord GOD we ask in the name of Jesus that you continue to touch on city continue to bless our city father. We just thank you father because father without you would be no St. Petersburg and nothing else. So father we just ask in the name of Jesus right now that you take over the meeting come indoor got bless those who need the blessing problem we just want to say thank you. This in the precious in mind in the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus Lord GOD that we do pray in Jesus name Amen Amen. >> I pledge allegiance. It states of America and to the Republic, which it stands one nation and it got it's all with >> Thank you MAY be seated. Thank you pastor for that beautiful invocation. >> Council members we have an agenda before us on 13 a motion for approval. Again we have a motion a second clerk if you can open the machine for voting council members please enter your vote seen that all present council members a vote a clerk please County announced vote. MADAM Chair, the motion to approve the agenda passes unanimously. Thank you. We have a consent agenda clerk are there any carts. And retain a motion for approval of a second. The motion a second. Where can you can open a machine for voting councilmembers prevent your votes seeing that all present council members of voting clerk please tally announce the vote. Chair the motion to approve the consent agenda passes unanimously. But take a moment, thank I think the moment real quick and turn it over to Jackie. We are a city attorney thank you chair, I just wanted to introduce still Delaney he's to joining our litigation team. I will talk about why our world and upset about that. But we're very excited to have it up and appreciate your confirmation. Thank you and welcome aboard we're glad to have you. >> Next up we move up to open clerk are there any speakers for open storm chair, okay and if use read the rules. If you wish to address city Council such exploded in public hearing a quasi-judicial items listed on the agenda. Police and with the clerk. Only the individual wishing to speak MAY sign an open form sheet only city residents ownership property. Business owners in the city or the employees me speak all issues discussed and are open for must be limited to issues related to the city of St. Petersburg government. If you're speaking to item on the agenda you speak once during open form when it comes up on the agenda. Applause, it's not permitted except in connection with a worse and presentations in order to provide an opportunity for all citizens to address City Council. Each individual be given 3 minutes to speak and after wish the microphone will be muted. If you wish to address City Council to meeting you must use the recent feature in this zoom app or in or start 9 on your phone. At the time the agenda item is a truss when it's your turn to speak up and muted x to state your name and address. At the conclusion of your comments when you've reached a 3 minute time limit you'll be muted. Already stance will be looked at each agenda item regardless participation use normal rules apply, including a 3 minute time limit on comments. The requirement that any presentation materials must be submitted in advance of the meeting and rules of decorum if like public comment is disrupted by violations of the rules of decorum the chairs authorized to accept public comment. Alternate means including by email only we do have some speakers. Great and I just want to remind everyone as a clerk said there is no clapping or any other but they applause or anything like that. During open forum we're gonna reserve that for awards and presentations and we want to keep it early so clerk if you could name the first 2 speakers. First 2 speakers reverend been all turn Zemin and Amy Miller. Approach the podium state your name address and cross streets you have 3 minutes to address City Council. Thank reverend been afternoons eman my pronouns are he and on the minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg that's at 100 mirror Lake drive. I want to thank COUNCILMAN Curry Givens for bringing the proposal that ended up with the title inclusive faith and its conclusive family and faith month and thank you for respecting and parents, my own congregation includes all kinds of families, and bisexual, parents and children, the Trans and non-binary parents and children and Unitarian Universalist have sided with Levin against discrimination for centuries. But I agree with COUNCILMAN Ritchie Floyd that there is a concerted effort to try to push back against lgbtq rights. This pushback comes from our County commissioners from the State House and from the White House. I'm proud of our city's protection. The lgbtqia plus community. But our state government punishes teachers who use a check of trans child is correct name. And our federal government has recently classified groups who support trans Rice as terrorist groups. And this discrimination can have deadly results. The pulse nightclub mass murder is one example, another is the fact that over half of trans children. Attempt suicide. Some of my colleagues in ministry define marriage as one man and one woman Unitarian Universalist believe that love makes a family not just heterosexual parents. I do not believe in a God who discriminates against lgbtqia plus people. First Corinthians chapter 13 says that love his patients love his kind it does not envy. It does not boost. It always protects always trusts always hopes and always perseveres but if we say families can only look a certain way this seems boastful to me. Protect our trans and non-binary kids is this t-shirt says if we protect our trans and non-binary parents are and bisexual kids and parents, then we are doing GOD's work. So I thank the City Council and the city of St. Petersburg for reminding us that love makes a family and that that happens during every during pride month and every month of the year. And if any trans children and the lgbtqia plus children or adults are listening. Please know that this pastor love you please know that your life is precious please know that you are perfect in the eyes of GOD and if you're getting thrown out of your church somewhere else in Florida. You can always come to St. Petersburg you can always come to my church, thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, and if your name is called if you can come up to the podium. What's the other people in other speaker. >> Brent fell will approach the podium state your name and address. You have 3 minutes to jurors City Council okay Amy can you go ahead and speak we just have 2 speakers at a time so when you watch a. >> Good afternoon Council. My name is Amy Miller I live at 700 Beach drive Northeast proud PRESIDENT Proud resident for 36 years of St. Petersburg. I'm here representing item g 3 about the Narvaez landing an expedition. I'm I wanted to COUNCILMAN Coakley Baroness especially for bringing this resolution forward and I hope as Jim mcdougal does that you will pass this resolution today and also recognize the Queen Centennial event on 1515 28. 