[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6532416,"mediaKeyId","5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd","parentId",5503145,"title","Council approves design selection and resilience upgrades for sewer system, including Lift Station 85 storage expansion","audioSeconds",497,"startMs",7271000,"endMs",7768000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd&start=7271&end=7768","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd/thumbnail_7271000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6532416/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-approves-design-selection-and-resilience-upgrades-for-sewer-system-including-Lift-Station-85-storage-expansion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532416-532cf35308c9f2eb13e6d1d4776f5153/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163240&Signature=CMvaPyLYBvi38oegYRVNnVODu0tHtIQvOs3xs6Xi6v-VKBGtalICTyxbWQ43XUKKgvsZDlPcHUMfTbw~r-AUhhWfw6rdce3azRUvEvytXpwoSmJsuFR6ZQLAdrLd~P4o1BtDW8icF~iOOMdqlXDEDLk0Mf1AMRVjAEbsHr6AzBH-6WpJV0Qc~781v6qksj9I3FnBqvHsa-pln7jAW25K4lYzYTcDdRFyfMvjqqWKdJw-oHUAYHSPnzZx~Udk16qDxwcJ4QZMNbRbeOHRmMAD0ayBSYnKXh0EoK3EW6nRfCz2JP8XxtUjjTCvIe~DKhF9PRcoIcThuCMZVYje9nyktA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Petersburg City","date","2025-06-05T00:00:00Z","article","The St. Petersburg City Council approved public‑works recommendations June 5 to advance several sewer‑system resilience projects, including a selection for design and preconstruction work at Lift Station 85, upgrades to station pumps, and continued cured‑in‑place pipe (CIPP) lining work.

Claude Tangerly, Public Works administrator, presented the items as resilience projects that are not part of the SPAR program but are derived from the city’s water and sewer planning work. Tangerly said the Lift Station 85 site — the primary downtown lift station — has been using legacy storage facilities at the former Albert Whitted treatment location as emergency storage; the project will replace the older units with a purpose‑built storage facility and increase capacity from roughly 10 million gallons to approximately 12 million gallons of emergency storage.

Tangerly asked council to accept a statement of qualifications and to authorize preconstruction and engineering work with a selected team led by PCL Construction. Staff said the initial preconstruction and engineering budget for PCL is about $3.8 million; the city will return to council with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) if the project proceeds to construction.

Council also approved a contract addendum for replacement of continuously operating pumps at Lift Station 85. City engineering staff explained the pumps are heavily used and have developed efficiency and seal problems; the addendum covers additional bypass pumping capacity, backup equipment and SCADA integration work to improve reliability during wet‑weather and high‑demand events.

Finally, staff described ongoing cured‑in‑place pipe lining work (CIPP) that originated under a consent order with state regulators. Tangerly said the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and an environmental group have recently indicated completion of consent‑order requirements is near, but the city will continue the CIPP program voluntarily as part of routine resilience and system‑improvement work.

Council approved the items on a roll call vote. Staff noted the CIPP and pump work will continue as part of long‑term system maintenance and resilience improvements.

Ending: Council authorized PCL for preconstruction services at Lift Station 85, approved the pump replacement contract addendum and continued CIPP lining work; staff will return with GMPs and schedule details if the design proceeds to construction.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Petersburg City Council\t\tJune 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council authorized selection of a design/construction team and funding for upfront engineering for a new emergency storage facility at Lift Station 85 and approved pump replacement addenda and continued cured‑in‑place pipe lining work as part of the city's sewer resilience program.","taxTitle","St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",3508,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6532421,"Council approves continued emergency remediation and contracts for Tropicana Field repairs after storm damage",943,5437000,6380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd&start=5437&end=6380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd/thumbnail_5437000.jpg","/articles/6532421/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-approves-continued-emergency-remediation-and-contracts-for-Tropicana-Field-repairs-after-storm-damage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532421-608b0eab665ec9af300d17dec81e9bb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163240&Signature=Jfmc~yM3LbkbOml8IWECpYQIzYaX8vxxuHGaS00hnxN~qlUyW2v9WOXXv4X4G2yjQw4XvWU~lwFeQQPnDADcYMmq2QPf88U-PlNVzc9uJThFGZxNp-N5ZQx~sioTiibmugNlZ4y~8ndZQLmYe95qtSaDYXvy~cWHRTCHvp38moj~~C4VT12~2rpVVxMmjHMGCdazCOE25hDjvuq4xfTjWNN-z1rnGCQVwf2rrjsyzyp5oNjFsHOshVctqDjVyyc~Lo0RLUcmr6R2pnF0mwCb1bAYLK35mLNsbHx4Evq1Er8mfPWxFoW0RyFndWVk6x1m~Db47cIs6swERMxRF~Fq0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff updated the St. Petersburg City Council on the ongoing Tropicana Field remediation and repair effort following storm damage, and the council approved a package of related contract extensions and site‑security services on June 5.

