[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6787399,"mediaKeyId","5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c","parentId",5546791,"title","St. Petersburg council debates utility-rate hikes and options to accelerate stormwater fixes","audioSeconds",380,"startMs",11016150,"endMs",11396935,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c&start=11016&end=11396","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c/thumbnail_11016150.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6787399/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/St-Petersburg-council-debates-utility-rate-hikes-and-options-to-accelerate-stormwater-fixes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6787399-7844085100b6402b2126684f400b3d90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440055&Signature=NUQKyFTHGMpNI~LVMXp8yzKT2PJZIPM0px1Or8JL145-i-n-4UJMs8QyBwgcl9V0X0RVDEdYuDThoJQ04fMgbPOrIphj6hWPLq1qO0cLBavGbr2JuNuhv-5wHXivw6iYBxtK2HAQVSz2WZZY1sM1eG~Zeer0sQV-UpMDGsuz6SCsYwLUwOwVu3ZGB5zFtdIBbie4mk93dxxZV3oh0vjNlrBKMsnomcp8C5kmI9AL5gEw3vuponZ~cxWq7rtOn6vjEIwLb-tobb3ABhZ4~65NSo8Gn8q7OsMmVefQuqvtxco34CIQkTSubm2nsTjhVJF4JxuclGylmZ8W8jeZJHd33g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of St. Petersburg, FL ","date","2025-08-07T00:00:00Z","article","Saint Petersburg — The City Council spent more than two hours on the fiscal mechanics of a multi-year stormwater and resilience program, debating how to spread costs between ratepayers, bonds and anticipated federal grants.

Administration presented three financing scenarios for the SPAR stormwater program and an updated FY26 utility package that would raise the average customer bill about 8.6 percent. Scenario A assumes larger borrowing tied to utility bonds. Scenario E would add $1 per month to the Tier 2 stormwater charge to generate roughly $2.1 million a year and support about $32 million in 30-year utility bonds. Scenario F would pair the city's planned borrowing with an expected $25 million CDBG‑Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) award to move $57 million of stormwater projects into FY26.

Claude (Utilities) told council the administration recommends scenario F if the CDBG‑DR funds are available sooner than initially expected; the city has been told by HUD and peer jurisdictions the money may arrive earlier than projected. Brijesh (Engineering) said staff and recently engaged design consultants have a prioritized list of projects and shapefile data aligned to LMI (low‑to‑moderate income) overlays that could be advanced using the CDBG‑DR funds.

Council members pushed administration on affordability, timing and staff bandwidth. Council members repeatedly stressed that many households are on fixed incomes and that large, sudden rate jumps are politically and socially difficult. Vice Chair Hanowitz and others warned that a scenario pushing a stormwater rate increase from about $23.24 to $31.07 for Tier 2 customers would be hard to accept without clear phasing or mitigation for vulnerable households.

Administration said it is not proposing substantial new staffing this year (two net positions across utilities), and noted most of the FY26 contribution would fund planning and design that enable construction in subsequent years. Council also explored program details — irrigation‑only metering, reclaimed‑water cost recovery, and higher connection fees (water-closet/impact fee proposed to reach $1,000) — as ways to better align new development with system costs.

Next steps: council asked administration to refine the recommended scenario, provide clearer project lists tied to CDBG‑DR eligibility and LMI targeting, and present comparative data (rate trajectory vs. CPI) to show the cumulative impact of prior rate deferral. No final ordinance was adopted in the meeting; first readings are scheduled and public hearings are set in August and September.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of St. Petersburg, FL - City Council August 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Saint Petersburg city staff proposed combining anticipated federal CDBG‑DR dollars and utility bonds to accelerate a multi-year stormwater capital plan, while council members pressed on affordability, staffing and project timing.","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},6787394,"Council approves Tropicana Field non‑roof repairs as managers defend scope and costs",874,8910980,9785595,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c&start=8910&end=9785","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c/thumbnail_8910980.jpg","/articles/6787394/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-approves-Tropicana-Field-nonroof-repairs-as-managers-defend-scope-and-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6787394-c1f1cd788c996ad67496ca17165332f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440055&Signature=OIM4tcUbnA~qE1gI5NqDdHMhdwYIAp~1m3DWmzvcStywSwTHU1KVNsXg6cyB7tV9dMBks6FAhXFTiQPAOgyj5cZQCffr-7mwZJwglk8fs347VP8Y4nuVRUMs7LrbNls674qD~KJXJknZaRCkiF~6uf1vSxgIm-pM46Obymgpq6~sBjbp9QonPisxvEadbKAJpsfTNgBib~WEZUtaBjohdZPlk2k2XJCfMSeYa446GdEdimWNeeZI5uq7JDBZt5ulJZDDBnMTYw~LGdUtvC12BE9tjQqYLrtZAbV7Na~9YtXjMvc~In41kCZ6puJRX9dkkl1JKX4ll4t4KonpOAIdpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Saint Petersburg — Council voted to authorize a major package of non‑roof repairs at Tropicana Field after a detailed briefing from the city's capital improvements team.