2 2020 a 500 year anniversary which doesn't come around too long. Another thing I'd like to mention as I appreciate everybody else who on the council who met with us and listen to the story. It's a story not well known. It's a story about the first non native who stepped foot on the North American continent and I think you could really propel St. Petersburg forward on an international stage. And one last thing hasn't been considered in the resolution, but hopefully going forward we'll talk about making a monument to honor this. Epic event and survival journey. That celebrates many cultures, including African Americans, Latin Americans and in an American Indians. And I want to thank Jim mcdougal for his 10 years of research and just perseverance on this project. Thanks everyone. Thank you. I mean is Brad falbo 1856 ameri way South. Perfect Sanders I've requested your phone records from what you've been many times and you've stated that it's not related to your official duty so I look forward to getting those records from 2 days. You know activities on your phone are still all start off with city clerk Chanda perfect Sanders can well to criminals. They have disregarded public Florida's public records law chapter one 19 and they have treated this communities right to transparency with contempt. If any of them believes I'm lying to the court let everything come out discovery, I welcome it for about the city for the records from the original gas plant sale. The city just completed the does digitization and surprisingly provided me with the majority of records. It's apparent that no one is actually taking the time to look at what really happened at the gas plant the 1980's. So I did over many weeks by hand and with the help of ai I built gas plant data dot com. It is still in development but it has already started to tell the story that has been avoided for many years the story residents have some residents have always suspected people's homes were sold for pennies on the dollar however, certain commercial and institutional properties received hundreds of thousands of dollars. And remember this is 1980's money first Baptist institutional received nearly $900,000 and likely more for relocation but here's what should concern every one in this room mayor Welch's father day but he walks out on the City Council during the gas plant deals. The Walton family also had ties to the prayer tower Church of GOD in Christ, the uncle was on the board the dog was on the board. The mayor's uncle pastor that church during that time as well and today, his son the the uncle son is leads the church. So I asked the question the city refuses to ask why did Bethel Metropolitan Baptist care town and first Baptist institutional received so much money while the rest of the gas plant community receive so little why did the mayors father, his uncle and these institutions feildel to fight for their own people and the neglect is not just history. Councilmember fix Sanders sends out a monthly email accounting for hours by her own numbers from JANUARY through MAY she spent 13 hours meeting with constituents, 13 hours in 5 months a fraction of her time for the people she was elected to serve hopefully Denver spent more time in history class because she would have learned that taxation without representation does not bode well in this country. I hope the other council members will maintain a high level of transparency and will continue will consider looking into the forecast but history. Thank you. Thank u next to speakers please. Next 2 speakers Jenna Gordon Thomas gross approach, the podium state your name and address. Cross streets you have 2 minutes to address City Council. Whoever makes the. >> Good afternoon to all of you, happy pride by the way. It's good to see you all name is Jenna Gordon 5, 4, 6, 93rd Avenue North Saint Peter's back. And that I'm a 28 year-old transwomen from Florida grew up here I moved to Saint Pete about 4 years ago and that I just to speak in favor of that resolution to protect lgbt people from discrimination in the city and that because I want to stay here. I love this town in many different ways it's beautiful. I and I just want to continue to have a place in it to work here live here in safety and dignity like everybody else and that. But I see what's happening all around me just since in the past 4 years over 400,000 trans people have moved states for the of their safety just because of everything that's been done to attack our community. And you all and leaders of this community and I know that you all have an opportunity to set an example for everyone here did be good neighbors to one another and with each other. No matter what our orientation or gender identity or any of that it's because we're all human beings. Looking forward to see how it gets and I thank you all for your time. Thank you. >> Thank you city Council, my name is Thomas Crow say that for 9 to 7 13th Avenue North. St. Petersburg I'm here speaking in favor of the city of St. Petersburg bidding on the Morgan complex in Saint in South St. Petersburg as the horrible living conditions tenants have been forced to endure can only be insured to Democratic control over the complex. I'm sure you all know the Morgan complex given the massive complaints against them over the last almost a full year at this point since AUGUST. Not paying their water bill I believe for many years they're being holes in the ceilings last Nestle over being almost inhabitable conditions in this place. These conditions MAY seem extreme. But landlords exploitation is definitely typical for your constituent tenants in St. Petersburg are across the entire city. Notably in Boca ciega the book a ca gov apartments llc where the manager of the complex acts as a tyrant against the privacy and rights of the tenants the answer is clear. The city needs to reevaluate its relationship with housing, not as a commodity to be traded on the speculative market which could result in gentrification displacement and exorbitant rent increases everyone in the city has to face who's a tenant over 40% of St. Petersburg people that as a human right which is controlled by the tenants themselves in conjunction with the city primarily through 10 associations, a resident councils like the St. Petersburg tenants union, a common argument against this might be simply cost too much taxpayer money I know last week a common talking point against a lot of things which costs a lot of money including the the Duke energy feasibility study but I would think over 40% of St. Petersburg residents that are tenants would rather prefer their hard-earned money being going towards controlling their very means of survival in their housing instead of into the pockets of private owners who don't even live in Florida much less St. Petersburg thank you all I hope City Council understands that these problems are not from one bad landlord but that tenants don't have Democratic control over their own very means of life. Also Richie Floyd's resolution and that he introduced to show Saint Pete stands to protect its lgbtq plus residents against discrimination. Thank you. Thank you the more in-person get one too MADAM Chair. Doughty re I'm going to hit you into the meeting space when I do please state your name and address for the record you will have 3 minutes to address City Council. Go ahead please. >> You'll hear me. Yes. I felt I live on 16th Street North and 20th Avenue North. And I just wanted to speak in favor of a g 2. The