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Deputy County Administrator Greg Horwedel (standing) called the Tampa Bay Rays’ timeline “very aggressive” when there is still “a lot of work that needs to be done.” Image: Screengrab. Hillsborough County officials have roughly six weeks to approve a $2.3 billion stadium with the Tampa Bay Rays, despite a lack of information, assumption-based financial projections, and a funding shortfall. ​A much-anticipated workshop on Thursday came less than a day after Rays CEO Ken Babby sent a letter to commissioners reiterating that the county and city must approve all agreements, which include over $1 billion in public funding, by June 1 to ensure the team can open a new ballpark by 2029. “Should this commitment ultimately not be achievable, we would have no choice but to evaluate alternatives,” he wrote. ​Thursday’s meeting, however, began with County Administrator Bonnie Wise noting that “several significant issues remain unresolved.” Commission Chair Ken Hagan, a longtime proponent of the Rays moving across the bay, later acknowledged the team’s “sense of urgency to either reach an agreement or cut bait.” ​“I would encourage staff to continue working on the remaining deal points internally and with the team, and make every effort possible to resolve the outstanding issues in advance of our May 6 meeting,” Hagan added. “And when I say that, I do recognize that this will require the team to make concessions on a number of issues.” Hillsborough County officials want to value-engineer the proposed $2.3 billion ballpark to lower its cost. Rendering: Tampa Bay Rays. ​Negotiations between the county and Rays have remained behind closed doors for months. That slightly changed on Thursday, though the meeting concluded with more questions than answers. ​An independent firm found that a 31,000-seat stadium and, primarily, the surrounding mixed-use development at the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus, could generate a $63 billion economic impact over 30 years. Wise noted that AECOM reached that conclusion “based on the assumptions in their model.” ​In total, the word “assumption” or its plural form was mentioned 14 times throughout the 97-minute meeting. For example, Commissioner Josh Wostal highlighted that AECOM’s tax collection projections considered only market-rate housing, even though the Rays have promised an untold number of affordable units, which would significantly reduce that value. ​The team has yet to propose a community benefits package or even provide a detailed site plan. Wostal, an outspoken opponent of the current deal, said the county would not see a return on its investment for 30 years. ​Deputy County Administrator Greg Horwedel said the Rays, who will ultimately contribute $1.235 billion to a new ballpark, “have indicated that they need the local public funding up front.” He also noted that the team has yet to verify its financial capacity to complete construction, and has not agreed to a reimbursement plan. “This is a complex deal,” Horwedel said. “We’re not at the stage yet with staff where we feel comfortable with all the dollar amounts that are being proposed, and how those might impact the county budget.” A list of public funding options that leave a $75 million deficit. Image: County documents. Horwedel outlined a financing framework in which the county and city would contribute $702 million and $224 million, respectively, toward a new stadium. While the Rays have reduced their public funding request from $1.065 billion to $1.001 billion, there is still a $75 million gap. ​Chief Financial Administrator Tom Fesler said the county “looked in the couch cushions to see where we could find some revenue.” He suggested using $132 million in cash reserves. ​“You will find some of these funding options challenging to approve,” Fesler added. “We had limited ability to get to the … $750 million on the county side without looking at every available option possible.” ​After presenting a potential spending plan, Horwedel highlighted 13 unresolved issues staff must address before a commission vote. Those include ownership of the stadium after the team’s lease expires, its effect on neighboring sports facilities, how to relocate Hillsborough’s busiest tax collector’s office, and value engineering the ballpark to reduce its cost. ​A majority of commissioners expressed various levels of support for the project. All who spoke also aired concerns that must be addressed within weeks, according to the Rays. Babby wrote that the team’s deadlines are “driven by practical constraints, not pressure tactics.” The Rays risk losing state funding if those timelines are not met, which would “render the deal economically infeasible.” ​”Ultimately, we must decide what the value of Major League Baseball is to our community – from both the tangible benefits of economic impact to the intangible benefits of having pride in your hometown team,” Babby wrote. “However, we cannot proceed with an agreement that does not position the team for long-term success.” ​Horwedel called the team’s timeline “very aggressive” as there is “still a lot of work that needs to be done.” Commissioner Harry Cohen said he would “love to be able to vote yes on this.” ​“But I can only vote yes on it if I’m absolutely convinced that it’s the right thing for the community and taxpayers,” he added. ​Commissioner Gwen Myers said the negotiating parties “need to come together to see how we can make the deal work” while fulfilling previous promises to residents. Hagan said final agreements will “look dramatically different than what’s been disseminated.” ​Tampa City Council members will host a workshop on May 5. Hagan hopes to vote on an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Rays on May 6. A list of 13 unresolved issues. Image: County documents. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

From left: Jeff Baker, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy; former Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin; former Mayor Rick Kriseman; Rob Kapusta, St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership board member; and Jeff Hearn, St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership board member, at the St. Petersburg Innovation District’s 10th anniversary celebration. All photos by Brian James unless otherwise noted. An ambitious vision to establish a place in St. Petersburg that fosters world-class research, cutting-edge technology, and collaboration-driven innovation has exponentially exceeded expectations. ​Myriad city stakeholders celebrated the St. Petersburg Innovation District’s 10th anniversary on March 10 at one of its anchor institutions: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The event, designed to mirror a movie award ceremony, celebrated the local leaders who helped cement the area’s status as an economic, educational, and entrepreneurial juggernaut. ​Just south of downtown, the .88-square-mile district encompasses less than 1% of the city’s square footage. However, the area accounts for over 7% of all jobs and has generated a $3 billion economic impact over the past decade. ​“This district has become a cornerstone of our city’s progress – and our identity,” said Mayor Ken Welch. “As the tech ecosystem expands, the district will continue to drive regional growth and unlock opportunities.” From left: Rob Kapusta, St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership board member, City Councilmember Gina Driscoll, Mayor Ken Welch, and former Mayor Rick Kriseman. The St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership led the district’s launch, later formalized by former Mayor Rick Kriseman’s administration. Organizational leaders joined him and his deputy mayor at the time, Dr. Kanika Tomalin, on stage to receive the “Founder of the Future” award for their foresight. ​“We didn’t do it for the recognition,” Kriseman told Power Broker Magazine. “We just hope we made a difference.” ​Alison Barlow, executive director of the district, said Kriseman and Tomalin gave it “legs to continue to grow and to become more structured.” She expressed gratitude for all the early visionaries and those who subsequently “picked up the mantle and said, ‘This is a great idea. Let me add my take on it.’” ​“Over the years, it’s changed, and it’s morphed, but it’s done so in such an amazing way,” Barlow said of the district. “I’m so thankful for everybody who has been working on it.” ​Kriseman, who also expressed pride in the district’s evolution, credited Barlow’s efforts. “Nothing happens unless you have great leadership,” he said. The St. Petersburg Innovation District team, from left: Alison Barlow, executive director; Lauren Bell, chief operating officer; Nisuka Williams, innovation manager; JackFeldman, community manager; and Amber Pacetti, innovation manager. ​The district now boasts over 50 collaborative public and private organizations. Key partners include the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, USF’s College of Marine Science, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, the Poynter Institute, the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, and the Dali Museum. ​“We already had some of those anchor institutions in the area,” Kriseman said. “It was just a matter of bringing everybody together and getting them to work together. It just made sense.” ​He believes that “magic happens” in the city when public and private organizations work together to achieve a common goal. Since its launch, the district has added the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Education and Research Building, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital’s Institute Square, spARK Labs by ARK Invest, two Florida Institute of Oceanography research vessels, and dozens of thriving startups. ​Kriseman said city staff “worked their butts off” and collaborated with the community to set the district, now a global leader in marine and life sciences, up for success. “I think it’s really paying dividends now.” There was a time, Tomalin noted, when people only visited the district for appointments or business and immediately left. The area is now a destination, and she hopes to see its new role as a town square “exponentially increase over time.” ​“I’m really proud of the way it’s transcended even the lofty aspirations we held for it in its infancy,” Tomalin said. “And really proud of the way the Innovation District serves as a signal of possibility for St. Petersburg and its community.” ​While that signal now extends throughout the city, stakeholders once wondered if designating a single district as a hub for innovation was too exclusive. Tomalin saw it differently and believes the past decade has validated that view. ​The area is now “a chief influencer in the way economic development is paced and pursued” in St. Petersburg, Tomalin said. She also believes the foundation exists to further connect the area with surrounding neighborhoods, including Campbell Park, Roser Park, and Old Southeast. ​“I think it is very strategically located and can have a significant impact on equity as it relates to housing, as it relates to job opportunities, and as it relates to the recruitment businesses and organizations that share our city’s values and goals for growth,” Tomalin said. To view the district’s recently completed master plan, its first, visit the website here. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos From left: Belinthia Berry, dean of workforce development for St. Petersburg College; Dr. Cynthia Johnson, director of Pinellas County Economic Development; and Julie Rocco, senior director of grants management and administration for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, at the event’s reception. Photo by Lauren Bell. Rev. J.C. Pritchett III (left), CEO of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and Alison Barlow, executive director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District. Jason Mathis (right), CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, and City Councilmember Gina Driscoll, a staunch supporter of the St. Petersburg Innovation District and its Maritime and Defense Technology Hub. Dr. Kanika Tomalin, CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, helped develop an initial strategy for the St. Petersburg Innovation District as an executive with Bayfront Hospital before becoming deputy mayor. Mayor Ken Welch noted that innovation is one of his “Five Pillars for Progress.”