Raul Quintana (City Engineering) described GMP #3, the third guaranteed maximum price package addressing interior architectural finishes, seating stanchions, dugouts, the bullpen and hospitality zones, broadcast/audio‑video systems, some mechanical and electrical work, and related soft costs and contingencies. Staff said Major League Baseball and the Rays have reviewed the damage matrix and that the work is required to make the ballpark operable for MLB games under the existing use agreement.

Council members pressed on cost control, contingency allowances, tariff and supply‑chain impacts and whether the city could recoup costs if the team leaves. City legal advised that the 1995 use agreement imposes repair obligations on the city and that any change would require a council‑approved amendment; FEMA and insurance remain potential partial reimbursements but are not guaranteed.

The motion to approve agenda items F4 and F5 (repair GMPs) passed 7–1, with Council Member Gibbons voting no and questioning whether the city should accelerate spending absent clarity on future team ownership and long‑term site reuse.","City engineering described GMP #3 repair scope for Tropicana Field — seating, dugouts, broadcast systems, MEP and finish work tied to storm damage; council and administration said repairs are contractually required; motion passed 7–1.",{"_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},6787379,"Council contracts new organizer for St. Petersburg MLK parade amid debate over costs",2818,15515806,18334455,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c&start=15515&end=18334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c/thumbnail_15515806.jpg","/articles/6787379/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-contracts-new-organizer-for-St-Petersburg-MLK-parade-amid-debate-over-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6787379-dec2fada4d6bb4f5f7654c606e470f56/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440055&Signature=k0sZTQBJivBEytiU7RH4LIACQi54hVOXIBQ9R3S1ji8F~D7x0Fr8263MiHnHYE43A-FHJLYi4hE1QhO~8tGnLXHnWRl~oMpE1oJ0B~p4IFnnBkrqJ8hBO-dZE0RiAIJkc4q54A1WGraOXms-OzfVvUPlDuAGg4f0oMiK-P7XeX~DJwXWMz3kIaoRn9gimMx8WGj0fwb-hWt8GlMO~uqJzdCrle9UYzxF7upudzuvj7YQdTSkBios4YG9PmbyKBB2KZZc4VxU5xWd9xKd-b0csV~M4imLBNV2rEsUthK~rk5oP5GvCmT7kA8aNgElzhq3-o551wTwxaFmLjwg2VAiQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Saint Petersburg — The City Council approved a three‑year contract naming Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival as the city’s new event planner for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade after a heated public and council discussion about cultural value and budget priorities.

George Smith (Chief Equity Officer) said the RFP process produced two viable proposals and the evaluation committee recommended awarding the contract to the St. Petersburg‑based Collard Green Festival. The proposed city support stays at $150,000 per year (consistent with prior year baseline) and includes a separate, conditional $80,000 allocation to secure a marquee historically black college/university (HBCU) marching band (transport, meals, lodging, honorarium) if a vendor can secure it; $125,000 of city services (police, fire, sanitation, transportation) are anticipated as in‑kind costs.

Several former parade organizers and community members spoke in favor of a protected transition and warned about short timelines for securing hotels and bands. Dissenting council members expressed concern about increasing budget pressure in a tight fiscal year and urged caution (Council Member Driscoll voted no). Supporters emphasized the parade’s national profile, economic benefit from visitors and cultural importance — noting marquee bands draw out‑of‑market tourists and local spending.

Council voted 6–1 to approve the award with the stated funding structure; administration will include community day‐of‑service mini‑grants (approx. $30,000) and transition support for the new organizer.","After public comment and months of controversy, council awarded a three‑year contract to Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival to manage the MLK parade with $150,000 baseline city support and up to $80,000 for a marquee HBCU band if contracted; vote passed 6–1.",{"_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},6787385,"Boley Centers outlines Safe Haven outcomes and cost savings for chronically homeless residents",437,7261430,7698910,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c&start=7261&end=7698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c/thumbnail_7261430.jpg","/articles/6787385/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Boley-Centers-outlines-Safe-Haven-outcomes-and-cost-savings-for-chronically-homeless-residents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6787385-22f4d58be318f38ee1a31b837af9cdc1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440055&Signature=nxjKbc1Iq6SgsA0t4GvB8QJvrgWrRNFbXoP8uVS0IX6Q2S~VKo~WXDMU101E21HJmKbNCiOEgboi6FU3Q6TY4q7cLSzz-NfUmbwDkjMdLb1F9KgUwHiZF5YeO14syOpT0dWfYFzzhEXb248c3Vs8YXQRHvboZAlecUQaSLww5ImlN1iyjdOkgfun6u~r7iG77tJTU7iWVpK-q9fRefqF74-beNw9EoduNse-kWWjsP-jomR0dEAVXrTSGsyIZq8Vx3GPr7Z0kcuaGAtwFmS1XUCBLw3TQfi1otIV8~7GKdhN-vOnDeZbMMaEO3iqr9Bd-9jh8BmT3rEf57BB3a4sRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Saint Petersburg — Kevin Marrone, president and CEO of Boley Centers (BOLI), presented the nonprofit’s Safe Haven model for chronically homeless people with severe and persistent mental illness.