resolution opposing a state legislation that discriminates against people based on orientation, gender identity or any other protected identity or characteristic. I've been an ally of the lgbt community my entire life and and I remember the day that marriage was ruled a legal and 35. And it's been really disheartening seeing the progression that our country has taken an especially in the state of Florida. I feel like Florida has kind of been like. >> Kind of leading the charge in that regard. So. I I think that a city that as the largest pride parade in the in the state and parts rainbow tape on the steps of City Hall is one that should be. Vocally opposing the state Legislature and their fight to dehumanize lgbt people so I really hope that you all vote yes on the resolution. Additionally I also want to advocate for the Saint Pete City Council to look into. Buying the Morgan property was under for closure and making it public. Leon housing. Thank you that's all. Thank you. You have any other speakers. Number 6 MADAM Chair. Thank you, okay we close open form and now we're going to get to the award and presentation part of our meeting the first up is the 5 pulse remembrance day proclamation and are on bye hear Floyd will present that. If there's anybody that is going to stand. >> With vice chair Floyd on this proclamation you can join him. >> Thank you every one thank you so much for being here today. I just have a few comments. I'm incredibly honored to be able to present this proclamation today. Well those obviously something I wish I didn't have to do. Orlando's one of the few places that I've called home in the past. So I went to ucf just a few years before this horrific acts of the event of an accident. I was I was crushed, I woke up that morning 10 years ago and immediately worried for my. Lgbtq friends in Orlando and I was fortunate to be able to get in touch with all of them wrote would quickly the morning. But that wasn't the case for everyone. This tragedy shows the exact reason. Why it's so important that we stand up for everyone in our community. And so with that I'll read the proclamation. 10 years ago on JUNE 12. Whereas 10 years ago on JUNE 1236 a horrific act of violence at the pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Claimed the lives of 49 innocent people and injured dozens more. And whereas the tragedy at pulse nightclub was at the time the deadliest mass shooting in modern us history and continues to be the deadliest act of anti lgbtq pay violence in modern us history. And whereas pulse nightclub served as a place of community friendship and belonging the tragedy deeply impacted the Orlando community. Families and communities throughout the state of Florida and the nation. And whereas the pulse tragedy remains. One of the deadliest acts of violence against lgbtq people in the United States United States history. And the Kurd during pride month. And whereas me in the aftermath of the tragedy. People across Florida and the United States came together in grief compassion and solidarity to support survivors. Honor the victims with action. We commit to building a world free of anti lgbtq hatred. And comfort those affected. And whereas law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Health care workers and countless community members responded with extraordinary courage and service in the wake of the attack. And whereas the state of Florida has designated JUNE 12 his pulse remembrance day to honor the victims survivors families and all those affected by the attack. And whereas remembering the lives lost at pulse provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of community, public safety and standing against violence and hatred in all for him. Now therefore I councilmember Ritchie Floyd on behalf of Tennessee Welsh mayor, the city of St. Petersburg do hereby proclaim Fri. JUNE 1220 26 as pulse remembrance day in St. Petersburg and encourage everyone so remember the victims honor survivors first responders and reflect upon the values of compassion unity and community. >> I'm joined by the community engagement manager. Of the city of Orlando. Luis Martinez. Good afternoon everyone on behalf of Orlando mayor buddy Dyer and the city of Orlando has a spotty the Reagan an lgbtq plus into eagle. I'm David proud to stand before you today. Thank you to Mayor Kenneth too Welch on this Centre Petersburg city call so for these deeply meaningful proclomation reporting by Tina were seeded to be but of these noble yester. After that both ready. Our commitment to honoring the 49 innocent life lost their families that survivors and the first responders remains steadfast ever. This proclamation is a powerful reminder that our communities I bound together by shared grief, but more important importantly by unknown wavering that occasion to the values of compassion inclusion and unity. We accept this honor we profound we already do standing shoulder to shoulder with some Petersburg community. You know we're collective mission to ensure that love I light we always prevail over hate. Thank you which I get us. >> Thank you vice-chair Floyd for those beautiful words we hold the family and friends and everyone affected by the tragedy and our hearts today and always. >> Proclamation we have is the one pride month proclamation and we have our mayor here with us. Hi mayor Welch. Thank you MADAM Chair members of Council our Saint Pete community, thank you all for being here. Vice chair Floyd thank you for your words and MR. Martinez. We're joining us as well. Today's a day where we stand on who we are as a community and I'm honored to remember that just a week ago we raise our flag in honor of pride month. And we're especially proud to celebrate the diversity of our community in the climate that we face in our nation today. Our city is inclusive of all residents regardless of their neighborhood economic status race, religion or orientation. That's what we are Saint Pete news. One of our lgbtq liaison Nathan bruemmer and all of our friends from the lgbtq plus community if you would stand again and join me. For this proclamation. And it reads whereas the city of St. Petersburg values, diversity creativity and civic engagement and strives to be a city where all people feel respected safe welcome and connected through opportunity and belonging and whereas many of the residents students city employees and business owners within the city of St. Petersburg who contribute to the enrichment of our city our part of the bisexual transgender clear in question community and contribute significantly to the cultural civic economic and creative vitality of St. Petersburg and whereas pride month honors, the ongoing pursuit of equality. Dignity. Visibility and opportunity for lgbtq plus individuals while celebrating the resilience leadership and contributions of generations of lgbtq plus people who help strengthen our community. And whereas this year we celebrate the 24th anniversary of Saint Pete pride. Florida's largest pride celebration which brings together hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors and recognize the substantial economic impact an event of this size is had on the city of St. Petersburg and our surrounding areas. And whereas we partner with our neighboring cities and