Issue 19 | September, 2019
Hi Neighbors! Cooler temperatures are right around the corner and so are some are some much needed streetscape improvements to the Grand Central District! Tree trimming has already begun and we hope to be able to share plans on lighting updates with you soon. September also signifies budget season at City Hall. New utility rates and the FY2020 budget will be voted on next Thursday. Also on the 19th, I'll be presenting a proposed ordinance that I've worked hard to create. If passed, the Tenants' Bill of Rights would create a new section of the City Code outlining protections for renters from unjust or unreasonably high late fees and protections from discrimination. Renters make up a large part of our community and I'm proud to advocate for policies that make it easier for them to find available housing and stay in their homes. To learn more about all the tenants' rights initiatives I'm working on, click here. With so much going on, make sure you and your neighbors are subscribed to get the latest updates from our office by clicking here and as always, please reach out to me or my Legislative Aide Kayleigh Sagonowsky with any questions or concerns. - Amy  
New City Budget and Utility Rates Coming Soon!
Fiscal Year 2020 utility rates will be voted on by City Council on September 19th. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide feedback. If approved , utility customers will move from the current flat-rate-per-parcel stormwater fee to a new tiered rate system on October 1, 2019. The change will provide residential customers with a more equitable distribution of monthly stormwater charges. Fees for smaller lots will remain the same or become slightly lower, while larger lots may have a slight increase in fees. An online portal for customers view their rate, share feedback, and ask for adjustments to their rates is available here . For information about proposed water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and sanitation rates, click here. In order to help offset the cost burden to residents, credits are available for those that conserve water on their property. Other utility mitigation credits will also be offered upon adoption of the new rates for single-family and non-single family customers that minimize stormwater runoff or improve the quality of stormwater runoff through approved practices. For more information about these programs and a link to the credit application, click here.
Face of District 8: Meet Kristin Moss!
Since it's grand opening in March, Vortex Bar and Game Room has been a popular destination for District 8 residents. Located at 2329 28th St. N., Vortex fills the need for walk-able entertainment options in North Kenwood. Vortex is family friendly until 5 pm every day, so parents can enjoy a coffee, beer, wine, or soda while kids explore the wide variety of games. The welcome addition to the 28th Street corridor features arcade games, console games, darts, skee ball, air hockey, and pool in addition to board games. Vortex frequently hosts a variety of events from gaming tournaments, to karaoke and comedy nights. Co-owner and Bar Manager, Kristin Moss is a St. Pete local and industry veteran. When it came time to open her own bar, Moss said she wanted to choose a location in a "working class neighborhood, outside the pace, pressure, and high rents of downtown. We are incredibly excited to be part of the development in the area that is bringing new life to the 28th Street Corridor," Moss said. For a calendar of all upcoming events, check out Vortex's Facebook page.
New SPPD PACT Team
This past June, St. Pete Police created a new team to target drugs, guns, auto theft and prostitution. The Police Anti-Crime Team (PACT) has been hard at work for the last six weeks and is making great progress in preventing crime throughout the community. So far, police have made 79 felony arrests and 77 misdemeanor arrests (including 16 for prostitution), and 5 arrests for stolen vehicles. They have also recovered 6 stolen vehicles, 10 stolen firearms and seized various amounts of illegal drugs. The PACT team works solely off of anonymous tips provided by citizens through the non-emergency line (727- 893-7780) or online. The results above are all thanks to only 33 tips! To submit an anonymous tip, click here.
2020 Census Preparations
Did you know that almost $800 billion per year is given to state and local governments based on data gathered in the census? This funding is used to support important community needs in education, housing, health, and transportation. To read more about how the census impacts Pinellas County, click here.The next census will take place on April 1, 2020 and the city has already begun working with the county to spread the word about it's importance. The first step involves creating a list of partners to help communicate important information about the census. Do you have a newsletter, social media platform, or email distribution list that should be kept in the loop? Sign up to be a census partner here.
34th Street Master Plan Public Input
Mark your calendars! The next public input meeting for the 34th Street Master Plan will be held on October 22nd at 6:30 PM at the Main Library. This meeting will preview some of the plan's recommendations and ask for feedback from attendees. In last month's survey, the project's consultants found that 86% of respondents see crime and safety as the areas most needing improvement. About 67% of respondents said they hope to see the plan lead to the creation of mixed-use mid-rise buildings that include affordable housing, local restaurants and bars, and non-chain retail. The majority of survey takers suggested that making improvements to bus stops and adding public art and place making signage would also go a long way in improving the the feel of the area. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey - we hope to see you at the last public input meeting next month!
Neighborhood Associations
Central Oak Park
Last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM
St. Luke's Church

North Kenwood
3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM
Flying Boat Brewery

Historic Kenwood
1st Wednesday of the month at 7 PM
Metro Wellness

Disston Heights Civic Association
2nd Tuesday of the month at 7PM
St. Pete Community Church

Garden Manor Lake Estates
2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM
J.W. Cate Recreation Center

Ponce de Leon
3rd Thursday of the month at 7 PM
Gladden Park Recreation Center

Station View
September 17th at 6:30 PM
30th Ave. Baptist Church

St. Pete Heights
November 26 at 7 PM
Gladden Park Recreation Center
One Time Events
Paw Proud Fashion Show
Saturday, September 14th from 6-10 PM
The Dog Bar

Crafty Fest Pop Up Market
Saturday, September 14th from 11- 5
ARTpool Gallery

City Council Budget Public Hearing
September 19th at 6 PM
Sunshine Center

Free Museum Day
Saturday, September 21 from 9 AM - 5 PM
Throughout St. Pete

City Council Candidate Forum
Wednesday, September 25th at 5 PM
USFSP Student Center

CareFest Celebration
Saturday, September 28 at 8:30 AM
Lake Vista Park

GCDA Quarterly Clean Up
Saturday, September 28th at 9 AM
Grand Central District

COPNA Volunteer and Neighbor Appreciation Night
Saturday, September 28th from 6-8 PM
VFW Post 39