St. Petersburg is now accepting proposals for a company to replace aging analog water meters with more accurate digital versions that are compatible with advanced reporting software. Photos by Mark Parker. A company’s unsolicited proposal to help St. Petersburg replace its outdated water metering infrastructure with a technologically advanced system has intrigued city officials, despite its $77 million cost. ​​Ameresco began its pitch by noting that St. Petersburg faces an “urgent water infrastructure and billing crisis that is eroding public trust and straining household budgets.” The problem hit a crescendo in early 2025 when thousands of households throughout the city began reporting exorbitant water bills – many topped $1,000 monthly – following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. ​Mayor Ken Welch’s administration blamed storm-related leaks; however, issues have persisted. Ameresco’s proposal, received in January, states that public reporting, city council hearings, and litigation have highlighted systemic issues, including faulty meters, processing errors, and limited customer support. ​The city is slowly installing new digital meters. Now, city officials are turning to the private sector for help implementing advanced software that automates readings and more accurately tracks water usage, which would ultimately save money. Officials discussed the proposal and the need for creative solutions to speed up the process on April 2. ​“Mayor Welch has directed staff to try and expedite the transition to digital meters in a timely and cost-effective manner, and I think, we believe, that’s kind of the consensus on city council as well,” said City Administrator Rob Gerdes. “That’s what we want to achieve as a city.” ​Exploring Solutions ​Gerdes added that the city must now decide how it wants to achieve that goal. He noted there are funding challenges for a project that would affect every residential, commercial, and public property in St. Petersburg. ​Council members agreed with moving the process forward by accepting competing proposals and comparing costs, as dictated by Florida’s public-private partnership statute. Administrators opened a month-long submission window on Wednesday. ​The selected company will implement approximately 70,000 digital water meters, an advanced communications network and software platform, and data integration services, and is also responsible for customer engagement and project management. Proposals, due by 3 p.m. on May 19, can include options for private or public financing and ownership. ​“The issue of what is the most fiscally prudent way to do this is extremely important,” Council Chair Lissette Hanewicz said at the April 2 meeting. “Because at the end of the day, that cost gets passed down to our customers.” The city is slowly installing new digital meters. ​St. Petersburg’s current system utilizes analog meters installed in the 1970s. Advanced digital metering infrastructure (AMI) software would provide customers with continuous water usage updates and overconsumption alerts. Public Works Administrator Claude Tankersley called it a “big benefit” for residents. “We can catch potential water leaks quickly and not allow them to continue … leaking that water for a full month,” he said. ​Tankersley said AMI would also save the city and taxpayers money by reducing the amount of unbillable water. St. Petersburg is already installing new digital meters, without the underlying reporting software, but staffing and funding constraints have slowed the process. ​Public works crews have replaced roughly 25,000 of the city’s 97,000 meters. Tankersley said it would take “another five years” to complete the transition. ​An outside company could install thousands of new meters monthly rather than annually, Tankersley added. “My staff and I would like to move forward with hiring somebody to come in and take it over,” he said. ​Tanksersley said the city could pay for the project through a property tax-funded bond issuance that voters must approve in November. Councilmember Richie Floyd, like multiple colleagues, said he atypically supported that idea due to the problem’s magnitude. ​“We’ve got a great solution right in front of us,” said Councilmember Gina Driscoll. “I really need assurance one way or another that this is going to happen very, very soon.” ​Gerdes and Tankersley pledged that it would, potentially with Ameresco leading the way. The company wants to develop, finance, install, and own the new system. The city would reimburse the company every time it successfully reads a meter. Councilmember Copley Gerdes expressed concern over the price tag. He said Amersco’s proposal would ultimately cost the city $77 million, not including inflation adjustments.​“I want to see if there are other ideas out there to get this done,” Gerdes continued. “If we can self-perform it for $25 million – that’s a massive gap.” ​Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. agreed that officials should be “good fiscal stewards of taxpayer funds.” He also believes that the city “cannot continue kicking the can down the road,” and constituents expect services that “provide them with relief, that make their lives easier.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Café Ora’s co-founder, Meiko Seymour, poses with his daughter, Portlynn, and his wife, Simone Seymour. Image Courtesy of Uncommon City. Residents in South St. Petersburg can look forward to a new cafe opening later this year, thanks to St. Petersburg’s community leader and advocate, Meiko Seymour, co-founder of Café Ora. Seymour is no stranger to working in his community and carries a “boots on the ground” mindset. He serves in roles such as lead pioneer and co-founder of Uncommon City, a contemplative church plant rooted in downtown St. Petersburg that launched in February 2025; City of St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s commissioner and Rise Development director; president of the Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association, and an ordained minister with the International Ministry Network. Meiko Seymour is co-founder and lead pastor of Uncommon City, a contemplative church plant rooted in downtown St. Petersburg. Image courtesy of Uncommon City on Facebook. In addition to these extensive roles, Seymour is also the co-founder of Café Ora: Social Enterprise Coffee Shop. This operational third space is designed for residents of South St. Petersburg and will focus on creating an inviting and welcoming area for the neighborhood. “Everything I do sits at the same intersection: contemplative spirituality, racial equity, and community development. Café Ora is a direct expression of that convergence,” said Seymour. Café Ora’s tentative soft launch is set for August 2026. The shop will be located within The Looking Glass Initiative at 908 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South in St. Petersburg and will occupy approximately 1,600 square feet. The interior is built with comfort in mind, featuring high ceilings, space for a mix of bar seating, tables, and lounge areas, ample outlets, and free Wi-Fi. Original artwork by Nick Davis and other artists will decorate the space. Core operational hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm. Select evenings will extend the cafe’s lounge nights, featuring wine, occasional live performances, neighborhood get-togethers, and community programming. During daytime hours, it’s a specialty coffee house; during the evenings, it’s a communal space with nightlife events; “the coffee anchors us, and the programming is the heartbeat.” Seymour hopes that the new cafe will create economic opportunities and employment pathways for individuals with non-violent records, anchor a stretch of the South MLK corridor, and host programming around education, health equity, the arts, and children’s development. The cafe exists to create meaningful conversations and hosts programs that address needs, including financial literacy, housing rights, health equity, creative expression, and children’s programming. “The goal is dignity. It is an opportunity. It is a place where the Southside community can walk in and immediately feel that this space was built for them,” said Seymour. Café Ora is intentionally developed for residents of the South St. Petersburg community. As a community leader, Seymour observed a lack of “relational space[s]” for residents on the southside and made it his mission to create an open third space where residents can gather and belong, “a space with no pressure.” “Café Ora is a justice project of Uncommon City. We believe good coffee and a beautiful space can be a vehicle for something much deeper: belonging, opportunity, and the kind of communal life that is harder and harder to find,” stated Seymour. Café Ora partners with Look Alive Coffee, a regional specialty roaster based in the Tampa Bay area, for their source of beans. The cafe’s menu will feature specialty espresso drinks, including lattes, drip coffee, pour-overs, and cold brew served on nitrogen. Food options, including pastries, light bites, and grab-and-go options, are sourced from local bakers and food entrepreneurs. Payment methods include cash, card, and digital options. An additional payment method will be available — a community fund. Customers will have the option to add a dollar or two to their purchase, which will cover the cost of food and drinks for those without the means to pay. Alternatively, the coffee shop is also exploring a payment model in which those who cannot pay can contribute to the shop’s space in exchange for their tab. The idea is for no one to be turned away, “dignity runs in every direction here.” Seymour, holds ministry credentials with International Ministries Network (IMN), is currently getting his Masters of Theology and Social Justice at Northeastern Seminary. And holds certifications in Trauma Informed Ministry, Executive NonProfit Leadership, and Thriving Leaders Certificate from Portland Seminary and The Leadership Center. Seymour’s various roles in the community have equipped him to open not just a coffee shop, but a residential communal space in St. Pete’s southside. As Housing Authority Commissioner, he learned how policies can open doors for marginalized people; as a Race Equity Listener, he understood how to navigate systems that weren’t built with those who looked like him in mind. Leading the Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association taught him how to organize people around a shared vision; serving as the Rise Development Director at the Housing Authority gave him a direct view of the pipeline between housing instability and workforce barriers. Maybe most importantly, over 20 years in ministry have taught Seymour how to listen and build trust in communities. Café Ora’s tagline is simple: “Made for Neighbors.” “Whether you invest, donate, volunteer, show up on opening day, or just tell someone who needs to hear about it, you are part of building this. The table is being set. Pull up a chair,” said Seymour. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins held an impromptu press conference on Monday at the Urban Stillhouse in St. Petersburg. Image: Screengrab. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins has doubled down on his bid to become Florida’s next governor. The former Green Beret also took aim at “pay-to-play media” and his top opponent, a fellow Republican. ​Collins, speaking at a Monday morning press conference in St. Petersburg, repeatedly warned that Democratic candidate David Jolly, who is from the area, could beat U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in November if he is the Republican nominee. A recent Emerson College Polling survey found that Donalds holds a commanding lead among his party (46%) in the race to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis. ​“The pundits will tell you it’s an uphill fight. Good,” said Collins, a Purple Heart recipient. “Nothing good in life is easy. The facts of the matter are this: We are not done fighting.” Collins, a Tampa resident, began by acknowledging recent reports from “experts, X (formerly Twitter) accounts, and, of course, the effervescent pay-to-play media” regarding his campaign odds. Just 4% of participants in the Emerson College Polling (ECP) survey supported his candidacy, while 39% remain undecided. ​Instead of suspending his campaign, Collins announced an initial “seven-figure statewide media buy to tell our story, to lay out exactly what we’re fighting for.” He pledged to keep living costs affordable and support safer communities. ​“We are going to make sure criminals, and criminal illegal immigrants, are dealt with,” Collins added. “These are the issues that matter to the people of Florida.” ​Collins, who moved to Tampa Bay in 2018 after a decorated 20-year military career, said he represents all 23.5 million Florida residents. He believes the gubernatorial race is about “who can win the general election” rather than campaign funding or endorsements. ​Donalds, from Naples, raised $22.4 million in the first three months of 2026. Collins garnered $1.74 million, the second most among Republican candidates. ​Collins said he and DeSantis helped send Donald Trump, who gave Donalds his “complete and total” endorsement in February 2025, back to the White House. The governor has yet to support a candidate, and some experts expect his wife, Casey, to run. ​“Polling indicates a serious risk of David Jolly becoming the next governor of Florida if Byron (Donalds) is the Republican nominee,” Collins said. “This is not a risk we can afford to take in Florida.” Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump; Trump is shown here with Rep. Byron Donalds, whom he endorsed in February 2025. Photo: U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds’ office. Collins then went on the attack. He noted that his opponent’s “closest advisor, a man that he calls his brother, was arrested for sexual assault of a minor and later pleaded guilty to assaulting another woman and was charged with multiple other violent felonies.” ​“It gets worse,” Collins continued. “Donalds is one of only 28 members of Congress and one of just two in Florida to vote against a bipartisan bill to improve how the FBI investigates child sexual abuse and trafficking.” ​Collins said Donalds claims to oppose congressional stock trading yet completed nearly 200 transactions totaling approximately $2.8 million without “proper disclosure.” The lieutenant governor also called out the congressman for admitting to a third-degree felony for financial crimes while withholding the more serious second-degree charge. ​“Charter schools connected to Donalds received tens of millions in public funding, with roughly 30% going to outside companies tied to his family,” Collins said. He also took issue with his opponent’s declaration that George Floyd’s death was a “heinous murder at a time when law enforcement was at risk.” ​However, Donalds subsequently voted against the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and supports qualified immunity for police officers. “He has flip-flopped on issues like a fish out of water,” Collins said. ​“I wrestled with whether we should have a press conference like this,” he added. “These issues get talked about now, or they get talked about in October. We cannot risk this state falling and having Jolly as our next governor.” ​In ECP’s hypothetical ballot test, Jolly, a Pinellas County native, received 39% of the vote. Donalds garnered 44%, with 17% of those polled remaining undecided and a 2.8% margin of error. A poll highlighting how potential Democratic candidates would fare against U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in November. Image: Emerson College Polling. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube ​