communities across the United States to recognize and celebrate JUNE. As lgbtq plus pride month. Now therefore I Kathy watch mayor of the city of St. Petersburg Florida do hereby proclaim the month of JUNE 20 26. As lgbtq plus pride month in St. Petersburg and invite everyone to reflect on ways we can all live and work together. And reaffirm our commitment to mutual respect. Compassion and the freedom for people to live their lives authentically director for the recognize pride month by flying the Rainbow flag at City Hall. You MAY have noticed some work on the steps as well. During the month of JUNE. Thank you all for standing on who we are as a city GOD bless you. >> My name is Nathan room and i'm proud to serve as the city of St. Petersburg lgbtq coordinator and I am joined graciously by a beautiful representation of our city with leaders from the following organizations, the Tampa Bay lgbt chamber equality Florida transneft work. The Tampa Bay International and Film Festival. The Trans Film Festival wynter pride sage advocacy and services for lgbtq elders out arts and culture, Tampa Bay black lesbians the Asian Museum, Saint Pete pride love the Golden rule, the Gay men's chorus of Tampa Bay project, no labels. The flag greater Pinellas you Saint Pete and Allendale United Methodist. I know we don't have a lot of time to have everyone speak, but I have 3 organizations you MAY not be as familiar with that have tremendous history. So joining me here for just 60 seconds apiece. We have Jeremiah from the Gay men's chorus of Tampa Bay jame from sage and James from out arts and culture to tell you a little bit about themselves. >> But first let's Realty hear mention speak, I'm with our son culture we're a nonprofit that helps celebrate lgbt artists and authors in the area. Right now we have our outgoing 99th annual it at the call for a library in the genes using this year, we're celebrating over a 100 pieces of are at the both the library and in the case is and we're very excited to be celebrating 60. Plus authors Ernest, thank you so much. Thank you. >> Good afternoon. My name is Jeremiah Cummings and I proudly serve as the artistic director of the Gay men's chorus of Tampa Bay where we have where next year we are excited to say that we celebrate 25 years of changing lives, one song at a time. Although you cannot hear us locally again until OCTOBER. We do want to invite you over the next couple of days to join us with several courses from all over the state of Florida to honor polls in Orlando at the first United Methodist Church of Orlando. Where we will be joined by the Orlando, chorus and diversity, the voices of Sarasota where we will take the next 2 days and just celebrate together in song and socialize together and we're excited that next year next summer. We will be the hosting course here in Tampa Bay for that very same event and we hope that you will join us and just come and enjoy and be entertained and let us change your life one song at a time. >> Hi there thank you. My name is Jean has school I am director of impact and engagement at the age we are services and advocacy for lgbtq plus elders. We are the nation's largest and oldest organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of lgbtq people it's 50 in better. We are headquartered in New York, but I have the privilege and honor of living and working remotely hearing think Petersburg commit community not only rich in lgbtq history and individuals but an lgbtq elders I am so thankful for the lgbtq ancestors and authors who came before all of us. I don't know that we'd be here today. If it weren't for them so I just wanted to say thank you to the lgbtq older adults who have made it so we can celebrate who have paved the way for the rights that we have today and just acknowledge that think Petersburg is full of such a beautiful diverse lgbtq community aging is a process it is not a moment. We are all aging and I just want all lgbtq people to grow old. Thank you. Councilmember Curtis. I've been sitting here. This morning trying to figure out what I was going to say during this proclamation and the only thing I can come up with. It is. You make me proud of the city that I was born and raised in that I chose to live in that I choose to raise my children in and I chose to represent. That's all I can really say is thank you. And vice chair Floyd. I try not to do this except to my children and even with them because I don't know I think I watched a cool in a movie one time about telling somebody that you're proud of them, it's a weird thing but I'm proud of you. >> Well said councilmember gardez look we had the pride flag raising. >> Last weekend I will tell you it was just a wonderful wonderful occasion seeing all our community celebrate. Pride month here in St. Petersburg and that's what we do as a city and seeing all your beautiful faces and all the happiness that I is surrounding you and makes my heart fall and by hear Floyd did a fantastic job I know you're holding it together and that is unlike that's unlike councilmember I mean by hear Floyd because he holds it together all the time. So him speaking with the like me. The Hispanic here and there around that gets emotional. He holds it together and and so. It was very appreciated, I thought the word for a very poignant. Thank you to all the organizations and everything you do thank you for being here okay. >> Next up we have it's inclusive a faith and family month proclamation and we have councilmember Givens who is going up present the proclamation. >> Thank you so much chair and I'm going to ask of those who are here but the faith and family proclamation to please join me over here on this side of the chamber. As they come I want to acknowledge that as we prepare to celebrate father's Day weekend. We recognize the work that these organizations that are here today are doing we are grateful for each of them. We have representatives from faith and family, the next step center, various pastors hear from somebody cares Tampa Bay. >> And multiple multiple. Congregations that are represented and I just want to thank them so much for being bold and courageous in for standing with me today as we recognize faith in family month. The proclamation. Whereas strong family serve as the foundation of thriving neighborhoods and contribute to the social emotional and economic well-being of communities throughout the city of St. Petersburg in whereas value families come in all varieties of forms. Whereas diverse faith community civic organizations, businesses and community leaders play an important role and supporting families through mentorship service education fellowship and outreach efforts and whereas family faith in family month encourages individuals congregations organizations in diversity of all families to participate in activities that strengthen relationships promote shared values and Foster meaningful connections among generations and whereas the this observation recognizes the importance of investing in children and supporting parents and caregivers honoring grand parents and elders celebrating diversity, encouraging healthy and resilient family relationships and whereas when families are strengthened in communities work together in a spirit of inclusion service and compassion to all