Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Petersburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in public safety
Enhanced Street Outreach Services (Project Firefly)
The city is paying a nonprofit up to $650,000 a year for downtown ambassadors and cleaning crews, funded by new parking meters. Supporters say it keeps downtown clean and connects unhoused people to services; critics, including Rev. Andy Oliver in open forum, called it a sanitized way to push homeless people out of public spaces.
Mental Health Capacity Building (HOME ARP)
A $151,832 city grant let Directions for Living eliminate appointment waitlists — now offering same-day mental health care to 1,828 St. Pete residents.
287(g) ICE Cooperation Agreement
Multiple residents used open forum to raise concerns about the Sheriff's 287(g) agreement, which involves local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.