|
Hello, St. Pete!
Before you read about my whereabouts this past week, I'd like to thank our colleagues at The Weekly Challenger and I Love the Burg for providing a platform to share an update on my first 18 months as your mayor. I continue to remain Focused on Progress! (Click on one of the outlets above to read more.)
Last Saturday, I walked in the 100+ Plus Black Men Victory Walk with other men who are trying to make a difference in the community.
On Sunday, the City team cheered on the Tampa Bay Rays and honored members of the St. Pete Police Department during Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Tropicana Field.
Monday, I met with Florida Senator Nick DiCeglie to discuss opportunities for collaboration and topics important to St. Pete residents.
I participated in two ribbon cuttings on Tuesday - one for Radiant Massage Spa in the Skyway Marina District and one for Bell Pharmacy on Central Avenue.
On Wednesday, I attended the exciting Western Flyer Research Vessel Homeporting Celebration and Tour. Later in the day, 60 youth from Community Tampa Bay's Anytown program participated in "A Word with Welch," a rich and meaningful conversation about issues facing our youth.
Thursday, I attended a ribbon cutting for Goodyear Rubber Products on 1st Ave S. At the City Council meeting, I presented proclamations recognizing the 33rd Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act and the 50th Anniversary of the Downtown Business Association and their Sunrise Sale. I also had the opportunity to present the recommended FY24 City Budget to City Council. Read the next steps in the budget timeline.
We wrapped up the week with a visit to the HBCU 66 Hoops Camp at the City's Childs Park Recreation Center.
Have a great weekend!
#WeAreStPete
| |
|
Walking with purpose! Last Saturday, I joined the 5th Annual 100+ Plus Black Men Victory Walk to highlight men who are making a difference in our community. Their positive influence in the lives of others can be seen and heard daily. Thanks to founders Jason Bryant, Antonio Brown and Marques Clark for your vision and leadership. This annual effort was also part of the The Well's Healing While Black series of experiences.
|
|
|
As we watched our Tampa Bay Rays take on the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, we also recognized members of the St. Petersburg Police Department and other agencies during Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at the Trop. I enjoyed spending time with Detectives Pavel Kuznetsov and Michael Saia, Officer Aaron Waldo (Florida Association of Police Explorers Advisor of the Year), and Officer Grace Albritton (recipient of the national Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing).
It was extra special to witness the induction of Wade Boggs into the Rays Hall of Fame and it’s always a treat to run into songstress Belinda Womack. Thank you to the Rays for the opportunity to celebrate those who serve to make safety and justice a priority for all citizens!
|
|
|
Happy to welcome my friend and colleague FL Sen. Nick DiCeglie to City Hall today. I’m thankful for his leadership in helping to secure funding for the USF St. Petersburg Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences (EOS) building and the Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeals building just west of us. Looking forward to working together on issues of transportation and pedestrian safety in the upcoming session.
| |
Tuesday, City Council Vice-Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders and I attended a ribbon cutting for Radiant Massage Spa (3651 42nd Ave. S.) Thanks to Misty Bottorff with The Skyway Marina District for her commitment to this community and celebrating local businesses in the area. The city's growth and prosperity depends on entrepreneurs like Radiant Massage owner Katlyne Stables, who chose South St. Pete as the place to live out her dreams. Congratulations to Katlyne and her team on the opening of her business—we wish you luck and multiple bookings! | |
Tuesday, City Council Member John Muhammad and I joined our friends with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber for the grand opening of Bell Pharmacy (3535 Central Ave.). As an LGBTQ-owned business, Bell Pharmacy embodies the principles of inclusion, diversity, and health equity. We are fortunate to have compassionate professionals who truly understand the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. By prioritizing health equity, Bell Pharmacy contributes to building a stronger, more resilient city. Together, we are creating a community where everyone is celebrated, valued, and supported. | |
 |  | |
The arrival of the Western Flyer Research Vessel to St. Petersburg marks a new chapter in our city's journey towards a deeper understanding of our oceans and the boundless opportunities that lie within. The St. Petersburg Innovation District is home to the largest collection of marine science, oceanographic, and environmental research agencies in the southeast. The Western Flyer R/V will be yet another asset as we advance the city's reputation as a hub for ocean science workforce development.
The collaboration between the Western Flyer, HBCUs, and other minority-serving organizations will amplify the voices and contributions of those who have been historically underrepresented in the field of marine science.