the entire city. Benefits through increase civic engagement, stronger neighborhoods and a greater sense of belonging and whereas the city of St. Petersburg values the contributions of all of our residents faith communities, and organizations that dedicate their time and resources to uplifting families in creating opportunities for future generations to flourish. Now therefore I councilmember Corey Givens on the have of Kenneth t Welch mayor of the city of St. Petersburg do hereby proclaim the month of JUNE 20 26, as inclusive faith and family month. Thank you. >> We will have remarks from head. Stu, the zoning somewhere. Anderson there you go past Anderson. He's not speaking to the p word. Your city. >> Thank you minister Givens Council COUNCILMAN Givens and to all of you thank you very much for the opportunity to be able to recognize the important role that family has in in making children to flourish and to be the citizens, I will be taking all of the seats and all of the seats. In coming days. My name is Pete Mishler I'm part of the pastoral team with my church Gulf Coast community Church. And also with the next step center which has a big event coming up just a week from tomorrow. That is called together for life which is part of faith and family month. We I wasn't prepared to speak so all of a sudden my heart's racing. So our Scripture for that event is from Psalm one 45. One generation show commend your works to another and telling people how some kids and so are our emphasis is on the quip in the next generation in engaging the next generation in works of faith in ministry and and in value in the worth and promoting the worth and dignity of all human life all image pairs of GOD. So thank you all very much thank you. Afternoon my name is ella side in the past and we're dry fellowship church located in St. Petersburg Florida. This month, a concentration is basically to take the word of GOD to instruct to teach and to demonstrate and then allow the Holy spirit to guide people in the direction that go ahead and to go we don't hate anyone they don't dislike anyone. We tried to love everybody in this period in need of Christ and according to the word of GOD and that's what not only what we do this month that's what our calling is that's what I focus is every time we graced the pulpit. Every time we walk in the community and every time we talk to someone is to demonstrate they show the love of Christ and let him choose who he MAY want to serve him, thank you, thank you Sir. >> Councilmember fake Sanders. Thank you so much and I am just so happy to have all of you all here today and in past the Hodge. Thank you so much for saying that, but I what I want to do is. There was a piece to the proclamation that was omitted and I want to take that opportunity to spay of to to say wait re what it says and it says whereas value families come in a variety of forms, including those headed by opposite, couples. Same couple. Foster parents, adoptive parents, single parents and blended families and I read that because I was the only mom for a very long time. I was a single parent. And I want to make sure that all of our families in any and every form know that we are an inclusive city. And this proclamation celebrate everyone so thank you so much for your words, thank you. Thank you councilmember fix. Sanders council member driskell. Thank you so much and given that this was a proclamation signed by the mayor and I know that City Council members if you read a proclamation year. Typically not given liberty to change the wording that of something that the mayor has written and signed. So I appreciate councilmember fig Sanders correction there and making sure that the entire intent of that proclamation. It was red properly. I also want to point out that at a time when we have the first to the first 2 proclamations and then this one I can't help but think about the wonderful work that's being done today by equality Florida. And they and the fact that Petersburg is the birthplace. Equality Florida and make some of this particularly special to me and in light of the fact that they have a wonderful program called parenting with pride and they recently launched a new interfaith initiative that is going to really elevate the role of faith in equality Florida's work and I absolutely appreciate everything that they do. And I don't know if any of them are part of the the group that was here today but I do want to publicly thank them for all that they have done and take a moment to express to the mayor and the administration. My deep appreciation, 4 all of the they thought and effort that went into making last week's pride flag raising and celebration. Such an incredible success even more than that it was a great statement that we were able to make and that is what I will carry out carry in my heart in my mind and and in my celebrations throughout this month which is pride month. Thank you. Councilmember Givens. Thank you so much just want to thank those who showed up today and just make mention you know again this was not meant to divert any attention from any one organization one celebration another, but the intent was to prove that we can love all GOD's children we can celebrate all GOD's people on the same month. Thank you chair. Thank you. So councilmember big Sanders, I'm I'm glad you mentioned that because I do want to we just make it clear to everyone that's here. Prez there anybody that's watching when we have these proclamations of City Council members. They don't come from us individually are from us as as the City Council. They really come this from the city of St. Petersburg and our strong mayor form of government and they are signed by our mayor Kenneth he watch and all proclamation see that and when we read them. We are supposed to read the proclamation as it is presented so why make that clear sunny appreciate councilmember fix Sanders. For you mentioning that because I think that is important for everyone to understand it. We don't have the Liberty of changing. What is on here. So having said that we're going to move to the next proclamation and that is the 3 which is the 2026 governors, hurricane. Conference innovation award and I will say that we're at take a break after d-four because there is a huge group of code compliance and others that are downstairs. And as we know. The hand there who hate that that the huge group so it's so weird that we're going to have a huge group downstairs come up so we'll take a break after the 4. But I want to make sure that whoever is watching understands that. So. Good afternoon good afternoon. Pleasure to be rebuilding emergency management manager pleasure to be here on a blue sky day delivering wonderful great news. And I'm so happy to be here so today is my honor to share that the city of Saint Pete's economic and workforce development team was recently recognized with the innovation award for the hometown hollers program at the 2026 governor's hurricane conference. This award. It's presented to programs that demonstrate new and creative approaches to hurricane preparedness response recovery and. Hurricanes Helene and Milton 2024, a challenge emerge the emergency operation center. How do we remove debris faster support our residents and a celebrate recovery. And it was