The Deuces Live District has a state-designated Main Street, one of four in St. Petersburg. Photos by Mark Parker. St. Petersburg is home to four state-designated Main Streets that foster economic development and historic preservation in traditional business districts. A lack of funding is hindering growth and expansion. ​On April 16, city officials explored avenues to increase support for the local program, which operates under a national model. However, they are also facing a budget crunch and ongoing uncertainty surrounding property tax revenues. ​Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. requested the discussion after hearing that a lack of funding could jeopardize popular Main Street events, including the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival and Halloween on Central. City Administrator Rob Gerdes noted that the council sets appropriations, and Mayor Ken Welch decides whether to execute a contract. ​“In this case, if you did decide to do some type of additional funding, we would go forward with the appropriation,” Gerdes said. “The mayor doesn’t have any issue with that.” ​Main Streets in the Deuces Live, Grand Central, EDGE, and Skyway Marina Districts each annually receive $55,000, technical support, and in-kind donations – typically services or goods. The city also provides an up to $15,000 match for any revenue generated, primarily from events. ​Nonprofits that govern designated Main Streets must dedicate $32,000 of the annual contribution to an executive director’s salary, $2,000 to promotions, $4,000 to business assistance activities, and $2,000 to board training. ​Issues ​Givens said he has received positive and negative feedback regarding the four Main Streets, and “some do more than others.” He also read a letter from an unnamed executive director who asked the city to increase its subsidy by $20,000. ​All four Main Street organizations have told Givens that without additional funding, “we don’t think these events can continue.” Twice, he noted that $32,000 is not a livable salary in St. Petersburg, and the city risks losing invaluable institutional knowledge. ​“Just to be clear, the City of St. Petersburg is not paying anybody $32,000,” Gerdes replied. “These are not city employees; we are making a contribution. It’s always been our hope that there would be other income raised by the Main Street.” A view of Central Avenue as the EDGE District transitions into the Grand Central District. Economic Development Officer Gary Jones said a nonprofit must represent a traditional commercial corridor with historic buildings to qualify for a Main Street designation under national guidelines. The Skyway Marina District “does not meet either of those criteria.” ​City administrators applied a local designation in 2014 at the behest of former Councilmember Steve Kornell, and Jones believes it “works very well.” Givens questioned what would keep other districts from receiving an exception. ​The answer is funding, said Economic Development Manager Andrea Falvey. Two unnamed business districts have already asked to join the Main Streets program. ​Councilmember Gina Driscoll expressed “discomfort” over the Skyway Marina District receiving the same, limited Main Street funding as those that meet established requirements. She said the MLK Business District likely already meets Main Street criteria. ​The city could provide the district with technical assistance to ensure it meets Main Street requirements but not the associated funding due to budget constraints, Falvey replied. “We need to find a way to be more inclusive,” Driscoll said. ​Driscoll noted that she, her colleagues, and administrators all want to bolster the city’s support for Main Streets. The challenge is finding the money, and Gerdes suggested a contingency fund with about $940,000. A map of St. Petersburg’s Main Streets. Image: City documents. ​Givens prefers to reallocate money, rather than tap any economic development contingency funds. Councilmember Richie Floyd proposed offering additional in-kind contributions, as events account for most of an organization’s revenue. ​Councilmember Copley Gerdes is reluctant to reallocate funding before receiving financial information from the governing nonprofits. Fiscal reports are currently optional. ​Gerdes explained that 10% of the $2.2 million economic development budget already supports the city’s Main Streets. “We have to be very, very intentional if we are going to go down this path,” he said. ​His colleagues on the Economic and Workforce Development Committee agreed. They will discuss the topic further on May 21, after receiving financial documentation. ​“We absolutely will have that information for the next meeting,” said City Development Administrator James Corbett. He also highlighted an “opportunity to tap into some of the new development that is happening in some of these districts to privately fundraise, and we could certainly offer technical assistance.” ​St. Petersburg launched its community-driven Main Streets program in 2001. The Deuces Live and Grand Central Districts were the first to earn the designation by establishing a governing nonprofit with various volunteer-led committees. ​Jones said Main Streets help increase customer traffic and sales, boost local revenues, create a more vibrant business district, and improve the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods. The program gained popularity nationwide when shopping malls began pulling people away from longstanding commercial corridors and into the suburbs. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

South St. Petersburg neighborhoods have the highest Transportation Disadvantaged Program utilization rates in all of Pinellas County. Photo by Mark Parker. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration has increased funding for a popular program that ensures low-income St. Petersburg residents can afford transportation. The state-funded Transportation Disadvantaged Program, which launched in 2016, provides reduced-cost fares for qualified Pinellas County residents. ​Households that meet income requirements can purchase a non-consecutive 10-day bus pass for $5 or a 31-day unlimited pass for $11 through the program. In 2023, the city entered into an agreement with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) to eliminate any fees associated with the initiative. St. Petersburg’s annual subsidy enables its residents to ride for free by reimbursing PSTA for the cost. ​Utilization has soared, and St. Petersburg’s subsidy has increased from $136,000 to $175,000 in two years to meet demand. The city council unanimously approved a $75,000 supplemental appropriation on March 26. ​“Accessible public transit is a top priority for our community, and this increased funding ensures all eligible residents have the opportunity to participate in the program,” Welch said in a subsequent announcement. “With gas and other transportation-related costs continuing to rise, this program is more important now than ever.” ​Residents must earn at or below 200% of the federal poverty threshold – $64,300 for a family of four – to qualify for the TD Program. They must also lack access to a car or rides from other members of their household. A map highlighting Transportation Disadvantaged Program utilization rates throughout Pinellas County, with darker color denoting the highest concentration of users. PSTA data shows that 28% of all passengers in 2025 utilized a TD discount, second only to those who paid the standard fare (50.2%). Those demographics are followed by U-Pass holders (17.4%), passengers with bikes (3.8%), and those with wheelchairs (.6%). City documents note that the program’s popularity has “grown steadily over the last two years” in St. Petersburg, which will now contribute $225,000 annually.“While TD bus passes cost significantly less than regular passes, the price would still be a barrier to some residents,” the administration wrote. “This program affords the city a meaningful way to further reduce a financial burden for many residents who need public transit for some or all of their mobility needs.” ​On average, the city’s subsidy supported 1,401 monthly passengers in 2025, a 24% increase over the previous year. St. Petersburg residents set a new utilization record in October. ​South St. Petersburg neighborhoods have the highest TD Program utilization rates in all of Pinellas County. Welch thanked PSTA for its support and expressed pride in the city’s ongoing efforts to mitigate mobility challenges. ​“We are so excited to expand this successful partnership, which over the last year has seen increases in both enrollment and overall ridership,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “With these additional funds, we will be able to provide transportation to St. Petersburg citizens who need it most, without any direct impact on those citizens’ wallets.” ​For program application information, visit the website here. ​Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

From left: Cynthia Glover, Tamisha Darling-Roberson, and Keiran Madgwick during Realtist Week 2026. Darling-Roberson organized the events as founder and president of the Pinellas County Association of Realtists (PCAR). Photo courtesy of PCAR. The strain of organizing seven events in as many days – while running a business -couldn’t stifle Tamisha Darling-Roberson’s enthusiasm as she discussed her mission to mitigate housing disparities. ​The owner of St. Petersburg-based Darling Roberson Realty is also the founder and president of the Pinellas County Association of Realtists (PCAR), the local board of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Founded in 1947 to promote equal housing opportunities at a time when discriminatory ownership practices prevailed, NAREB is now the oldest minority trade association in the country. ​NAREB was born in Tampa; however, Pinellas County lacked a local affiliate until Darling-Roberson and a few community partners stepped up to the plate in April 2024. PCAR has since grown exponentially and completed its second annual Realtist Week on Saturday. ​“We know that the best way to build wealth is through real estate, and so our marginalized communities are still falling short,” Darling-Roberson said. “The statistics still show that there are a lot of different discriminatory practices. So, it’s being able to truly identify what those issues are, where they lie, and then fighting and rallying for change.” ​Darling-Roberson explained that African Americans could not use the trademarked term “realtor” when NAREB launched in the aftermath of World War II. Black professionals, left without a seat at the establishment’s table, decided to create their own “realtist” network. ​The organization’s overarching goal is to help Black households create generational wealth through property ownership and investments and promote democracy in housing. Nationwide affiliates operate under NAREB’s umbrella and simultaneously host a Realtist Week to bolster community engagement. ​Darling-Roberson founded PCAR after realizing what NAREB stood for, “and how that fight still exists today.” She said African Americans currently account for “less than 45% of homeownership in this nation, and so we own less real estate today than we did in the 1960s.” ​“Honestly, this has been a labor of love for me,” Darling-Roberson added. “This has been something that I feel so passionately about that in the beginning, I was all-in, out of pocket.” Tamisha Darling-Roberson, founder and president of the Pinellas County Association of Realtists. Photo courtesy of Tamisha Darling-Roberson. ​PCAR has added new members who are helping advance the local nonprofit’s vision. Darling-Roberson emphasized that the group encompasses more than just real estate agents and brokers. ​She said builders, attorneys, inspectors, title professionals, and people representing various allied fields are also part of PCAR. “Anybody who touches real estate and believes in democracy in housing – we want them as part of this coalition.” ​“This is a joint collaboration, and I have some great people around me,” Darling-Roberson said. “And when they hear exactly what the vision is, and what we’re hoping to do, they jump in.” ​Realtist Week kicked off on April 12 with a day of worship, followed by a day of service at the St. Petersburg Youth Farm. PCAR also hosted a free, four-hour continuing education course for real estate professionals, and advocated for equitable housing policies at City Hall. ​A “Credit to Keys” forum featured local experts who helped guide attendees through the homebuying process and highlighted various resources. Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge hosted the Women in Real Estate (WIRE) panel on Friday night. ​The week culminated on Saturday with a five-hour Impact Community Day, which featured “powerful conversations, valuable resources, and direct access to experts who care about the community,” according to the announcement. ​One highlight was a Men Investing in Real Estate panel. Darling-Roberson said participants were self-made millionaires. ​Mark Oliver, a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and affordable housing advocate, returned to his hometown of St. Petersburg as a key panelist. Darling-Roberson recalled a time when Oliver, who now boasts a $10 million real estate portfolio, struggled to close on a $200,000 home. ​“Instead of trying to figure it out on our own, it’s important for us to talk to people who are doing it,” said Darling-Roberson. “I believe that until you see someone who looks like you doing it, it may be difficult for you to imagine yourself as someone like a Mark Oliver.” ​There are “real needs” in the community outside of building generational wealth, Darling-Roberson said. PCAR also advocates for affordable housing, provides resources to address homelessness, and ensures local real estate professionals have the tools they need to succeed. ​A fifth-generation St. Petersburg native, Darling-Roberson wants to ensure the next five generations can purchase a home. “That was absolutely my vision for the community,” she said. ​“There are just so many different avenues and resources that people are not even aware of – that they can tap into,” Darling-Roberson concluded. “That is why it’s imperative for us to make sure we all have the same information.” Former Gov. Charlie Crist with members of the Pinellas County Association of Realtists (PCAR). Photo courtesy of PCAR. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

The fifth Epsilon Class of the Beautillion Militaire. Image Courtesy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter. The St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (SPAC) is celebrating the Beautillion Militaire Experience this Sunday, April 26, 6 pm, at The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The St. Pete Deltas, a local non-profit devoted to community uplift through their Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: education, economics, physical and mental health, international engagement, and social action. This weekend, they proudly introduce the fifth Beautillion Militaire Epsilon Class of 2026, themed “Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Purpose.” Chapter members of the St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Image Courtesy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter. This year marks the 10 year milestone of the Beautillion Militare. This biennial event recognizes and encourages young men in their junior and senior years of high school to develop socially, culturally, and intellectually via various activities and unique workshops. Through their scheduled curricula, the young men — called “beaux” — are given tools to help them successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education and into young adulthood. The program provides the young men with professional mentorship, improves their social and interpersonal skills, supports their academic development, and encourages them to participate in their community through public service projects. The ultimate goal of the event is to celebrate the positive development of African-American young men. By attending various workshops and cultural rites-of-passage ceremonies, the beaux learn social etiquette, develop personal skills, and strengthen familial bonds through their shared experiences. In addition to their educational seminars, the young men train in military precision drill classes that also serve as lessons in discipline, attention to detail, and teamwork. Fundraising and donations support scholarship awards for the young men. The Beau with the most combined fundraising and participation points is crowned Mr. Beautillion Militaire. The beaux pose with their mothers and maternal figures during their tea event. Image Courtesy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter. This year’s Epsilon class is composed of eight young men. Beaux Spencer Belnavis expressed what he hopes to take away from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. “I hope to cultivate relationships not only for networking, but true friendship with like-minded individuals. The beautillion has also created a space to show I can be impactful not only with my words, but also with my actions, thanks to the great mentors,” said Belnavis. St. Pete Delta member Adrienne Reddick serves as the chair of the Beautillion Militaire and chapter fundraising committee. Over the past few months, Reddick has seen the young men grow and evolve through the process. “I absolutely love the Beautillion because it showcases our young men. I hope that they leave this program with lifelong friendships, more confidence, and the ability to walk in any room and know that they belong there,” said Reddick. The weekend culminates in a formal gala celebrating the beaux’ hard work, where they are presented to society as the Epsilon Class, the fifth cohort to complete the program. Guests can expect an evening of dancing and entertainment, highlighted by the beaux’ military‑style drill performance. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube The beaux of the fifth Epsilon Class with their dates – called belles. Image Courtesy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter.

