City Council

City Council — March 5, 2026

>> Welcome to the city of St. Petersburg City Council meeting and your elected officials our mayor Ken well. District one hopefully Curtis. District 2 Randy gabbard district 3 Mike Harding its strict for and Council chair Lisette can away. District 5 ever think Sanders. And Gina Driscoll. Were you given Stu year and and Council vice chair reaching Floyd. >> Court to gavel. That is our special guest Chelsea Brown today calling us to order. Good morning, everyone and welcome to the Mar. 5th 2026 City Council meeting. Can I please have a roll call Harding. And what's your big Sanders here just go here in France. Floyd there very this year gathered here. But today we're going to have our invocation given by peak in rishon Richardson callow from Saint Mary. Our Lady of grace Catholic Church. If you can please stand and it's gonna be followed by a moment of silence. Then you're gonna please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance good morning, the Ken good morning. Thank you. >> Let us raise our heart and mind to GOD in prayer. Greece isn't all loving GOD. As we gather and City Council. We are thankful for the privilege with which they have been interested of serving our city its citizens and visitors as stewards of your many gifts. We asked your guidance upon these council members. Grant them the wisdom to listen with care. The courage to speak with conviction and respect. They they find common ground to act with integrity. Serving all citizens with concern and fairness and the common good. This Council's actions, Foster justice prosperity and peace for our city. We are sad busing on them are mere can and all who engage in their work. You pray a prayer of trust and confidence by Thomas Martin. My Lord GOD, I have no idea where I'm going. I do not see the road that is ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it would end nor do I really know myself and the fact that I I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you and I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me rather right road though I MAY know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I'm abc seemed to be lost in the shadow of death. For I do not fear. For you are ever with me and you will never leave me to face my pear is alone. >> Now a moment of silence for firefighter, Abner that tree last alarm. Mar. 4th, 19 54. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag. And to the public which is then one nation under GOD individual it's pretty and justice for all. Thank you beacon for that beautiful inver location and Kelsey for gavel enough in this morning. We have an agenda before us, okay and then motion for approval. We have a motion in a second clerk if you can open machine for voting council members please enter your votes. Being present council members have voted to mark please Cali and announce the vote and your motion to approve the agenda passes unanimously but COUNCILMAN To give us being absent. If you. We have a consent agenda. What do we have any cards. Council member driskell thank you. And the name of efficiency I chose not to pull item c a 3. But I wanted to bring your attention to it this is something that I'm extremely excited about. This is an allocation to fund the construction phase of the Williams Park bandshell it's a project that. I started working on back in 2022. And things never happen as fast as I would like them to but in spite of the delays we now have this this opportunity to celebrate real progress. This part of a bigger vision for Williams Park too renovate the bandshell and make it more modern and and and a more feasible for our performing arts groups too. Entertain everyone on on and eventually and this might happen when I'm off City Council signed just putting it out to the universe for those who will be here beyond this year that Michael was in the end too. And I ask for a historic designation of the Williams Park bench now which is iconic in and of itself, but it's also part of really you know Williams Park was original town square. And so I hope that it. The bigger project will continue for now I'm really excited that we're at this point thank you chair. Thank you and thank you for your advocacy for the band shell councilmember Harding thank you chair. Want to bring attention to cb 10. We were being asked to to approve an allocation of money to a company to help locate utilities for the 2 million feet being laid in our communities of fiber optics and and I'm sure it's going to pass the data wasn't home. I want to bring attention to. The companies that are currently currently installing specially back in district 3 ensure acres and snow while. I have not received as many complaints about anything we have broken everything that we can break a broken water lines we've broken power lines we've broken and I can keep going keep going, but I hear about it up to 2 times a week and I've talked to public works about and talk to engineering about it and I think that our team is is doing everything they can I think the city is limited in what the state allows us to do. And I appreciate the efforts of the city and I understand their limitations and I more than understand the frustrations. Of our citizens that that over just the past 3 weeks of 10 people have been without gas bill without power. But when that water bill that reclaimed water and and I would like like to to at least put on the public record that that the companies that are doing work in our neighborhoods you guys have to be better this year have to be better at this. And that's it thank you chair. >> Thank you councilmember Harvey and I will echo what you said we in my district northeast. Same issues that you're talking about in different contacts and I know that public works had been working really hard on this issue and we had meetings neighborhood Association meetings where residents came out and we're extremely