Beth Herendeen, city development administration, told the council that council had previously approved approximately $33.2 million in repair and remediation costs, and that four items before the council on June 5 totaled roughly $5.3 million — bringing approved spending to about $38.5 million to date. Staff said an earlier preliminary estimate for full repair was about $56 million; that estimate will be refined as guaranteed maximum price packages for remaining construction work are produced.

Herendeen asked the council to extend an existing remediation contract with a national remediation firm that has been on site since late October, maintain containment and drainage improvements, and continue daily monitoring and protective work until the roof is replaced and the facility is dried in. She said the extension also covers replacement ceiling tile inventory, additional containment and seat coverings to protect lower‑bowl seating.

The council heard one in‑person public comment during the Tropicana Field discussion. Lafayette Leroy, a longtime St. Petersburg resident and vendor, told council he believed the stadium had been built solidly and said he opposed moving baseball back to a Tampa facility; he also urged the city to use local labor where possible for cleanup and repairs.

Following the presentation and public comment, Council Member Driscoll moved approval of the group of Tropicana‑related items (agenda items F‑1, F‑2, F‑3 and F‑8); council voted to approve the package by roll call.

Staff said the project team continues to track costs closely and will return with guaranteed maximum price proposals for discrete construction packages in the weeks ahead. Herendeen said the remediation contractor has been operating daily — with crew size adjusted to weather and scope — and staff are coordinating drainage, containment and sequencing to preserve venues and seating where possible.

Ending: The city approved the extension of remediation and related Tropicana Field work; staff will bring GMPs and more detailed construction contracts to council for additional approvals as construction packages are finalized.","Council approved extension of remediation services, additional protective work and a continuity plan as the city continues repairs at Tropicana Field after storm damage; staff reported the total estimated repair cost has fallen from an initial $56 million estimate to roughly $38.5 million to date.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6532426,"Council approves city support for Habitat Pelican Place townhomes, Edward White senior housing and CRA loan program changes",3457,3505000,6962000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd&start=3505&end=6962","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd/thumbnail_3505000.jpg","/articles/6532426/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-approves-city-support-for-Habitat-Pelican-Place-townhomes-Edward-White-senior-housing-and-CRA-loan-program-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532426-e93183533e274a1cf593b464579153c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163240&Signature=Lh7RkJbveLZmgKIEuyCoQ0V~TfMTVaJNu7oGgBq~UyRF~htuK1bFNEAq0cZeFpvw3rgO0H9uallwE79R7E~vyDxt~syTCvVmnDCz2ooRQdTIWpOW~cEBh~wMhRtRKlknHpeepz~DqHMmzWnu3iUoolkUgiak3BCdyr3Y3gtfTHVe1PgLNVKpu8ytoZxQjlDrLAyIoieQrFy-mx50NIQxcae0Aho-s48UhwHAMIm4qKcbTJmScL8ILE7bfcYjn9i~eioal5pL-97h0qlvA6DBX4-bGFlxCoC0UcZfTVuxkZc9R-xHadN87IiZB-YWNeJ5f3FScLYSvZX-t72mFXBRBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","St. Petersburg City Council voted June 5 to back multiple affordable‑housing actions, approving combined Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and city support for Habitat for Humanity’s Pelican Place development, restoring previously reallocated ARPA funds for the St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s Edward White senior project, and adopting amendments to the CRA’s Affordable Housing Redevelopment Loan Program to expand eligible project types.

Habitat for Humanity Pelican Place

Council approved a funding package to support Habitat for Humanity’s Pelican Place, a planned 40‑unit for‑sale townhome community on Eighteenth Avenue South near Tangerine Plaza. According to city staff, the total project cost is about $15.6 million and the development targets households at 80% of area median income (AMI) or below. The city’s support was presented as a combination of a donated city parcel (appraised at $1,430,000) plus additional cash subsidy. Administration said total city support (including the land value) would be about $3.6 million — roughly $90,000 per unit — and that the cash portion the applicant requested to close the financing is approximately $2.2 million. Project features include a mix of two‑ and three‑bed units (many with an extra den), 0% Habitat mortgages for buyers, capped closing costs and homebuyer education.

