Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Petersburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues
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.
Trails Crossing Master Plan
The plan to transform the land under I-275 into a park and trail hub — with market kiosks, sports courts and connections across four SunRunner stops — was formally accepted, though funding details remain undecided.
76th Avenue North sidewalk and traffic safety
A St. Pete College student presented a feasibility study for a crosswalk near 60th Street N, where fast traffic and few crossings endanger pedestrians; council encouraged pursuing funding.
Honoring Rev. Watson L. Haynes II
Council moved to name the Enoch Davis Center auditorium for the late civil-rights-era leader. Family and the Urban League backed it; some longtime friends argued a bigger tribute — a building or street — is warranted, and noted St. Pete College plans its own naming.
Amendment 3 Budget Impact
Amendment 3's passage dominated fiscal discussions. Council members warned of cuts ahead and pressed staff on whether new spending — like the downtown cleaning contract — is prudent when the city faces a major revenue shift.
Coquina Key Lagoon Vessel Exclusion Zone
Motorboats are now banned from the Coquina Key Park lagoon, which residents say will protect manatees, birds and safe kayaking in what they call the island's jewel.
3rd and 4th Streets Two-Way Conversion
A roadmap agreement unlocks over $20 million in FDOT money to convert downtown 3rd and 4th Streets back to two-way traffic — safer for pedestrians, but construction and detours are coming in a few years.
Historic Gas Plant cemetery archaeology
Council initiated a local historic landmark application for the historic Greenwood Cemetery in Roser Park.
Election Voting Guide
Getting ready to vote in St. Pete? This handy guide breaks down all the key races for mayor and city council, plus local ballot measures so you know what's up before hitting the polls.
Parking Fee and Penalty Increases
Parking fines, residential permit fees and boot removal charges all go up, with revenue directed toward safe streets improvements.
City Vehicle Usage and Monitoring
After the DoorDash incident involving a city vehicle, council referred a policy and monitoring-technology review to committee — but some members see it as an HR matter, not a council one.
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.
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.
GO Bond Accountability and Resilience Committees
Council is setting the stage for a possible GO bond — potentially funding major city projects and going before voters as a referendum. The budget committee will discuss potential projects and ballot language.
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.
SunRunner Corridor Development Intensity
Council Member Gerdes wants the city to study a Trail-Oriented Development Overlay for the trail segment between 23rd and 34th Streets — a zoning tool that could shape growth and investment around the trail. The idea heads to the Housing, Land Use and Transportation Committee, where Gabbard and Floyd say they've already been talking with stakeholders.
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.
Arts and Cultural Grants FY 2027
42 organizations share up to $557,000; leaders noted the sector adds about $132.5 million to the local economy and fills a gap left by state funding cuts.