a remarkable thing to watch in the e e o c when you have a problem that's it's presented and to see people work through that and what it looks like to watch city leadership sit at that table with city staff and work through the problem in real time and develop a new approach but ideas alone did not win awards implementation does the economic and workforce development through the city development administration took that concept and turned into a functioning program. The bill the framework engaged local businesses manage the logistics and created a program that was both innovative and accountable. The result was a hometown hollers program which enrolled over a 100 local trucks completed 5,382 debris halls generated more than million in payments to local businesses helping their own community recover. The city move forward with this program without the expectation of fema reimbursement prioritizing recovery while still ensuring the program met federal requirements and the work paid off. Fema has already obligated a significant portion of the program and the city anticipates full reimbursement as the review process continues. This award recognizes not only an innovative idea, the economic and workforce, Development's leadership and dedication and turning that idea into a successful recovery program that is now being recognized throughout the state of Florida. So congratulations to the economic and workforce development on this well-deserved recognition. >> Thanks amber and I first want to I said it it's the best in the business our emergency management team. So, thanks amber an entire team. I want to just quickly just take a few people. While we were in the a l c this was post Helene but before Milton and we were thinking what can we do we have another storm coming. How can we get to reap hick to pin all socal can we if using some economic development to community. I want to recognize councilmember fake Sanders and several others in the community who contacted us with the of the framework of his idea and then also want to thank our city administrator Robert is in our mayor because at the time when we were saying we're going to do this. We didn't know exactly how it's going to work we're figuring this out on the spot and they gave us the ability to move forward with not not knowing that we're going to get reimbursed for from fema. So I appreciate them giving us the ability to to do this. After that. I contacted and unfortunately Tracy Smith retired, she was part of the team and Andrea Falvey is not here today, she's off today is her birthday so happy birthday to amber but George Smith at the time was also part of the economic and workforce development team and essentially I remember distinctly on the call saying hey we want to stand up this program we're going to pick up debris. We're going to pay the teams that are picking up the debris debris. We need to do it in a way that structure that maybe we can get reimbursement but we MAY not be and I need you to do it in 24 hours. And that so they engage our team and I want to recognize Shelby with procurement here Alexis Garcia and Cassidy with economic and workforce development they really did the lion's share of the work too distribute we had to get placards created we had to assigned to work so that we were evenly distributing. The pickups in the areas that were hardest hit. Getting the documentation for the payment and then making sure ultimately that the haulers repaid and they did all this with not a blueprint in like I sit we turn this around in about 24 hours so thanks to the team for their hard work and actually want to give this award to Alexis Garcia. >> it drives this as a labor of love she she actually is still working right now at Fde m. And fema to make sure that we get every dollar back that we can so thank you to like this in the entire thing. >> Councilmember Curtis thank you very much, MADAM Chair. Councilmember fix Sanders, thank you for you and your team and your innovation and you're willing to your willingness to think outside of the box. Thus this was an amazing program. And it frankly a lot of it was literally in my backyard and so just thank you so much 2 administration I remember being on the phone with robbed with mayor with James about this program trying to a ramp up the Raytheon property as quickly as possible I big thanks to less Porter who was willing to do that we would not have been able to do that without him and it just incredible what this what this did. Mayor thank you for. When we were down you double down on our people. And that says a lot and it worked. I watched it work. And if you were a holler and you're here or you're listening thank you and I tried to be out at the rate the on site as often as I could and I went up to as many people as I could to say thank you and if I didn't to you I'm saying it now because it made a big difference. I watched it happen in our neighborhoods I watched it happen in my neighborhood where the debris was piling up fast and that's before a truck could even get into town. And so thank you for the difference that you made in our community. >> And council members thank you for believing in the program and. It's nice to know cp continues to innovate from the front and so thank you to the entire team. Thank you for the work. Thank you for changing what emergency management looks like going forward not only for our city but for other cities. Now just to figure out where where where we'll put it. We'll figure that out though we're going to problem solving I believe in it. But again to all the haulers thank you. Thank you you made a difference you got us started and that the hardest part in moving Iraq is the first push. So thank you so much, thank you MADAM Chair, thank you councilmember covered. Thank you MADAM Chair and just a personal note of thanks from district to you know almost every neighborhood in my district was affected in those days and when times felt like you know we would never see the the next side here came our own community to help and make sure that we were able to move as much as possible before the next one came and that was because of the team that was because of leaders like councilmember fix Sanders, I see a doctor Tomlin back there in the back. Thank you for your leadership. And and for everyone urban League. I don't want to leave anyone out I'm sure councilmember fix. Sanders will name them all as she rightfully should but just thank you to everyone and really to our team. Councilmember gardez said it best, but you know what you all mean to us and we know that those moments many of you are dealing with your own homes at the same time. But continuing to be there for our city we talk a lot about resiliency we talk about it when it comes to our storm water pipes in our infrastructure. I think the thing that we don't talk about enough is the resiliency of our people and you guys are the example of that so thank you for everything that you do thank you to our community members for being our partners we hope we don't have to ever call on you again, but if we do we've got the blueprint we're ready to go so thank you all. Thank you, MADAM Chair. Thank you council member driskell thank you. In Nome. >> It's not that often that. Leadership at the state level actually likes