Mark Van Loo, presenting for the city, said the South Side CRA Citizens Advisory Committee had recommended the funding unanimously and administration supported the request. Habitat CEO Mike Sutton described expected monthly carrying costs for buyers including principal (0% interest), HOA and taxes and estimated total monthly housing costs near $1,200 per month for buyers after taxes and HOA are included; he said HOA fees are designed to be modest (around $100/month) and the HOA will retain Habitat guidance and a reserve structure during early years.

Council Member Deborah Fig Sanders moved approval; the motion passed unanimously in a roll call vote.

CRA affordable housing loan program amendments

Council also approved a resolution modifying the CRA’s Affordable Housing Redevelopment Loan Program to clarify award categories, expand eligible projects to include new construction of affordable accessory dwelling units (ADUs), update application requirements, and adjust award amounts and affordability periods.

Key changes adopted include:
- A land‑acquisition reimbursement for single‑family affordable homebuilders (reimbursing up to half of land acquisition cost, with minimums tied to development thresholds).
- Incentive payments for affordable single‑family homes (e.g., $10,000 developer incentive for qualifying buyers and an additional $5,000 incentive when the buyer is an existing renter within the South St. Petersburg CRA at closing).
- A new ADU incentive structure allowing property owners to receive payment toward construction of an affordable ADU; small projects under $15,000 would carry a 5‑year affordability period, $15,000–$40,000 a 10‑year period, and projects above $100,000 will be brought back to council for review. Administration said permit data and current proposals showed an average ADU project cost near $250,000; the CRA Citizens Advisory Committee advised leaving a per‑project cap off the books initially to observe demand and community benefit.

Council Member Fig Sanders moved the resolution; it passed with unanimous support.

Edward White senior housing — St. Petersburg Housing Authority

Council also restored earlier city funding for the Edward White Hospital renovation project being developed by the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA). The project will renovate the former Ed White Hospital building to include the SPHA administrative offices on the ground floor and 71 affordable rental units restricted to roughly 60% AMI for seniors above. The council was asked to replace approximately $5.9 million in ARPA funds that had been reallocated in 2024; administration said SPHA is now shovel‑ready and needs the funding in order to close construction financing and move construction of the housing portion into a July start. SPHA’s Michael Lundy testified that the project will also include leased health‑care space and on‑site management to coordinate services for residents.

Council Member Fig Sanders moved approval; the resolution passed unanimously.

What the approvals mean

Administration and project proponents said the Habitat units will be sold with 0% Habitat mortgages and homebuyer education requirements; Habitat retains first right of refusal on resale and includes an equity‑share provision to limit speculative gains and retain long‑term affordability. SPA’s Ed White project will deliver senior rental supply and on‑site services; the council’s restored funding replaces the earlier ARPA allocation and enables project financing to proceed.

Council members emphasized the need to prioritize long‑term affordability, outreach to CRA residents for homebuyer recruitment, and careful design of HOA and reserve structures so units remain sustainable for lower‑income buyers. Council Member Brandy Gabbard specifically praised Habitat’s pledge to actively recruit South St. Petersburg CRA residents as buyers.

Ending: Funding approvals passed unanimously and administration will proceed with grant/loan agreements and finance closings. Staff said they will return to council with required loan documents and program implementation details as the projects move to construction.","The council unanimously approved CRA and city funding to support Habitat for Humanity’s Pelican Place (40 affordable for‑sale townhomes), restored ARPA funding for the St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s Edward White senior housing project, and updates to the CRA affordable housing loan program to add ADU incentives and other changes.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6532431,"Downtown residents and businesses press St. Petersburg council for more enforcement, outreach after rise in visible homelessness",1786,541000,2327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd&start=541&end=2327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503145-14f034f6f4d92dfd27ef51d90063b6bd/thumbnail_541000.jpg","/articles/6532431/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Downtown-residents-and-businesses-press-St-Petersburg-council-for-more-enforcement-outreach-after-rise-in-visible-homelessness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532431-da15c1a42dfe7a1cc5f871f5d8c254d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163240&Signature=Ypen52s-Vbwk1GVLE0MQMieNfnwqNWY0heDUGAQFTBM-2kxE-xmi9wVnZ9Br3BEK9~LI3ASKTT0UVof8XPQPJMJjG-HQifzuNKqtFexfysE-jt4qVJpwLhQgk7zWraVUUr0pc-1g2B6hkcoSWLZzuttTOKSEz-wUcdJxf-bicLRWqvsKdDxMjN9XJ8u6hQRImiD3V~6x5NAtVmJ0Rq9VcTIkpWDj0xXRF597NWGvirUNrrdNgjfpJbI0QS4Ny9RF0~MsvcUlCAriUxYPQQOAJYVWWp-Y60VersFgzSlyCKzX7czD2bLe9r-Meuo7GJGXDnUzdWjDs7JLjHoTsMHwZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A string of public commenters at the St. Petersburg City Council meeting on June 5 urged the city to step up enforcement of a recent ordinance and to expand outreach and policing in the downtown core after repeated safety and quality-of-life complaints.

