St. Petersburg, Florida Development News
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City Council
Published: Jul 23, 2026
St. Petersburg Council Approves Bond Resolutions, Sets Budget Hearings, and Addresses Ballot Order
The City Council approved resolutions related to the FY27 budget, including setting public hearing dates and authorizing the issuance of bonds for storm resilience improvements. The Council also approved several bond-related items (F-2, J-1, J-2, J-3, J-4, J-5, J-6, J-7, J-8) and a resolution establishing the order of referendum questions on the ballot, including the General Obligation Bond. Public comment highlighted concerns about the bond language, the impact of state tax reform, and the importance of community engagement in land use decisions.
St. Petersburg Council Approves Port Leases, Election Alignment, and Ballot Referendum Order
The Council approved ordinances related to leases for submerged lands and harbors at the Port of St. Petersburg and amendments to the city charter to increase lease limitations. They also approved an ordinance to align municipal elections with state and national elections, moving them to even-numbered years. Finally, a resolution was approved to establish the order of referendum questions on the ballot, with the General Obligation Bond placed first.
St. Petersburg Council Advances FY27 Budget Process, Approves Millage Rate Resolution
The City Council began the process of adopting the FY27 budget by voting on resolutions to set the proposed millage rate and schedule public hearings. The proposed millage rate of 6.4525 mills is the same as the previous fiscal year. This rate is projected to generate approximately \$243.7 million in ad valorem revenue, a 6.5% increase over the FY26 budget. The general fund operating budget is recommended to increase by \$25.4 million, or 6.17%. A new state law, SB 454, now requires a two-thirds majority vote for the council to approve a millage rate above the rollback rate.
St. Petersburg Approves Referendum to Rezone Vacant Lots for Affordable Housing Amidst Community Concerns
A public hearing was held regarding an ordinance to remove city-owned vacant lots from the city charter park and waterfront map to allow for affordable housing development. Public comment revealed concerns from the Methodist Town neighborhood association about community engagement, the definition of 'community use,' and potential impacts on green space. The council debated the ordinance's language and purpose, ultimately approving it with one dissenting vote.
St. Petersburg Council Defers Contract with PRIDE Amidst Concerns Over Inmate Wages and Program Details
The council discussed and ultimately deferred a contract item (CB-6) involving the Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises (PRIDE) for supplying paper and envelopes. Concerns were raised regarding the low wages paid to inmates by PRIDE, the lack of alternative bids, and the need for more information about the organization's services and rehabilitative aspects. The item was deferred to allow for further investigation and a potential presentation from PRIDE.
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