I’m proud of my alma mater USF St. Petersburg and the Florida Institute of Oceanography for fostering innovation, advancing knowledge, and serving as beacons of excellence in marine studies. Here’s to the transformative research that aspiring marine scientists and oceanographers will conduct on the Western Flyer!
|  |  | |
Our commitment to St Pete’s youth includes hearing directly from them. Their voices matter as we work to create an environment where they can thrive. Their insight will help shape future policies, programs, and initiatives that address the issues that affect their daily lives.
This week, I heard from 50+ high school students participating in Community Tampa Bay’s Anytown program at Eckerd College. They were open and candid about their concerns, their ideas, and the changes they’d like to see in our community. Thank you, Anytown Youth, for sharing your input that will help improve future listening sessions that will be held across St. Petersburg.
|  |  | |
We joined our friends at the St Petersburg Chamber in the celebration of a 75-year-old business - Goodyear Rubber Products, Inc. at 1901 1st Ave S!
Since Murray Jacobs opened the family’s first store in 1948, his son, Bob, has embodied the essence of being proud St. Petersburg residents and business owners. Today, the company carries conveyor belting, v-belts, industrial and hydraulic hoses, and Parker Hannifin products.
Reaching a 75th anniversary milestone is a reflection of decades of hard work and exceptional customer service. On behalf of the thousands of families and businesses served over the years, congratulations to Bob and his team!
|  |  |  | |
Proclamations delivered at City Council meetings are a special highlight every month. Thursday, we celebrated the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 50th Anniversary of the Downtown Business Association St. Petersburg and Sunrise Sale.
Understanding and compliance with the ADA is a means to guarantee equal opportunities for all. The City’s Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments (CAPI) helps to ensure the full participation of people with impairments in the City’s facilities, programs, and services.
The DBA represents the arts, retail, restaurants, banking, utilities, city government and other types of businesses with a common interest of strengthening the downtown area. Their annual 50th Anniversary Sunrise Sale (July 20, starts at 6:43 a.m.) helps to bolster business during the summer months.
Happy anniversary to both endeavors!
|  |  | |
Capped off the week with 50 middle schoolers at the HBCU Hoops Camp 66!
We value weeklong programs where students are forging connections, learning soft skills, hearing from inspirational speakers, and sharpening their basketball skills, which will undoubtedly make them better players and teammates in the future.
Thank you to the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to make this camp possible and to the partners who contribute to the camp’s success and make it a reality for numerous children in our city. To the youth, I cannot wait to witness the incredible ways you’ll utilize the skills you have developed here, both in your schools and communities, and in shaping the future of our city!
| |
'These social services hubs in St. Petersburg will be shaped by community input'
| |
 | |
Investment Oversight Committee
The City of St. Petersburg is seeking to fill multiple vacancies on the Investment Oversight Committee. The Investment Oversight Committee meets to discuss prior investment activities, recommend changes in investment strategies, and make suggestions on portfolio management and internal controls. The committee will keep minutes and provide recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and City Council’s Budget, Finance & Taxation Committee. The Chief Financial Officer shall provide staff support as necessary.
More information: www.stpete.org/ioc
Board of Trustees of the Police Pension Fund
The City of St. Petersburg is seeking to fill two vacancies on the Board of Trustees of the Police Pension Fund. The Pension Division assists the Board by handling the day-to-day activities involved in administering the plan for employees and pensioners. City Attorneys and professionals such as actuaries, investment consultants, and investment managers assist the Board.
More information: www.stpete.org/ppb
| |
1. SEE CLICK FIX: ON-THE-GO REPORTING | |
Pothole in need of repair? Dead tree in the right-of-way? Let us know through the SeeClickFix mobile app! It’s quick and easy for residents to submit requests and report issues. App available on Google Play and Apple App Store.
| |
2. ST. PETE SERVICE CENTER | |
The St. Pete Service Center staff act as liaisons between residents and City departments and help by centralizing requests and forwarding newly submitted issues to the appropriate City teams to address the requests.
Mon – Fri, 8AM - 5PM
| |
|
The Greenhouse is St. Petersburg’s front-door to business growth, providing business owners and entrepreneurs with the education, resources and assistance necessary to thrive in the local economy.
727-893-7146 | stpetegreenhouse.com
| | | | |
