Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Petersburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in business jobs
Albert Whitted Airport Hangar Replacement
A resident noted two years have passed since 32 hangars were destroyed, urging faster completion of the no-cost concrete hangar replacement agreement.
Port of St. Petersburg Master Plan
First reading of a comprehensive plan change that would lift marina development restrictions in the North Vinoy Yacht Basin; final vote set for August 27.
Towing contract process change
Harting flagged that a procurement change will raise resident towing fees from $130 to $150 and could put long-time contractor Tri-J out of business; council asked for the bid documents.
Prison labor contract denial
Council rejected a $420,000 paper contract with PRI Enterprises after debate over paying incarcerated workers 30 cents to $1.05 an hour, invoking the 13th Amendment carve-out and the city's worker-rights values.
Hometown Haulers recognition
The city's post-Helene program paying local truck owners to haul storm debris — 5,382 hauls and $1.6 million to local businesses — won a statewide innovation award, and haulers got Distinguished Citizen Awards.
Deuces neighborhood historic survey
A $75,000 federal grant will fund a survey of the Deuces neighborhood and a nomination for the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Pete Pier Marketplace kiosk expansion
Driscoll wants more kiosks at the Pier Marketplace to support small businesses; the discussion goes to the Economic and Workforce Development Committee in July.
Albert Whitted Airport rules and regional aviation future
The task force delivered its final report on future air mobility, and the council disbanded the group 7-1. A push to study alternatives by RFP failed for lack of a second.