Current students, Black alumni, faculty, and staff gather during Stetson Law’s 2026 Black Alumni Gala, where the chapter celebrated its history and the relationships helping guide the next generation of Black legal professionals.Photo courtesy of Mason At Stetson University College of Law, the Black Law Students Association has long served as a source of support, leadership, and professional development for students navigating the demands of legal education. Its work reaches beyond campus life and into a larger tradition of Black advocacy in the law – rooted in access, community responsibility, and the belief that representation in the profession matters. For more than two decades, Stetson’s BLSA has carried forward a tradition of service and support at the College of Law. The organization is part of both the Southern Regional Black Law Students Association and the National Black Law Students Association, connecting its members to a wider network committed to advancing Black law students and strengthening the legal profession. At the campus level, that mission shows up through academic support, professional development, personal encouragement, and opportunities for students to contribute to both the Stetson and Tampa Bay communities. Stetson’s chapter is also part of a broader national tradition. Since the founding of the original Black American Law Students Association in 1968, Black law student organizations across the country have pushed the legal profession to better respond to the needs of Black communities while also supporting students pursuing careers in law. That legacy continues at Stetson through a chapter grounded in service, advocacy, and investment in the next generation of Black legal professionals. For Tiera Mason, president of Stetson Law’s Black Law Students Association, that work begins with building a community that Black law students can rely on. Her goal has been to create a supportive space for Black students while also opening doors to networking, connection, and retention on campus. At a predominantly white institution, that kind of community is crucial. “Roughly 5% of attorneys in America are Black, and as a student at a predominantly white institution, our community is important,” Mason shared. Through BLSA, students are able to better understand the legal profession while building mentorship, accessing opportunities, and growing professionally. Mason also described the organization as a cornerstone of her own law school experience, saying the support and sense of community she found through BLSA helped keep her on the right path. Over the course of the academic year, BLSA put that mission into practice through programming centered on access, mentorship, and community. Mason pointed to prospective student panels that brought alumni attorneys and current students together for candid conversations about law school, the profession, and the many different paths into it. She also highlighted the chapter’s book bank, where members donate and pass down textbooks to help future students access course materials at no cost. Other programming touched on faith, justice, and community engagement. That work carried into a major milestone for the chapter on Saturday, April 11, when Stetson Law’s Black Law Students Association hosted its 2026 Stetson Black Alumni Gala. The event brought together students, alumni, and members of the broader legal community in a celebration of history, connection, and forward movement. “I wanted the gala to feel like a bridge between generations of Black Stetson lawyers,” said Zion Lampley, the chapter’s vice president. The event offered the chapter a chance to reflect on the previous year, celebrate its accomplishments, and update alumni on the work taking place on campus. It also created space to recognize the alumni and community partners who continue pouring into current students through mentorship, guidance, scholarship support, internships, and professional example. Stetson BLSA alumni include judges, prosecutors, city attorneys, and law firm owners whose presence offers students a clear picture of what is possible. “The event was a reminder that BLSA exists to uplift students while honoring the legacy of those who came before us,” Lampley said. That sense of legacy was woven throughout the evening. The gala’s theme, Legacy in Motion: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future, was reflected in a room filled with current students, alumni, faculty, staff, community partners, and prospective students, as well as in a legacy table and slideshow documenting the organization’s history. Attorney Tamara Felton-Howard, the evening’s keynote speaker, also reflected on the history of BLSA and Stetson Law’s path toward opening its doors to Black students. One of the strongest messages of the night centered on “Who will be in the room after us?” and how today’s leaders can help make those spaces more accessible for whoever comes next. That message was also reflected in the practical ways alumni continue to support the chapter through sponsorships, donations, and Bar Prep Scholarships for graduating members preparing to enter the profession. For current students, those connections offer something tangible. They place lived experience, career insight, and Black legal excellence in the same room while reinforcing the kind of support that can shape both confidence and career direction. In that way, the gala did more than celebrate the chapter’s history. It underscored BLSA’s continuing role in building community, expanding access, and helping students see themselves within the future of the legal profession. As the chapter looks ahead, Lampley believes the momentum is still building. “BLSA will continue expanding its reach, strengthening mentorship, and creating opportunities that empower future classes of students,” he said. At Stetson, BLSA continues to serve as a vital space for Black students in the legal profession. Its presence reflects the importance of preserving legacy, building community, and creating opportunities for the students who will follow. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Tiera Mason is a Juris Doctor candidate for December 2027, a Center Fellow with the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy, and president of both Stetson Law’s Black Law Students Association and the Education Law Association. Photo courtesy of Mason Zion Lampley is vice president of Stetson Law’s Black Law Students Association and a Juris Doctor candidate at Stetson University College of Law, where he is expected to graduate with the Class of 2027. Photo courtesy of Lampley Tiera Mason, president of Stetson Law’s Black Law Students Association, and Zion Lampley, the chapter’s vice president, are pictured during Black History Month programming at Stetson Law. Photo courtesy of Lampley Tiera Mason (far left), Darren Kettles (far right) of Stetson Law Admissions and the executive board of the newly chartered undergraduate BLSA chapter at Stetson’s DeLand campus meet to discuss law school, Stetson, and the admissions process.Photo courtesy of Mason Members of Stetson Law’s Black Law Students Association are pictured during a visit with students at Academy Prep.Photo courtesy of Lampley

From left: Sakeya Donaldson, founder of the Science of Beauty; Mayor Ken Welch; Robyn Donaldson, founder and CEO of STEM Xposure; and Dr. Sheron Brown, director of education and youth opportunities for the City of St. Petersburg. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg has made a $750,000 investment in its youth after selecting a local nonprofit to design and deliver a new hands-on afterschool experience - the Genius Lab. ​City council members approved a three-year contract with STEM Xposure Inc. on May 14. They did so without discussion or a presentation, as the item was part of the consent agenda. ​Documents note that St. Petersburg-based STEM Xposure emerged from a competitive proposal process with six other applicants. The organization will now create a program that enhances academic achievement, fosters personal development, supports career exploration, and builds creative problem-solving skills for students in grades 6 through 12. ​Mayor Ken Welch celebrated the “major investment” to “expand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and enrichment opportunities for local students” in a subsequent social media post. The Enoch D. Davis Center at 1111 18th Ave. S. will house the Genius Lab. ​The city’s request for proposals (RFP), released on Feb. 17, noted that the selected vendor will “create a learning environment that strengthens students’ confidence, supports their overall wellbeing, and expands their opportunities through innovative STEM activities, leadership development, financial empowerment, and exercises in mindfulness, to include reflective practices.” ​“As a service provider, the vendor must demonstrate experience in youth academic enrichment, experiential learning, and student-centered instructional approaches,” the RFP continued. ​STEM Xposure’s mailing address is a P.O. Box in Gibsonton, according to its website. However, the nonprofit’s physical address is 2235 22nd St. S. in South St. Petersburg. ​The organization’s mission is to empower students, “particularly girls aged 10-17, by providing access to underrepresented careers in STEM,” states the website. “We strive to inspire curiosity, foster innovation, and promote inclusivity, ensuring every student has the chance to explore their potential.” The Genius Lab is open to all St. Petersburg students in grades 6 through 12. Photo: STEM Xposure. ​STEM Xposure, which also touts its hands-on construction projects and global learning experiences, has directly impacted 17,386 students throughout Tampa Bay since it launched in 2018. The nonprofit, led by founder and CEO Robyn Donaldson, facilitates camps in 10 countries, and 14 program participants are currently pursuing an architecture degree in Africa at the University of Nairobi. ​Local stakeholders did not unanimously celebrate Welch’s announcement. Several community members, in comments and other social media posts, advocated for the inclusion of Rafael Robinson, founder of the Achieving Engineering Driven Innovation (AEDI) Foundation. Robinson, in a reply, wrote that he will “truly celebrate every child who will benefit” from the Genius Lab. He would also “be lying if I said my heart wasn’t heavy.” “For years, AEDI Foundation has poured into this community through STEM Saturday and hands-on opportunities designed to reach students who may otherwise be overlooked,” Robinson wrote. “So, not even being considered to share our work is disappointing. This isn’t about competition - it’s about making sure every organization committed to serving our children has a seat at the table.” ​However, AEDI did not submit a proposal, due on March 26. Applicants included Byrne Ocean Conservation, Discover Science 4 Kids, FutureInnoX, Senior Compucare Southeast, SpeakEasy MEDIA Foundation, and The Beat Music Academy, according to city documents. ​City evaluators included Dr. Sheron Brown, director of education and youth opportunities; Amanda Kubisiak, administrative coordinator; and Jess Reidel, special projects manager. The trio scored proposals on the following weighted criteria: Experience and qualifications, project approach, a detailed budget, and business enterprise program outreach and utilization. In December 2025, STEM Xposure announced it was bringing “hands-on STEM education and workforce training right into underserved communities with our Skoolie bus.” Image: STEM Xposure. ​Transportation services are also a key component of the Genius Lab. The RFP stated that a selected vendor must pick up Genius Lab participants from schools or their homes, and transport them to the Enoch Davis Center, workshops, events, and “city-related programs.” ​Most pickup locations are at South Pinellas County middle and high schools, according to the RFP. A city official wrote that operators should ensure “equitable access, with consideration to the schools within the proximity to Enoch Davis Center,” in response to a vendor question. ​Stem Xposure received a score of 67.83, followed by SpeakEasy MEDIA with a 58.17. “The proposals were evaluated based on the criteria set forth in the RFP, and the evaluation committee determined that it is in the city’s best interest to enter into an agreement with Stem Xposure for the Genius Lab Afterschool Program,” states a contract resolution. ​The city expects to fully launch the initiative within 60 days of executing a contract. Stem Xposure will have two one-year renewal options after the initial three-year term. Share Your News To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com: and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the need for more research, which requires digging, and pledged to “do the right thing.” Photo by Mark Parker. ​​Confirming if human remains are still buried underneath a parking lot at Tropicana Field requires digging. City Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. believes community stakeholders should decide the best path forward. ​Givens has been a vocal proponent of honoring St. Petersburg’s late trailblazers for at least six years, long before he secured a seat on the city council, as his great-grandfather was buried at the former Oaklawn Cemetery. He has also led the charge to erect a historical marker highlighting that the area, now used to accommodate baseball traffic, was once hallowed ground. Givens was on a much-needed family vacation, however, when his seven colleagues unanimously approved a $378,896 contract with Stantec Consulting Services for ground truthing fieldwork in March, as scheduled. The firm will gently dig up to 15 feet around the graves, sift material samples, and identify and catalogue any remains or artifacts found in October, after the baseball season. ​Stantec delivered its initial, long-awaited study to Mayor Ken Welch’s administration in November 2024 after using ground-penetrating radar to uncover 10 possible graves, some just three