what we're doing in St. Petersburg. This really means a lot. You know I am so glad that. That everyone involved has been that our city and everyone involved has been recognized. >> 4. That innovation in and in a time of crisis. I am so grateful for councilmember fig Sanders. You know get getting this up to to the right people to help executed. Staying in touch with everyone all the all that you did. It's really what you're all about councilmember fig Sanders and I appreciate you for that. For the team that worked tirelessly to figure this out and get it out the door so quickly. It says so much about who you are honestly, I'm not surprised because I know 5 you for a long enough that this is this is just what you do. And I'm so glad to see that you're being recognized for it. So thank you and to those who participated stepped up and said hey I can help this way I can help my neighbors, I can help my my fellow citizens this way. Thank you. Thank you for for being there for each other that's really what Saint Pete is all about and we've shown that through this this program in so many different ways at so many levels. So I'm very grateful. Thank you. Thank you councilmember I have to say so every spoken has said exactly what I think, but. Council member driskell at councilmember fix Sanders who would have thought that the state of Florida will to fight your idea is so so much. >> We have an award. A 3rd I mean this makes us proud because not everything we do here in the state in the city of St. Petersburg is. Looked upon with the smile from Tallahassee so it says something about the program and everybody behind it that made it true success. It was a great idea, and it took our little village basically to get it through goes through the hurricane and for those that are watching this is as part of a small group in our city that keeps us safe. During storms and I want to make sure that everybody acknowledges their work so let's give them around deposit. >> Thank you MADAM Chair, I just want to make a couple of comments and I want still councilmember fix and the standard. But I just want to make sure we said thank you this. The idea came from the community and I have a unique vantage point of being in the yellow sea and watching. This team deals with stress and his custom together said. Many of our team members had gone through personal trauma. Just days ago with Helly. Dealing with cranes and everything else right and here comes another hurricane that's going to put more debris out there. So I just want to thank COUNCILMAN Curtis helping us get that set up it wouldn't work without that councilmember fix. Sanders. Nancy was mentioned she was in the world of this and just getting the word out to the community. So there's so many folks to think. But when we stand on a principle of an inclusive even missed the 2 Hurricanes. It works I noticed Tom came in we talk about reimbursement. We have a lot of conversation. Do you move forward knowing we might not be reimbursing we say yes, it's the right thing to do so I want to thank everybody and I know some of y'all were dealing with personal losses. That I didn't even know about at the time and you still work through it so this is an example of how we work as a city I just want to make sure we said thank you everybody, thank you. >> And now we continue the celebrations on the hometown hollers with the for that than with citizen award and councilmember fix Sanders is going to present. Good afternoon everybody afternoon. So what we're going to do is I want to definitely say thank you for everyone that's here but I would be remiss and I'm going to have got to Tom if you will come up with me please. Still you keep hearing everyone say councilmember Debora fix Sanders, I was only amido be it of what brought set to success to the city of St. Petersburg Nancy Aka professionally. Brandon, a fancy missing. If you would stand with me please. I reached out to you see the line do. To say I have these businesses that have trucks that want to give back to the community that was after Helene and we knew Milton was coming. And so they convened a small group of us not to Tomlin who agreed and so graciously offer to see the first $100,000 for the hometown haulers Jessica lardo car lavender Nikki gas in Cape are is that and I get your body. We got on a call see how we go get it done. How are we going to get this done and we need to get it done quickly because yet another hurricane timing. So we reached out to the mayor's office and I will say we had to get it done regardless and we could not have done it without the team that you just saw up here without the mayor saying yes, but more importantly without you all saying I want to step up. I want to be a part and make a major impact community doing a very very difficult time. Now Nancy. This is you are see the first distinguished citizen award because you brought to us. >> You brought it to us we thank you for that because that we don't know what we don't know. But we were blessed to have. You and everyone else here to say we're ready to work. We need to get it done. We're here so you will get the first distinguished citizen award. The man said I do were actually giving us an award-winning program. Thank you. A lot of them in please. If I MISS Anybody I say it wrong but as I say your name if you would please come up because we want to personally thank you for the contribution that you MAY to this program with mayor Goodman out man. It took on the bus coming out of time it took all of us. MR. Gil Baptiste. The line is about to go give it to me okay. MR. Clinton blue. >> Ladies and gentleman, MR. Blue is no longer with us I did not realize that he has gone on to be the glory who will be going to get this JUNE. >> Nothing to this one moves to blue. Mr bloom, thank you so much for us today. >> Mark well green. How will this degree. Kwan Russians except you know Warren on behalf of MISTER Greene thank you so much for being here is MR. Anthony Harrow. We don't get that done is here. Yeah the okay. Tre Henderson. Thank you so much Sir issues. MR. Allen Jackson. We don't get that it was too David He could be here. They disappear said to be so well with his wife and she's graduating and he could not MISS That for us. He was in the right plays no choice. Patrick Russian. You know you know what y'all didn't move like today's your last because one day it will be MR. Ruffin is no longer with us. So we're going to make sure that someone is representative and his family would get this on his behalf. Yeah, you're right. Thank you. >> It is the 9 years that the side and when is it too is this city both a shot. Okay, so yeah, rough and he shot 2 men. Oh my what you do you think the Dakota Weaver. Thank you MISS That we are ok you go blue cheese MISS The Us tv dresses. Most are under way and thing. So that's with everyone but I again we have got the timeline. Microphone because again. He graciously initial meeting agreed to see the first. Thank you thank you councilmember flick Sanders. For your leadership and thank you to all of the Roy city team and the members of the community that valiantly in this effort and our city's greatest time of need on behalf of the foundation for a healthy St. Petersburg were just very privileged and honored to be able