The speakers — condominium presidents, business managers, nonprofit leaders and residents — described repeated incidents of street-level disorder, threats to employees and customers, and what they said was uneven enforcement of City Bill 13‑65.

“Individuals living on the streets are in temporary hotel housing, exhibiting behaviors that reflect deep unmet needs,” said Karen Carmichael, president of the Sage condominiums and of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. “This is no longer a housing issue. It’s a public safety issue. It’s a public health issue, and it’s a community quality of life issue for residents, for tourists, for business owners, for families, and for those who are in need of essential mental health services.”

Jason Mathis, CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, told the council downtown’s population and visitations have grown rapidly — “In 02/2010 there were 3,000 units in Downtown Saint Pete. In 02/2025 there are almost 20,000 units in Downtown Saint Pete” — and called for a coordinated program to keep downtown clean and safe. “Downtown really is an economic engine for Saint Petersburg,” Mathis said.

Several downtown business managers and employees described threats or assaults. Veronica Whaley, who said she lives at 221 First Avenue North, described multiple threats, break‑ins and alleged harassment by people living on sidewalks near her restaurants and said officers told her they could not act because of legal constraints tied to shelter availability and registration requirements she referenced as “House Bill 13 65.” Carrie Amboga, who identified herself as a resident at 225 First Avenue North, told council that the ordinance has not been enforced and called for public reporting of enforcement metrics and a timeline for action.

Employees and managers at Central Avenue businesses including She’s So Crispy described thefts of tips and physical threats that they said made them afraid to go to work. “We don’t feel safe at all,” said a staff member. “We have coming around the business…people are coming out behind the truck. I had to go in the restaurant in the morning because somebody broke in.”

Speakers acknowledged programs and personnel already in place, including PATH and CALL outreach teams and added late‑evening police and PATH units downtown, but several said staffing and capacity lag demand. “We need more boots on the ground. We need more clinicians, more outreach teams, more consistent engagement,” Carmichael said.

Council members and staff did not take an immediate policy vote during open forum. Several council members later referenced the public comments during deliberations on related agenda items and thanked speakers for bringing detailed accounts to the dais. Vice Chair Hanowitz and other council members said they want further briefings and follow‑up; Council Member Driscoll asked administration to prepare a fuller briefing for the Economic & Workforce Development Committee later in July that would allow for a deeper conversation on job creation, housing and complementary strategies.

The speakers’ requests included: stronger and more consistent enforcement of City Bill 13‑65; expanded PATH/outreach capacity; a “clean and safe” program described by multiple business leaders as a package of cleaning crews, safety ambassadors and a homeless liaison team; and public reporting on enforcement and program performance. Council members and staff said they would coordinate follow‑up briefings and committee discussion as requested.

The council did not adopt any new ordinance or funding at the June 5 meeting as a direct result of the open forum comments; the session functioned as public testimony to inform later agenda items and committee work.

The accounts provided at open forum reflected multiple perspectives: owners and managers of downtown restaurants and high‑rise condominiums, a downtown nonprofit leader and a college provost who described incidents near Williams Park and at campus facilities. Those speakers emphasized both harm to residents and visitors and the need for scalable outreach and enforcement solutions that balance public safety and service for people experiencing homelessness.

Council members asked administration to return with more detailed options and data in committee, including enforcement metrics and staffing plans, so the council can evaluate program costs and tradeoffs alongside other city priorities.

The council’s broader downtown work — including recent staffing additions and PATH evening coverage — will continue while members consider longer‑term programs requested by downtown stakeholders.

Ending: The council did not adopt final action on the concerns raised during open forum; instead members directed staff to continue analysis and to present more detailed proposals to committees in coming weeks so council can consider funding and policy options.","Multiple downtown residents, businesses and neighborhood leaders told City Council during open forum that enforcement of City Bill 13-65 and more outreach staff are needed after assaults, property complaints and a recent fatality in the downtown core.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves design selection and resilience upgrades for sewer system, including Lift Station 85 storage expansion

Council approves continued emergency remediation and contracts for Tropicana Field repairs after storm damage

Council approves city support for Habitat Pelican Place townhomes, Edward White senior housing and CRA loan program changes

Downtown residents and businesses press St. Petersburg council for more enforcement, outreach after rise in visible homelessness