feet below ground, underneath Lot 1. “Why now and why not sooner?” Givens said of the gap between steps. ​While he is “just happy to see that things are moving forward,” Givens said the city should have spent the “time, money, and effort on consulting descendants and stakeholders.” He believes the government deciding the next steps is “backwards” and “wrong.” ​“I would much rather pursue historic designation or a historic marker at that site,” Givens told Power Broker Magazine. “I think that is low-hanging fruit and an easy win. And I wonder why the administration hasn’t moved on that, considering I’ve already brought it to their attention.” Givens said his idea for a historical designation has garnered support from multiple local and state elected officials. He has also contacted the Florida Humanities Council and said the associated paperwork awaits the mayor’s signature. The city does not need to spend $400,000 on ground truthing to tell stakeholders what they already know – that “there are in fact bodies underneath that parking lot,” Givens said. The process, as outlined in city documents, is also invasive. ​Stantec will strip the soil around all 10 graves to reveal the shafts and map the locations and dimensions. Crews will excavate at least four locations “by hand, down to the coffin,” to confirm that human remains are present, according to the city’s contract. “If that was your grandparent, would you want their final resting place disturbed?” Givens rhetorically asked. The parking lot at the intersection of 16th Street and 5th Avenue South was once home to Oaklawn Cemetery, which primarily served white residents after opening in 1907. Directly across the street was ​Evergreen Cemetery, platted in 1900 for the Black community. ​Moffett (St. Petersburg) Cemetery, which opened in 1888, served both races. ​The city condemned the contiguous burial grounds in 1926 and relocated bodies according to race. A map of the three cemeteries and a timeline of the city’s involvement. Image: City documents. ​African Americans were moved to the embattled Lincoln Cemetery in Gulfport. Their Caucasian counterparts stayed closer to home at Royal Palm Cemetery. ​Ground penetrating radar first identified three likely graves beneath Lots 1 and 2 at the Trop in August 2021. Research has focused on Oaklawn due to I-175 towering above the Evergreen and Moffett sites, and the impending redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District. ​Givens believes the work should extend to all three burial grounds. “I think it’s a slap in the face to the Black trailblazers and residents of St. Petersburg who were disrespected in life, and now they’re being disrespected in death,” he said. “Their graves were built over, paved over, and we are saying you don’t deserve to have answers; You don’t deserve to have justice in death.” Ground penetrating radar first identified three possible graves between Lots 1 and 2 in August 2021. Photo by Mark Parker ​​Welch, in a subsequent interview, said he is open to continuing conversations regarding a historical marker. He noted that the city has always planned to partner with FDOT and conduct additional research at all three burial sites. ​The city also expected the Tampa Bay Rays to oversee that work until former owner Stuart Sternberg nixed the previous Gas Plant redevelopment deal in March 2025. “Going forward, any selected developer will have to make sure that they handle those grave sites appropriately,” Welch added. ​Efforts to honor St. Petersburg’s pioneers will also extend to Lincoln Cemetery, Welch pledged. “We’re going to do the right thing.” ​“I don’t know if the grave markers, exclusively, are the course that I would support at this point,” Welch said. “I think we need to do some more research, and that continues to be a priority for us.” Possible graves identified by ground penetrating radar. Image: Stantect. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. 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Deputy County Administrator Greg Horwedel (standing) called the Tampa Bay Rays’ timeline “very aggressive” when there is still “a lot of work that needs to be done” at a workshop on April 16. Image: Screengrab. Hillsborough County officials have told the Tampa Bay Rays that meeting the team’s aggressive deadline to finalize a stadium deal is increasingly improbable, an unsurprising development that jeopardizes the $2.3 billion proposal. ​The Rays reiterated their June 1 deadline in a letter sent to commissioners on April 15. CEO Ken Babby wrote that the team’s urgency is “driven by practical constraints, not pressure tactics.” ​Opening a new ballpark in time for the 2029 season is a priority, as the team’s lease at Tropicana Field expires in 2028. Babby also noted that the Rays risk losing state funding and would face additional construction costs if their timelines are not met, which would “render the deal economically infeasible.” ​County Attorney Julia Mandell sent a memo on Thursday, obtained by Power Broker Magazine, to the Rays and other Hillsborough officials that outlined key unresolved issues. She began by noting that stakeholders cannot even consider a timeline for completing project agreements until they reach consensus on the terms and conditions in the team’s draft memorandum of understanding (MOU). ​“It would likely take at least 60-90 days to negotiate the development and funding agreement (and possibly the use agreement) following the approval of the MOU,” Mandell wrote. ​June 1 is in 38 days. Mandell noted that the Rays and their attorneys are working on answers to the dozens of questions and concerns posed in her memo. The team, which would contribute $1.235 billion toward a new stadium, has requested $750 million from the county and $251 million from Tampa. ​“Should this commitment ultimately not be achievable, we would have no choice but to evaluate alternatives,” Babby wrote in his letter. “However, that is not our desired outcome.” ​Babby added that “time and action are of the essence” in his letter, which came less than a day before the county’s first stadium workshop on April 16. A prepared statement from the team on Thursday lacked any ultimatums. “We are working diligently on the list of questions provided to us by the county and city and will share our responses with them soon,” the Rays said in a prepared statement on Thursday. “With the right public-private partnership, we can build a world-class ballpark by 2029 and remain focused on doing so.” Mandell’s memo stated that the draft MOU “requires a high standard of best efforts” for the county to negotiate terms and finalize the project agreements. She said the concept, discussed on multiple occasions during private negotiations, “appears to be an effort to create binding obligations” that would “set the table for a detrimental reliance claim if the parties cannot reach an agreement.” ​“In order to protect the public interest, the MOU must expressly state that it is non-binding and any obligations are subject to the review and approval of each of the project agreements,” she wrote. ​Mandell asked the Rays to detail their funding sources and a parking plan. The memo also states that the stadium should be subject to property taxes, a final agreement must obligate the team to complete the surrounding mixed-use development, and public funding should only go toward public areas of the stadium and infrastructure. “This is a complex deal,” said​ Deputy County Administrator Greg Horwedel at the April 16 meeting. “We’re not at the stage yet with staff where we feel comfortable with all the dollar amounts that are being proposed, and how those might impact the county budget.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers (center, left) and Tax Collector Nancy Millan (center, right) celebrated the launch of a new mobile service center on Tuesday. Photos: Hillsborough County. Seniors, residents with disabilities, those who lack reliable transportation, and anyone who struggles to access government services have a new resource in Hillsborough County. ​Tax Collector Nancy Millan announced the launch of MILES (Mobile Ids, Licenses, and Essential Services) on Tuesday. The specially designed bus represents an innovative effort to reach underserved communities. ​MILES will bring key tax collector services directly into neighborhoods throughout the county. Residents can receive driver’s licenses, identification cards, handicap placards, and vehicle titles, make property tax payments, and renew registrations on the bus. ​“From day one, I knew that serving a community meant more than just keeping up with growth,” Millan said. “It meant making sure residents in every corner of this county have access to services.” Tax Collector Nancy Millan pledged to continue identifying innovative ways to serve the community. Millan took the helm in 2021 with a vision not only to increase efficiency, she said, but also to redefine “what accessibility looks like for every resident of Hillsborough County.” For example, the tax collector noted a partnership with the sheriff’s office that helps people exiting jail obtain identification or a driver’s license so they can “restart or rebuild their lives.” ​MILES is a continuation of that vision, Millan said. “This is what government looks like when we work our very best.” ​The mobile service center features an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramp, a wide entryway and maneuverable interior space, lower counters and bilingual signage, and staff trained to assist seniors and residents with physical limitations. MILES will also travel to community events. ​“This vehicle is not the typical DMV way of doing business,” Millan said. “And we recognize that physical office locations, no matter how well they’re staffed and efficiently run, cannot serve everyone coming into our county.” ​She said MILES will support small business owners with tight schedules and residents in rural areas far from an office. A partnership with the farming community in Plant City is in the works. ​The mobile center will travel to senior centers, schools, hospitals, and anywhere there is a need, Millan said. Residents and organizations can also request a visit. “Every mile we travel, every neighborhood we visit, every family we serve – it’s all about helping our community thrive.” ​County Commissioner Gwen Myers noted that something as seemingly simple as updating paperwork or renewing registrations can become a “real hardship” for many families. “MILES will make a meaningful difference for seniors and underserved communities,” she said. ​“This mobile resource helps lift that burden and ensures our most vulnerable residents aren’t left behind.” For more information on MILES, visit the website here. Residents can request a visit from MILES, and the tax collector’s office will soon post a bus schedule. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Chris Hackney, chief lending officer for Lendesca. Photo courtesy of Chris Hackney. ​Lending expert Chris Hackney is passionate about helping small business owners receive the capital they need to thrive. However, protracted application processes can sink those already struggling to stay afloat. ​Hackney helped launch Lendesca, which offers a faster, more efficient pathway to secure U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, to mitigate accessibility hurdles. A beta version of the company’s new technologically advanced platform began welcoming clients in April, ahead of a full roll-out on Monday. ​Lendesca utilizes artificial intelligence-powered document analysis and automated loan-preparation tools, enabling borrowers to receive much-needed funding in hours or days rather than weeks or months, according to its website. Hackney, chief lending officer, said he jumped at the opportunity to join a “pioneering team.” ​“There’s a wave of AI and automation coming, but you can’t develop that sort of technology working for a bank, for obvious reasons: Compliance protocols,” Hackney said. “You have a little bit more flexibility as a fintech (financial technology) company.” ​Hackney, a St. Petersburg resident, previously served as president of BayFirst Bank’s SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Lending department. He hoped to “kind of catch this AI wave” when he joined Lendesca. ​The SBA lending process is “so manual,” Hackney said, “even in 2026.” He noted that borrowers and banks, some of which still rely on handwritten documents, can easily become buried in paperwork. ​“We’re so far behind when you look at other banking products, too,” Hackney added. “We’re kind of the last frontier, and rather than be absorbed or cannibalized by some other company, we wanted to be the company to make the change on behalf of the industry.” Chris Hackney (right), chief lending officer for Lendesca, toured Black-owned small businesses with Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s (back left) office and local stakeholders when he still led BayFirst Bank’s SBA and USDA lending division. Photo by Mark Parker. ​An SBA underwriter evaluates loan applications to determine a borrower’s creditworthiness and ensures that they follow the agency’s guidelines. Hackney said Lendesca’s technology completes roughly 70% of that work. ​While he and his team plan to increase that number to 90%, Hackney said a human will always remain in the workflow loop. Automating more mundane processes and “not having to crunch the numbers” provides them with additional time to analyze applications - “the most important part.” ​Hackney said small business owners often face enormous pressure to open quickly, either due to franchisee mandates or the need to generate revenue. He noted that some local borrowers are already paying rent on a space “that they can’t even run their business from because their financing is not in order.” ​“Financing is the most important piece to getting a business open,” Hackney continued. “The longer it takes to do that, the more in jeopardy you are of opening your business. I’ve seen borrowers lose deals.” ​Purchasing contracts, he explained, typically include a 60 or 90-day deadline to close the deal. Hackney said it could take a traditional bank 120 days to facilitate an SBA loan, resulting in a lost opportunity to acquire a business or location and “change the economic cycle for your family.” ​He credited AI for helping his team develop Lendesca’s new platform in approximately six months. Hackney said the technology cut that time and the wait to receive SBA approval in half. Lendesca had a soft launch in April and scheduled a full roll-out for Monday. Image: Screengrab. ​After BayFirst sold its SBA division to another institution in December, Hackney had the opportunity to join other banks. However, he found it “hard to pass up” the chance to help disrupt the industry with Lendesca. ​Lendesca, as a lender service provider, efficiently originates SBA loans. The company already serves as the small-business lending division for three banks after receiving the federal government’s approval. ​Hackney emphasized that Lendesca is “not just a broker,” as the platform manages “everything from start to finish for our small business borrowers.” Clients only speak with the company, not the banking partner, to avoid confusion. ​Banks that want to avoid the costs associated with operating an SBA division can partner with Lendesca. Hackney added that working with multiple institutions also provides flexibility that ultimately benefits borrowers. ​For example, he said BayFirst “did not prefer restaurants” as clients. Partnering with several banks - the goal is 10 - provides a wider array of options. ​“I’ve seen this happen so often: They go to one bank, they get turned down, and they just stop trying,” Hackney said of small business owners. “If you come to us, we’re going to place you with one of our partner banks that is interested in doing your deal. I think this is the way that things are headed.