upset at how these companies were treating the right away and not doing the things that they're supposed to be doing so I'm glad that you brought this forward and you said that in the open openly to the public. House members I'll entertain a motion. For approval. We have a motion a second on the consent agenda clerk, you please open the machine for boating council members please enter your votes seeing that all present council members have voted clerk can you please tally and announced a vote MADAM Chair motion to approve the consent agenda passes unanimously we constantly giving being absent. Thank you. Now we move onto up and warm clerk are there any speakers. We have no speakers. Ok now we move onto awards and presentations one of our favorite things to do here at City Hall and the first award we have is the one to developmental disabilities awareness month proclamation. With us is going to be read by councilmember Curtis good morning. Thank you, MADAM Chair colleagues. Got some visitors here today we've got a bunch of people from the West Side over at Park and so Brian if you join me. Anybody anybody from part of that work to do it. Yeah and so. And then also although the proclamation itself is tailored towards. Excuse me Park. We do have some representatives from the city in our to our program and camp redbird who I know you have heard me talk about in the past and doing wonderful things. Also on the West Side your Park it's just amazing all the work that's being and being done across the city when we're talking about developmental disabilities awareness month. Just quickly. I want to talk about I was able to tour the new. Children's Services center. Just about a month ago. And. It's one of my favorite times of the year is when I get to spend time at campus at Park. And I know you hear me say this about Park and about camp redbird but there are miracles happening there daily. For those of you that know me know that I do not use that word ingest I use it very seriously there are miracles happening there daily and it's not because of anything crazy or spectacular, although if you've listened to the choir. There are you've listened to the music program of the art program, those things are spectacular. But it's the every day it's a the camaraderie. It's the community. It's the people that work there doing the work. Every day in our community, my neighbors, your neighbors, physically my neighbors though, because I could. I'm not good enough to hit a driver there yet, but maybe one day. But this is happening here and we're leading from the front and I'm thankful for all of the participants up at a park and we have a birthday that we've got to celebrate downstairs, it's Lisa's birthday, so everybody say happy birthday Lisa. At the very least that and so you. There's there's this amazing thing about being on that campus and how you feel. When you're standing next to my friends at Park both from the employee side the residents side, the participants side. It's an amazing thing because not only do you get to see it, but you feel it. And I'm just so thankful that that's happening here in St. Petersburg and so it's my pleasure on behalf of the mayor to present this proclamation to City Council whereas developmental disabilities awareness month is a ver observed each MARCH to promote understanding inclusion and respect for individuals with developmental disabilities and to recognize their meaningful contributions to our communities and whereas early intervention services play a vital role in supporting developmental progress, enhancing long-term outcomes and fostering independence and inclusion for children with developmental disabilities and whereas for more than 73 years Park center for disabilities has been a cornerstone of the St. Petersburg community and district one providing essential services advocacy and support to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. And where us Park center for disabilities currently serves more than 900 children and adults each year, empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential while strengthening families and the broader community. And whereas on Mar. 25th Park Center for disabilities proudly celebrates the grand opening of its children's Services center expanding access to critical early intervention services for children with disabilities. As young as 2 months old. Now therefore I COUNCILMAN Coakley Curtis on behalf of Kenneth t Welsh mayor of the city of St. Petersburg Florida do hereby recognize the observation of Mar., 20 26 as developmental disabilities awareness month and encourage all residents to recognize the importance of inclusion advocacy and support for individuals with just developmental disabilities and the organizations that serve them. Thank you. Good morning council members my name is Brian wrote the assistant vice PRESIDENT Of quality and government relations with Park. I've been there almost 20 years have a younger brother with a developmental disability. So definitely have a stake in the game and looking to make some change. Just here to you know honestly just thank you to think the city. Thank you for your support. For more than 70 years you guys have supported us and continue to support us so we really truly truly appreciate it. Mar. 25th is our grand opening for a new children's service center very excited for it, you're all invited. And I brought my friends with me so I want to take up too much time. Chelsea has a few words. Well Chelsea. >> Thank you so much and I'm so honored to be here for MISTER Mike and and honorable MISTER Ritchie MISTER Floyd too. I've been here at Park for almost a long time. And my biggest inspiration is my mom who was my the chill mobile person in my life and I've been and I and love to help people and I love to make the world a better place. And as you MAY know I am part at that dose ap and I started in 2024 of last year so I've been doing this