to serve our community in this way it illustrates the power of philanthropy and the importance of public-private partnerships the strength of community when we come together around a shared aspiration and the common goal to care for one another. So it's our pleasure and honor to be able to do this type of work and we look forward to working with our community not only in times of crisis. But also in times of strength so that we can continue to build a stronger brighter more equitable community that makes all of us who call this beautiful city proud. Thank you so much. >> Well before we asked Nancy to take 10 seconds after she speaks want to play the video that was done on the hometown all those. >> Alright hi guys, I'm just I just want to give you a lack of a brief overview of what I experienced in those moments. First and foremost I definitely think this gypsy Gallardo just beneath the top Luke. I want to say Chelsea nonstop, but I know it's teens MISS Deborah fees councilmember Dev the plays of course, and I'm also MISS On Nikki casting Cape are just for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to actually go out there and get these people on my own without any restrictions without it or not that is let me just go be great and I appreciate that interested me and that much that in and manage to do that. I did take a little slack for my community are because they felt like says on this is me talk to they felt that says we have this color scheme and that is still to be based off of that you do it in as black people we have been sent back in time. One of the people that feel that it should be regulated by what they right now we need we have a need if anybody that can meet that need where they have a driver's license. Let's have a drive lessons are so screwed number Ari it and we want so I did one on I didn't want to know break it down even though I had all the right to do as I wanted to give me every guidance to it, I know I want everyone to be a part of it but wow do want to bring to you guys attention is on 1 one of the whole time hollers came up to me and he told me that before that program was created they were like Liberty 30 minutes before taking a life by they wanted to kill there so only because he was been raised as a family man so he was the pride he was he was always meant to take their families. It Hills $15 short of paying his rent and this program came about and so he was able to go out so that money back up is still be that man of the So I want to know that you know you guys are there to stay the light that we even know that was going on and on the day of the mass lows hair rocket needs at this is a moment in time that Hassan can say that the whole community actually meant that the community that I serve that I wasn't working with I mean I was on the way out to the to to the to the yards out there with them just making sure that they were fine with everything they had going on, but at that moment, they have like a sense of pride. They had a sense of belonging 1001 moment that you all as a community are the city really regain their trust. The already made them actually felt like they belong somewhere you know that you that you value them if you had to hear all the different com says that they had with me they want the rowdy smile they I mean the the cheese and a chance is pulled out his life. She's so at this site of the history of how the community does not trust so much the city of St. Petersburg or elected officials out of you know I don't do politics but they don't care for everything. That moment there, you know they were really you know happy to be a part of something you know they talked about it for days about that and then also what I would know they want to branch out into the net hurricane did happen. Even at the best of us that want to hire you know was in better pay if you just think about it in time what was going to any part regulations that stuff and the people that the food out there for everybody you can tell the rich from the poor. We all saw it so long each other looking the same not it pulled up in nice cars, regular cars, and no one letting you want a different even the less fortunate on House community was able to eat in Baden do everything it actually regain their dignity in those I just want to let you guys know from the ground 0 that that that they buried actually woke up a lot of people in the community it also gave people a actual another chance actually living so now they have their own business is like so many of them to open up their own businesses. Their general contractors, you know they divest that same money because I want you guys understand that, although we do want you know we'll take grant money. We don't really want the grant money we just want to opportunity to actually get money you'll be all sales and actually generate money for all families. So just give us that opportunity. The us as a whole on the opportunity to do that that would just like priceless so I just want to tell you guys thank you as a whole just in case you never hear from ground 0. They told me everything out full of everything so I'm very appreciative and it also so the mayor. Just with him just to stop and go through all the stuff that's going on you know he has so many different things that they're beating him down about he actually stood up as the Leo that he is the number we also he says he stood up as a Leo in those moments area and he didn't think twice about anything he lit a kid again in those moments like in I mean he elevated the alley from the food all the way from the disaster is always and I mean everything you could think of it was just coming out left right left right would know his face I just want to tell you thank you so much, but I definitely noticed it and the community notes that also too so we appreciate it, you have those moments. Thank you guys. >> For first of its kind hurricane recovery program. Launched during those 2020 more storms, it's called the hometown haulers initiative, the city want an innovation award for the program last month it's designed to speed up debris removal also helping people recover financially. Spectrum Bay news nine's Josh Rojas shows us how the program created opportunity in the middle of disaster recovery. >> For gave it appears the road to a new business opportunities started with storm recovery. Here's says the general contracting certifications he's earned since the 2024 Hurricanes are directly connected to see Pete's hometown haulers program here is used his truck to haul away debris from Hurricanes Helene and Milton the city paid him $300 per load. He and his business partners then use that money to start the Paris contracting group we were able to. Come up with a plan we'll take what we make from the home town halls program and we'll reinvest it. In ourselves antwon Wells also signed up to be a home town hall. Well says his small business manager 7 local crews during the cleanup effort and completed about 100 Hull city resources solutions was able to get different men come. During a time of the storms but also help some other families which they probably would have had word that time because because they would shut down the first of its kind program supported economic recovery by generating one million. For