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, reach out to reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Basha Ferdinand is the creator of CTRL+Create, a curated one-day experience that blends art, technology, and community. Photo credit: Basha Ferdinand. Tampa Bay Tech Week is coming to the region in less than two weeks. Beginning next Tuesday, April 7th, this citywide celebration of technology, culture, and community is set to connect innovators and creators alike. Tampa native Basha Ferdinand will co-host the event’s closing celebration at her CTRL+Create on Friday, April 10th, at Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712. Ferdinand is the founder of CTRL+Create, a curated one-day experience that blends art, technology, and community. This event marks CTRL+Create’s inaugural year, bringing in exhibitors such as Vu and Latitude Research, paired with “immersive activations” designed to both spark engagement and create meaningful connections. “Through this event, the goal is for career opportunities, projects, and partnerships to become accessible, bridging the gap between the agencies looking for talent and the talent that is already here, rooted in this region, and ready to grow,” said Ferdinand. TBTW will feature over 60 speakers and 20 exhibitors, including Vū Studio showcasing their latest software; Vibe Coding session powered by Loveable; Monetization Strategies & Sync Licensing, by Symphonic Distribution; and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Signature events featured throughout the tech week include: April 8th: CTRL+813 Build: The Sequel; Vibe Code with Lovable at the Embarc Collective April 9th: Free Talent + Tech Expo at Hotel Haya April 10th: Tech Week Closing Celebration: Co-Hosted w/ CTRL+Create Conference at Coastal Creative April 10th-12th: BUP Innovation Weekend; 3-day hackathon + pitch competition Previously, Ferdinand worked as Vice President of Program Development at Synapse Florida — a non-profit organization that hosts annual conferences celebrating the technology and innovation ecosystem in Tampa Bay. Synapse Summit has been recognized as one of the largest innovation and technology conferences in Florida throughout its seven-year run from 2017-2024. As of now, the tech summit is moving away from its annual event and focusing on year-round, targeted engagement. It was here that she learned how to build experiences, forge meaningful partnerships, and turn visions into “something impactful.” “CTRL+Create is the direct result of that experience, a community conference built for creatives, art, and technology,” said Ferdinand. Ferdinand’s passion for community building and event strategizing traces back to when she used to plan family events and social gatherings. Through event planning, she saw firsthand how impactful community building can be in supporting people; she further served her community through her work with several non-profits. In 2018, she entered the tech space through a business partnership with Tampa Bay Wave and supported entrepreneurs as they grew and scaled their businesses. Almost a decade later, Ferdinand continues to align herself with work that allows her to leverage tech to build innovative solutions. Ferdinand’s partnership with Tampa Bay Tech Week was intentional – through their partnership, she established a meet-up for local, creative talent to have “high-visibility conversation[s].” Ferdinand stated that the foundation of CTRL+Create is to deliver community and resources to creative professionals and agencies in the Tampa Bay region. “CTRL+Create gives attendees a dedicated space to be seen, celebrated, and connected, not as an afterthought to the tech world, but as an essential part of it,” explained Ferdinand. Through CTRL+Create, the founder aims to empower organizations to engage and amplify their impact through “intentionally crafted high-impact events.” In her role, she’s magnified Tampa’s “tech ecosystem” vision by partnering with Tampa Bay Tech Week to demonstrate that a connected creative ecosystem requires “collaborative participation” rather than a single showcase. Photo credit: Basha Ferdinand; guests attend a meet-and-greet for Ctrl+Create. “What happens at CTRL+Create will be a reflection of the community that’s been showing up, connecting, and investing in one another and creating a space for that to happen at an accelerated pace,” Ferdinand stated. With ten days left until the event, there’s still time to grab your ticket. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is one of just three Black head coaches in the NFL. Florida’s attorney general wants the league to abolish its rule that helps ensure equitable hiring practices. Photo: NFL.com. The State of Florida is extending its widespread ban on policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the NFL. ​Attorney General James Uthmeier has demanded that the NFL abolish its Rooney Rule, which requires all teams to interview two external minority or female candidates for general manager or head coaching vacancies, or potentially face “civil rights enforcement action.” The initiative and other diversity policies “brazenly” violate Florida law, he wrote in a letter sent to Commissioner Roger Goodell on March 25. ​The NFL adopted the Rooney Rule in 2003 to ensure that “promising candidates have the opportunity to prove they have the necessary skills and qualifications to excel.” Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh, who is of Lebanese descent, was the only minority candidate hired to lead a team this offseason – despite 10 open positions. ​“NFL fans in Florida don’t care what color their coach’s skin is,” Uthmeier wrote. “They care what colors their coach is wearing – and that those colors are winning on the football field.” Attorney General James Uthmeier. Photo: State of Florida. ​Politico reported that Uthmeier sent a copy of the two-page letter to the owners of the NFL’s three Florida-based teams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and Jacksonville Jaguars have not publicly responded. ​Todd Bowles, one of just three Black head coaches among 32 NFL teams, leads the Bucs. The selective group also includes Aaron Glenn (New York Jets) and DeMarco Ryans (Houston Texans), both hired in the past two years. ​NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller responded to Uthmeier on Friday. “We are reviewing the letter,” he said. “We believe our policies are consistent with the law and reflect our commitment to fairness, opportunity, and building the strongest possible teams.” ​Uthmeir gave the league until May 1 to confirm that it will no longer enforce the Rooney Rule and multiple other DEI initiatives that consider “race, sex, or any other prohibited classification.” He wrote that “failure to provide such confirmation may result in a civil rights enforcement action.” ​“People with race and sex characteristics that the NFL doesn’t like are deprived of employment and training opportunities available to people with race and sex characteristics that the NFL likes,” Utmeier wrote. “This policy is blatant race and sex discrimination. And it is illegal under Florida law.” ​Corey Moore accepted a full-time scouting position with the Los Angeles Rams in May 2025 after spending 17 years building a powerhouse football program at Lakewood High School in South St. Petersburg. He participated in the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Bucs (2009) and Jaguars (2012). ​Moore’s relationship with the Rams began in 2020 when the franchise launched an apprenticeship program to address league-wide racial disparities. Uthmeier said the initiatives “deprive applicants of opportunities for employment.” ​Rooney Rule critics believe it is a perfunctory exercise that rarely achieves the desired results. Goodell said the NFL would continue evaluating the policy when addressing the media ahead of the Super Bowl. ​“I think we have become a more diverse league across every platform, including coaching, but we still have more work to do,” Goodells said in early February. “There’s got to be more steps.” ​The rule’s namesake is Dan Rooney, former owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His son, Art Rooney II, who currently owns the team and chairs the league’s DEI committee, told ESPN on Friday that the NFL has an obligation to consider Uthmeier’s demands. ​“There’s no question that the environment has changed in recent years,” Rooney said. “We do have an obligation to make sure that our policies comply with the laws, whatever the law is, and whatever the changes in law might be.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

St. Petersburg officials have recommended that four of eight proposals to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, currently home to Tropicana Field, advance to the next phase of evaluation. ​St. Petersburg officials have recommended that four of eight proposals to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, currently home to Tropicana Field, advance to the next phase of evaluation. ​However, stakeholders should not expect Mayor Ken Welch, who recently provided a process update, to make a final decision until sometime before the end of the year. According to evaluation forms obtained Friday, staff endorsed proposals from Ark Ellison Horus, Blake Investment Partners, Foundation Vision Partners, and the Pinellas County Housing Authority and eliminated four others from contention. ​Welch said the selection process has slowed “a bit” since the city council approved a resolution in early February advocating for additional land-use studies. While he disagrees with further delaying a pivotal project meant to help fulfill long-deferred promises of economic opportunity at the site, his administration is meeting with stakeholders to discern what would give them “more comfort from the planning perspective.” ​“I still see this moving through a process where there’s a selection made this year, there are public meetings this year … with the community benefits process included in that as well,” Welch told Power Broker Magazine. “So we’re still moving forward with a slight adjustment to incorporate what the council wants to see in terms of additional planning.” ​The city also issued a statement on Friday regarding the proposal process. “At this stage, staff evaluations are an initial review of the submission and do not represent a final selection of shortlisted proposals,” said Samantha Bequer, public information officer. “These evaluations will be forwarded to Mayor Welch for his consideration and determination.” ​Housing and Neighborhood Services Administrator Amy Foster, Managing Director of City Development Beth Herendeen, and Assistant City Administrator Tom Greene each completed a two-page analysis between March 16 and March 19. They evaluated each proposal based on public interest, alignment with the community redevelopment area (CRA) plan, economic development and investment, housing and community benefits, urban design and compatibility, infrastructure and implementation, and development team capacity and feasibility. ​Submissions from Ark Ellison Horus and Blake Investment Partners received favorable remarks in each category. The three evaluators did not score or rank proposals. ​Submissions from Freedom Communities Company, the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement, Logical Sites Inc., and Tampa Bay Boom were not recommended for additional evaluation. Each was eliminated for a lack of detail or similar project experience. Here are the four proposals Welch will consider: ​Ark Ellison Horus ​Ark Investment Management, Ellison Development, and Horus Construction submitted an unsolicited proposal in October 2025, which led Welch to launch the land disposition process. The development team’s $6.8 billion pitch encompasses four phases and 95.5 acres. ​Ark Ellison Horus offered $202 million for the land, which includes $50 million in community benefits and demolition of the Trop. The developers pledged to break ground on a new Woodson African American Museum of Florida, provide 446 affordable housing units with street-level retail space, enhance the 16th St. South corridor, and launch a minority-focused