for 20 years. And I have a dog and he names much always a big white lie. Lair and as for you and my biggest inspiration is for MISS Gill as well and Thi and my my my family of all and stuff and I am so honored to be here. I think you. Yeah. >> Thank you, MADAM Chair. Thank you and thank you all for joining us today. Thank you MR. Point. We're just going to wait a second so. And next up we have the to the Florida floodplain managers Association flood awareness week. Proclamation and that's going to be given by councilmember gabbard good morning. Good morning. Thank you MADAM Honored to be here today to present again I almost believe this might be every year that I have been on City Council. Flood awareness week. As you mentioned the Florida floodplain managers have a fantastic Web site for anybody who wants to go to it and get some messaging and some educational information. So real quick at the top of go ahead and just mention that it's f l floods with an s at the end dot org. So next week will be flood awareness week and this is something that unfortunately in our community we would think well you know I think people know right that we have flooding issues here in the city of St. Petersburg over the last at least 6 years that we can you know track consistently we've been having repetitive flooding throughout our community obviously Helene and Milton brought even more substantial damage and you know that's one of those issues where we recognize that those of us who have been living through it certainly are aware. But we have people moving into our community every single day and they MAY not know they MAY not really understand what all of those risks are and that's what flood awareness week is about it is about making sure that everyone understands how to protect themselves how to protect their livelihoods how to protect their investments here within our city. This is a challenge that is certainly not going to go away. We realize that this is now a citywide issue it used to be that you know district 2, 3, kind of carry the brunt a lot of the particular issues we were seeing. But then certainly after Milton we realize that this is a citywide issue it needs all hands on deck and that we all have to work together to make sure that we're protecting our city for generations to come. So with that I want to go ahead and bring up the entire team who does this work alongside the administration and City Council. So I'm joined by Hannah Rabb holds our floodplain manager and whenever she speaks she will introduce you to the rest of the team because I don't want to mess up anyone's names or mess up their titles. So welcome everyone I had heard there were several inspections happening today so we're going to get through this fairly quickly so everybody can get back to work. All right the proclamation reads whereas St. Petersburg has experienced severe weather in the past in the form of extreme rainfall or tropical system events resulting in flooding in coastal areas. And this flooding has caused damage and flood losses to homes and buildings in all areas whether they are in a high-risk special flood hazard area or low to moderate flood risk and whereas the city of St. Petersburg is dedicated to proactively safeguarding our coastal communities and preserving the way of life for residents for future generations, their comprehensive planning and decisive action and whereas public education and awareness of potential weather hazards and methods of protection are critical to the safety health and welfare of all residents. And whereas St. Petersburg is a voluntary participant in the community rating system through the National flood insurance program and this provides residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against flood loss that the purchase of flood insurance at reduced insurance premium rates as well as setting higher regulatory standards to reduce flood risk and potential flood damage to property. And whereas the Florida floodplain managers Association has declared the week of 3/9/2026. As flood awareness week to promote awareness and increase knowledge of flood risk. The availability of flood insurance, flood protection methods and how to prepare for emergencies. Now therefore I councilmember Brady gabbard on behalf of Kenneth t Welsh the mayor of the city of St. Petersburg I'm here by proclaim Mar. 9 through 3/15/2026, as f f in a flood awareness week in St. Petersburg and we encourage our citizens to increase their knowledge of how to protect themselves and their properties from flooding. MADAM Chair, I'd like to bring Hannah to the guys to or to the podium you want to go to the dyes no no okay well I tried. I tried to give her the rains so Hanna reports are floodplain manager good morning and. >> Thank you for already raising this. This is nice. First I want to introduce the team. So we've got the whole floodplain management team. We've got to tell you reading it renninger on inspections. Charles parks on inspections and Melanie Palmer act as floodplain coordinator. And then our 2 honorary members we have the building official and you Phillips and deputy building official a Nikki Campbell. So with that. >> I just want to say something really quick and then we can get going. First off I'm truly honored to accept this proclamation highlighting flood awareness week on behalf of the floodplain management teen. Thank you for this recognition and for your continued support in keeping our community informed and prepared. As someone who works closely with residents and businesses every day I see firsthand how important awareness and preparation are especially in a coastal community like Saint Pete. Flooding can affect any of us and flood awareness week serves as an important reminder that understanding are risks and taking proactive steps can make a meaningful difference in protecting lives and property. My role is floodplain managers to help guide education