BOLI operates two co‑ed Safe Havens in Pinellas County, providing low‑demand, 24/7 staffed transitional housing that connects residents to case management, psychiatric care and substance‑use support. Marrone said Safe Haven average bed cost is about $20,856 per year and that studies show community costs for an individual experiencing chronic homelessness (emergency services, jail, hospitals) can range from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, implying net savings if placements succeed. Boley reported 82 percent of Safe Haven residents in the past five years transitioned to permanent housing or appropriate higher care.

Council members praised outcomes and pressed on scale‑up capacity, staffing challenges, and the risk of federal funding cuts. Marrone said the model is scalable but requires smaller facilities, sustained multi‑source funding and close partnerships with faith‑based landowners to secure sites for new housing. He encouraged ongoing local funding and advocacy to sustain the model.","Boley Centers reported that their Safe Haven program serves people with severe persistent mental illness and chronic homelessness at an average cost per bed (~$20,856/year) and showed 82% transition to permanent housing or higher care; council asked about scalability and federal funding risks.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6787390,"Task force outlines timeline for advanced air mobility study, eyes Albert Whitted Airport for eVTOL operations",1182,3535810,4718280,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c&start=3535&end=4718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546791-5db710e6a27654343f0646bb06c0d89c/thumbnail_3535810.jpg","/articles/6787390/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Task-force-outlines-timeline-for-advanced-air-mobility-study-eyes-Albert-Whitted-Airport-for-eVTOL-operations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6787390-633b46fc0d7715f668e7427a22d6fb34/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440055&Signature=DxuMTmzae~bUSQ39nkYSSH9G5dLstsa23gZ7fmJOe3O9SVoQvLUaamrJwRU4klgEvMrgw8J-PsnnfO5gQoD0AAt0pVcs7VQ1NpCpXsQp0Mok6hmx-dRNRlFat8RQ3yE5fF36AKm3xEe6VU8Iijr9c92~Dawc95mNfb~PqakYCSyNiommk6d7DmM3r-uYirDwtV246bh~NFXoZrsqpBk-3xGnvNQU~VJ8m3nUH2oA0dbeT3N8w2wJOR5yvX-7x3qIvwrPDLt4Sckig1wa34Ev9DYgucpGsmXKPXzhsHPYwFoWS3Vzr4rRRSHvkM58854p3OBiOyJXBxN1tyrE5ZZejA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Saint Petersburg — The Advanced Air Mobility Task Force, led by former council member Ed DeMontanari, briefed council on its education‑first approach and next steps toward recommendations.

DeMontanari summarized the task force’s three‑phase plan: (1) education and expert briefings; (2) drafting recommendations (safety, noise, siting, power/charging infrastructure and workforce development); and (3) final report drafting. The task force has met since April and includes subject‑matter experts, city staff (airport manager, Rich Lesniak), and consultants. Presentations to date have covered airspace integration, vertiport siting (including compatibility questions at Albert Whitted Airport), power/supercharger requirements, and fire/rescue considerations.

The FAA and FDOT are active participants in the industry’s evolution; DeMontanari noted a recent presidential executive order and federal pilot project funding that could speed deployment. Councilmembers recommended the task force include explicit workforce development recommendations (training pipelines with local schools/colleges) and to explore partnership opportunities with Tampa International Airport and Hillsborough County stakeholders.

The task force anticipates finishing recommendations by January and will continue public engagement.","A city task force is studying eVTOLs and vertiports, focusing on education, safety, power and workforce development; the group expects to finish recommendations and a final report in January.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

St. Petersburg council debates utility-rate hikes and options to accelerate stormwater fixes

Council approves Tropicana Field non‑roof repairs as managers defend scope and costs

Council contracts new organizer for St. Petersburg MLK parade amid debate over costs

Boley Centers outlines Safe Haven outcomes and cost savings for chronically homeless residents

Task force outlines timeline for advanced air mobility study, eyes Albert Whitted Airport for eVTOL operations