business accelerator within the first 1,000 days. ​The proposal includes a total of 3,701 new homes, with 863 designated for people who earn between 30% and 80% of the area median income. Ark Ellison Horus set a small, local, and minority-owned business participation goal of 40% and expects the 20-year project to create 14,296 permanent “higher wage” jobs. ​Foster said the group submitted the “most detailed and thorough proposal that includes many of the previously outlined goals.” She also credited their focus on creating facilities that foster research and innovation. ​However, Foster believes that the city’s infrastructure investment “needs to be further discussed and evaluated.” Herendeen questioned the development team’s ability to complete a project “of this scale.” ​Blake Investment Partners / The Burg Bid LLC ​St. Petersburg native Thompson Whitney Blake, founder of Blake Investment Partners, enlisted the Related Group, a Miami-based development firm, and several local organizations for his $8.1 billion proposal. A 13-acre central park and pedestrian-centered “museum row,” featuring a new Woodson Museum, would anchor the district. ​The developers would purchase 58 acres for $275 million and create 3,600 on and off-site affordable and workforce housing units. Community leaders representing over 20 organizations will serve on a permanent Historic Gas Plant Visionary Panel. ​Studies on disparity and structural racism will inform efforts to provide “meaningful economic opportunities.” The proposal also prioritizes reconnecting South St. Pete neighborhoods, continuous workforce development with apprenticeship and placement programs, environmental sustainability, and innovation. ​Herendeen credited the proposal’s design elements, “including towers influenced by the original Gas Plant tanks,” and connectivity. She also listed “limited specific economic development information, such as the number of jobs created,” as a weakness. ​Greene appreciated the development team’s “limited request for city funding,” just $75 million from CRA coffers. However, he also questioned their ability to “acquire land sufficient to meet the 1,800 off-site affordable housing target.” ​Foundation Vision Partners ​ Former members of the Rays and Hines development team partnered with Will Conroy, founder of St. Petersburg-based real estate investment firm Backstreets Capital, to submit a unique proposal that would allow the city to retain ownership of the land. The group, Foundation Vision Partners (FVP), would take a master planning and infrastructure-first approach to transforming the area into a vibrant, mixed-use community. ​FVP plans to co-create a master plan with the community before starting the project’s design, permitting, and essential infrastructure phase. St. Petersburg would pay an estimated $67 million in upfront costs to unlock $510 million in land sales, according to the proposal. ​While Foster found the proposal “hard to evaluate,” she noted the “relatively low bar for city investment” and potential for “deep community involvement.” Conversely, she believes the project “could become bogged down or convoluted with ongoing public input.” ​Greene wrote that the concept would “allow the city to ensure that the public interests are met throughout the redevelopment process.” He also highlighted the “risk of market value changes during the development period.” ​Pinellas County Housing Authority ​The Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) submitted a proposal with Ascension Real Estate Partners and STORYN Studio for Architecture. It consists of a seven-story affordable senior housing facility on one city-owned parcel within the Gas Plant. ​The building would offer 80 units, ground-level and rooftop community spaces, and direct access to the Pinellas Trail. PCHA would prioritize applications from former residents of the Gas Plant. ​Herendeen said the “limited” project would help activate what is now used for overflow parking during Tampa Bay Rays games. She also listed the “strong development team” as a strength. ​Greene said the project could “provide affordable housing fairly quickly given the location of the property.” Foster wrote that Mark Van Lue, assistant director of housing and community development, would “prefer to include this parcel in the larger [redevelopment] plan to provide a path to an early housing win while larger phases get underway.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. 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Jocelyn Howard, vice president of customer experience for CivicReach, recently showcased the startup at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub event. Photo by Mark Parker. A civic-focused startup is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to help ensure that communities receive responsive, accessible assistance from overwhelmed nonprofits and local governments. ​CivicReach launched in 2024 from North Carolina’s Research Triangle and recently opened an outpost in St. Petersburg’s Innovation District, at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub. Jocelyn Howard, vice president of customer experience for the growing startup, said it exists to “improve lives by creating better systems to deliver social services.” ​Howard, presenting at the hub’s monthly Tech X-Change on March 25, highlighted how CivicReach offers an AI-powered phone system that can handle every call, accurately explain program eligibility, securely capture intake information, and route urgent cases to staff. She said the startup’s founders realized that “the need was just so great,” and saw firsthand how limited capacity creates barriers to service. ​ A Chicago-area nonprofit that serves roughly one million people is one of CivicReach’s first enterprise customers. The organization was inundated with energy assistance requests during winter, Howard said, “and because they were spending so much time answering the phone, they weren’t processing the applications in a timely way.” ​“We’ve just recently started going live, and there was a 12% reduction in denials to this energy assistance program,” Howard said. “And the reason is that the staff have their time back. I get really excited about this because that is actually 12% more people who don’t have their energy cutoff in the middle of a Chicago winter.” ​A similar story unfolded locally when St. Petersburg, Duke Energy, and the Pinellas County Urban League launched a temporary Renter Utility Relief program in March 2024. Staff from multiple city departments, some not typically associated with social services, worked overtime to screen over 1,400 applications in a week. Howard, who grew up in St. Pete, said she has spoken with city and county officials. While the startup is working with seven states, local governments are typically “waiting until they have very involved policies in place” before utilizing AI. ​CivicReach’s multilingual voice agents handle high call volumes with a “very human-like” voice, Howard said. The technology first answers the “easy questions” regarding program information, eligibility, and documentation. ​The platform can also route calls, complete forms, and provide referrals in real time. “What we are typically replacing is a phone tree, which we’ve all had the pleasure of experiencing, or a really bad voice recognition robot that is not actually using conversational AI,” Howard said. ​She stressed the importance of working closely with partners to ensure accuracy, transparency, accountability, and compliance. Organizations retain full ownership and control of data, and CivicReach uses encryption and continuous threat monitoring to safeguard sensitive information. ​The system provides analytics on trends, topics, and outcomes to help organizations analyze community needs. “It’s often the first time that the agency we’re working with actually has insight into the phone calls,” Howard said. ​A lack of understanding, combined with bureaucracy, presents a challenge when pitching the platform to agencies. Howard said that explaining “what AI means in the context of CivicReach” is critical when securing new partnerships. ​“The chatbots are usually not very good – they’re just not,” she said. “Where we fit in is increasing the efficiency at each of those steps … and giving staff back the time to do processing.” Howard has a background in social services and public-private partnerships. She noted that CivicReach’s founder, an engineer, also operated a homeless shelter in Boston with his family. ​“He was really oriented towards this and wanted to create a tech company with a mission,” Howard added. “So, government and social services were kind of baked in from the start. And, as I said, there’s just not a lot of companies filling that need.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

City officials have recommended that four of eight proposals for a reimagined Historic Gas Plant District, currently home to Tropicana Field, advance to the next phase of evaluation. They will host a public meeting with those development teams this month. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg residents will have several opportunities to offer their thoughts on shortlisted Historic Gas Plant redevelopment proposals throughout the spring and summer. ​The city announced a tentative timeline for the proposal selection process on Thursday afternoon, following what Mayor Ken Welch recently called a “slight adjustment” to incorporate additional planning. Staff will begin working on the first phase of an Urban Land Institute (ULI) study this month. ​Welch’s administration will also host a public meeting with shortlisted developers at The Coliseum in April. City officials have recommended that four of eight visions for a reimagined Gas Plant, currently home to Tropicana Field, advance to the next phase of evaluation. ​The public meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to meet with prospective redevelopment teams and ask questions about their proposals. A 30-day “input session” to gather additional community feedback will follow. ​“Additional stakeholder engagement meetings may be announced,” states the release. ​Administrators and directors will further analyze the shortlisted proposals in May, following the 30-day public input session. The city will also open an application portal for a Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) Project Committee next month. ​The CBAC is a non-partisan, resident-led advisory board that helps ensure developments receiving significant public subsidies provide positive socioeconomic impacts. Suggested requirements include contracting with small and minority-owned businesses, hiring apprentices and disadvantaged workers, providing affordable or workforce housing, promoting environmental resiliency and sustainability, and supporting public art, health, education, and technology initiatives. ​The city council will select new CBAC Project Committee members at a workshop in May. Thursday’s announcement also states that “additional information will be provided regarding the selection process” that month. ​Welch plans to select a proposal in June, following a “comprehensive review” and “multiple public input sessions.” The CBAC and city council will then formally vet those initial plans “in alignment with our previously established procedures.” ​In July, the CBAC will host separate public and private meetings regarding the selected proposal. Welch and his administration will use the resulting feedback to begin negotiations with the development team. ​“Next steps following the July 2026 CBAC meetings will be announced later this year,” states the announcement. “Additional community engagement opportunities may be scheduled.” ​Timing for the final step, a term sheet, could hinge on the ULI study. In early February, the council, in a 6-2 vote, approved a resolution urging Welch to “pause any action” related to the proposal process and conduct additional planning. ​“I disagree with that need,” Welch said a week before the timeline announcement. “We’ve been planning for more than a decade; we’ve done a lot of planning since then.” ​The ULI report will include “an analysis and aggregation of previous studies, community feedback, and other research,” according to the announcement. Welch reiterated his opposition to selling the land to the highest bidder. ​“The promise was that there would be economic opportunity for all, including the minority community that gave all they had in the name of progress,” he said. ​Council members must approve a contract with the developer that Welch plans to select in July. Municipal elections loom in November. ​Welch believes voters should consider if he is working to move the Gas Plant’s rebirth forward, as he pledged on the campaign trail in 2021. “Did I honor the promises I made as a candidate and then as a mayor? That answer is clearly yes,” he said, referencing the previous deal negated by former Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg. ​“I think that folks have a lot more to look at than just whether a selection has been made by a certain date,” Welch concluded. “It’s looking at the totality of our efforts to bring this to the right conclusion.