support compliance and ensure we're building a more resilient future together. But none of this work happens alone. This proclamation reflects the collaborative efforts across the city departments in our community members to take food preparedness seriously. I'm grateful for the city support and for the opportunity to serve this amazing community together through our outreach and education. We can continue building a stronger and safer Saint Pete for years to come. Thank you again for this honor in for your dedication to Florida where Ernest preparation. Thank you. >> Councilmember Curtis. >> Hanna to the whole team just thank you so much for the work that you do not only. During rainy season, but the entire year from a preparation standpoint just so thankful. I don't know when Hannah sleeps because when she's not here I see her at Northwest with her family cheering on baseball and softball games and I'm not sure how she does it and so we probably sleep about the same amount now that I'm thinking about it and so just very appreciative had I thank you so much and then I would be remissed and councilmember gabbard thank you for giving yourself some kudos for presenting this proclamation for all of these years you have been at the forefront. Certainly we want to celebrate the team. But all I think most of the time that is happening in the background and. You're the one up here and and screaming and yelling and advocating. About floodplain and resiliency and and Prevention and so I just wanted to thank you for your 8 years of advocacy and I didn't want to go without recognizing you as well you certainly have been up. My guess is like you and I are best friends And so I just wanted to say thank you very much for all your advocacy. Thank you MADAM Chair. Thank you councilmember Harvey, thank your. And thank you the I I want to make sure that we recognize what you did for us. After a after the floods and thousands and thousands of people lost their houses. >> They they need to rebuild and they turn to the city and there's no way we can do that right away it's just too big thing. And and there there are a lot her feelings and a lot of people who want to express themselves and the focal point of that inside the city of Saint Pete with its 3800 employees and 9 elected officials was you and and you took wait a beating through this and I want you to know that we recognize that and we thank you for that that be on what is that that you all did beyond what did the hours that you all work and that the that what you're able to accomplish. He also took a lot of grief for it and we recognize that and I want to thank you for for for not only make it through that but shouldering that burden. So thank you. >> You and and and team I echo what other council members have said I can't look as council members we hear from the residents usually it's when they're upset sometimes when they're happy. But after a storm you get a lot of upset. And you all took the brunt of it. As councilmember Hardin said and were well aware of that and it is hard it is hard for our community to go through that and it's also hard for our employees so some things are going through that and they're also trying to help others and so I commend you all for all the work that you do every day and we know it's been a challenging new few years so thank you thank you, thank you, thank you. And I also would like to think councilmember Curtis for his work on Kathy, the committee to advocate for persons with impairments I have a chance to tell you before because you're saying your goodbyes but there is a reason why he presented that proclamation and the same thing with councilmember gabbard who has always been advocating on the flood issues and resiliency and sometimes as councilmember grid isn't mentioned screaming and yelling so. You welcome. J one. We have a resolution approving the settlement of the lawsuit. Of course Oliver says city of St. Petersburg I believe MR. Mccallum is not here and Sarah look for is here with us good morning, Sarah good morning. Thank you all I can say thank you sorry, you couldn't be here got a personal matter for today. But I'm just bringing forth a washout settlement for workers compensation claim the settlements in the amount of a $100,000 and it's the case for Anthony Chris Oliver says the city of St. Petersburg so case numbers, 20 0, 1, 1, 3, 3, 7, s l r. It's an employee who was hired as a welder back in 1992 JULY 27th. He was placed on my for injury in 2001 and retired in 2020. The city's total exposure for this is 509,380 and he got it down to a $100,000 settlement and the problem. I can have a motion and a second clerk, he open the machine for voting. Council members please enter your votes. Seeing that all present council members have voted clerk please tally announce the vote. MADAM Chair motion to approve a gym j when passes unanimously Council we give us being absent thank you Sarah and thank Ken for us on this. Thanks so much. Thank you. Next up we have public hearings and at exactly. Well no we have a couple of minutes so we have to wait a look the clock looks like it's there. But but Apple does that say that so we go on to reports f-one we have a resolution accepting the new Palmetto Park neighborhood plan and kaylee is with us good morning. Good morning council members morning. It really second asking neighborhood relations manager here today to talk about the Palmetto plan. Update so the plan up our plan was originally written in 1992 so is obviously it time for some updates here and I wanted to start off by talking about some of the benefits of completing a neighborhood plan. These documents not only help us identify residents priorities, but also their shared vision for the neighborhood and it gives us a chance to get out into the community and talk with people about our existing city programs. I'm sure we've all had conversations with residents where they say the cit