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Pictured: Florida A&M University “Marching 100,” blossomed under the wings of Dr. Julian White, band director from 1998-2012. Image: Screengrab. This summer, Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Zion Human Services bring “Summer Band Camp 2026” to St. Pete youth from June 8–12, an experience senior pastor, Rev. Louis M. Murphy, Sr., calls “a turning point.” “This camp is personal for me. The HBCU band experience shaped who I am — as a leader and as a man,” said Rev. Murphy. “We are bringing that experience home to St. Petersburg, to our young people, in our own neighborhood. For many of these students, this week will be a turning point — and we want every one of them to walk away knowing what excellence, discipline, and pride feel like.” Welcoming 150 young musicians for a five-day, HBCU-style band experience built around musicianship, discipline, leadership, and cultural pride, the camp will be led by Dr. Julian White, the legendary former director of the Florida A&M University “Marching 100.” Dr. Julian Earl White is a retired Distinguished Professor of Music, former Chairman of the Department of Music and Director of the famous “Marching 100” Band at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. Camp activities will be held at Mt. Zion Progressive at 955 20th Street South and housing will be on-campus at Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. Meals will be provided. As Rev. Murphy, Sr., also a former FAMU drum major, brings the cultural authenticity of the HBCU band tradition to St. Petersburg youth, he shared that being part of the FAMU band gave him three lessons that have stayed with him. “The first is perseverance and discipline,” he noted. “In the band, you learn that preparation is everything — that you don't rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your training. You put in the work when no one is watching so that you're ready when everyone is. That principle carried me through the Marine Corps, through business, and through ministry. It never left me.” The second, he relayed, “is leadership. As a drum major, I learned that real leadership is responsibility, not position. You're accountable for the people behind you. You set the standard, you carry yourself accordingly, and you serve the people you lead. I've applied that lesson in every role I've held since.” Finally, he noted that the third lesson was “striving for excellence. We were never allowed to settle for good enough. You gave your best, and then you pushed past it. That standard becomes part of your character — it shapes how you carry yourself and what you expect of yourself for the rest of your life.” Murphy asserted Dr. White’s impact on his own development as a young man. “He invested in me, he held me to a high standard, and a great deal of who I am today traces back to what he poured into me then. That is precisely why I asked him to lead this camp. I want the young people of St. Petersburg to be shaped by the same excellence that shaped me — and to be led by the very best.” He called having Dr. White invest in the youth of St. Pete in the same way the music director invested in him, “a full-circle blessing." Dr. White shared, "I've spent my whole life believing that band can change a young person's direction. For so many of our students, this kind of experience is the difference between a future full of possibility and one without it. That's what we're building in St. Petersburg — not just musicians, but disciplined, confident young people who know what excellence feels like. I'm proud to be part of it, and proud of what Pastor Murphy is doing for these young people in his own community." Dr. Julian White, chairman of FAMU’s music department and band director from 1998-2012, leading student musicians. Image courtesy of Dr. White. A Full Immersion Experience Conceived not only as a music program but also as a youth development initiative, the week will offer a structured, supportive environment that fosters healthy relationships, builds confidence, and points students toward future academic and personal success. The camp will end with a free, public Field Showcase on Friday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m., during which campers will perform the skills and drills they learned during the camp. Dr. White expanded on the beneficial aspects of the camp, stating that a crucial learning aspect will be centered around teamwork. “When playing in a band, everyone has to work together to make sure that the lines are straight while making formations and that the music is balanced. No one person should be heard over the band; everyone should blend and balance their parts.” He also wants students to gain confidence in their abilities as musicians. “The experience will afford them the opportunity to receive first-class instruction. All of the staff are master musicians on their instruments. The confidence that they gain can carry over to all areas of their lives. Being part of a band builds leadership qualities that will remain with them.” He noted that students attending the camp should have some musical experience. “Because the camp is only a week, there is not time to teach basic concepts. As long as students can read music, they will be able to thrive in the camp.” Campers will rotate through full ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses, leadership development sessions, and fitness and marching conditioning. The schedule also includes music theory and music therapy components, wellness activities, and structured exposure to college and career pathways — giving students a real preview of college band life. Sections offered include woodwinds (flute, clarinet, alto, and tenor saxophone), brass (trumpet, mellophone, trombone, baritone, tuba/sousaphone), percussion (snare, tenors, bass drum, cymbals, auxiliary), and auxiliary units including flags and majorettes. Drum Major Training is also offered for participants selected by their band directors. Tuition for the full program is $200 per student, including instruction, on-campus housing at Eckerd College, daily meals, and program materials. Key Dates • Sunday, June 7, 2026 — Check-in at 4:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Progressive (955 20th Street South) • Monday–Friday, June 8–12, 2026 — Full camp programming • Friday, June 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. — Field Showcase finale (free and open to the public) Registration Families and band directors can register and find program details at mzprogressive.org/st-petersburg-summer-band-camp. The St. Petersburg Summer Band Camp 2026 is made possible through the generous support of Duke Energy Florida and the City of St. Petersburg, whose investment helps keep tuition accessible for local families and ensures that every camper receives the full residential, college-style experience. Share Your News To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com: and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

The long-vacant Commerce Park property, valued at $4.525 million, sits directly across 22nd Street South from the Manhattan Casino. All images: City documents. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration has revived nearly 20-year-old plans to activate several parcels along the historic Deuces corridor in South St. Petersburg. ​The city issued a request for proposals (RFP) on April 6 for the Commerce Park site. Officials are seeking a developer to create a mixed-use and income housing development on the 3.03-acre property at the intersection of 22nd Street South and 7th Avenue. ​The land, which encompasses 19 city-owned parcels, is just north of I-275 and directly across from the Manhattan Casino. Former Mayor Rick Baker’s administration began assembling the property in 2007 to create a job-generating manufacturing and industrial complex. ​Former Mayors Bill Foster and Rick Kriseman subsequently took over the project, with the latter securing a development contract with St. Petersburg Commerce Park LLC. The group planned to build a marine supply manufacturing facility and a motorcycle dealership. ​Construction stalled, and some of the property went to the Deuces Rising Townhomes project in 2019. The city also gave five acres to the Woodson African American Museum of Florida that year. ​However, Welch and museum stakeholders believe the institution should have a long-awaited permanent home in a reimagined Historic Gas Plant District. What currently remains of the Commerce Park site is still vacant. ​“The city’s primary goal for redevelopment is to deliver a high-quality, mixed-use development that activates 22nd Street South through commercial and retail uses, provides mixed-income housing with both rental and homeownership opportunities, and maximizes allowable density,” states the RFP. ​“Due to the property’s cultural and historical significance as a community asset, the City encourages proposals that honor the community’s heritage and promote equitable partnerships, including meaningful opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.” An aerial view of the 3.03-acre site. The RFP notes that the surrounding Deuces Live and Warehouse Arts Districts are “experiencing renewed investment from the city.” Valued at $4.525 million, the Commerce Park site is “positioned to serve as the focal point of the corridor.” ​The abutting Deuces Rising development is nearing completion, and the city will soon reopen the Manhattan Casino following a $4.8 million redevelopment project. Commerce Park is approximately a quarter of a mile north of St. Petersburg College’s Midtown Center and less than a mile southwest of the Historic Gas Plant, currently home to Tropicana Field. ​Welch’s administration hopes to make up for lost time. Interested developers must “have the capacity to construct this project immediately upon award,” states the RFP. ​City officials are open to leasing or selling the property, and developers must have confirmed or verifiable construction funding sources. They prefer a proposal that is consistent with the “historic uses and vitality” of the Deuces corridor. ​The city will also prioritize proposals that offer affordable commercial space and those that include a voluntary commitment to utilizing small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Additional preferences include energy efficiency and conservation elements, a development schedule that allows the timeliest occupancy of the site, and a project that does not require rezoning. ​Interested applicants have until May 6 to submit questions. Proposals are due by 10:00 a.m. on May 22. Welch will make the final selection, and the city council must approve of any development agreements. The property is adjacent to the Deuces Rising Townhomes development. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Ongoing youth programming in St. Petersburg, including the Mayor’s Future Ready Academy (pictured), will receive funding in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch kicked off a Budget Open House event on Monday by pledging to prioritize projects that strengthen infrastructure and support long-term environmental resiliency in fiscal year 2027. ​Residents also advocated for Complete Streets initiatives in South St. Petersburg that promote pedestrian safety, as well as additional funding for programs that uplift wayward youth. While both will receive municipal support, city officials face difficult budgetary decisions ahead of the upcoming fiscal year, which begins in October. ​In January, city council members heard that Welch’s administration must eliminate a $17.87 million preliminary budget gap before the next round of public hearings in September. That amount is more than double the deficit at this point in fiscal year 2023. ​In addition, proposed property tax legislation could eliminate $89 million in expected revenue next year, forcing officials to cut all non-public safety expenditures by 47%. Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz referenced those challenges in her opening remarks before turning the meeting over to Welch, Budget Director Liz Makofske, and dozens of residents who shared their budget priorities. ​“We are navigating rising costs, shifting federal support, and uncertainty at the state level,” Hanewicz said. “In that environment, we must stay focused on what matters most – keeping St. Petersburg safe, resilient, and moving forward.” ​Welch, who took notes throughout the meeting, called feedback from residents vital to finalizing a recommended budget, which the city council must approve on Sept. 17. He said the upcoming spending plan would build on current financial priorities by “advancing economic and community resilience.” ​“As we develop this budget, we will need to make strategic decisions, some that may be difficult, as community needs continue to increase and trend towards outpacing our projected resources,” Welch warned. “However, we know one thing is clear: Our infrastructure needs to be substantially improved to meet the new environmental weather challenges that we are experiencing.” Mayor Ken Welch’s Five Pillars of Progress will guide the upcoming spending plan. Image: City documents. While previous infrastructure investments have proven effective, Welch said, increasing climate threats are greater than expected. He reiterated plans to ask voters to approve a $600 million bond issuance, financed through an additional property tax, through a ballot referendum in November. ​Welch also pledged to develop a budget that “works for all of our residents and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in our city.” Residents then pleaded with city officials to increase support for Complete Streets projects. ​According to the city’s website, Complete Streets initiatives foster strategic transit connections and improvements while incorporating surrounding land uses. The resulting design provides a “flexible network of routes and facilities, and a variety of modes of transportation that allow for people of all ages and physical and economic abilities to safely and comfortably reach all parts of the city.” ​Meiko Seymour was the first of many residents to advocate for improvements to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South. He said community elders wait at bus stops with no shade, and mothers must push baby strollers in the street due to insufficient sidewalks. ​“These neighborhoods do not need pity, they need sidewalks,” Seymour said of multiple areas throughout South St. Petersburg. “They need crosswalks. They need street lights that work and curbs that meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and bike lanes that connect to somewhere worth going.” ​Max McCann said city officials should treat street safety “like the crisis it is,” and respond “boldly.” Justin Cournoyer said one street has two realities, as “MLK North has seen a dramatic reduction in crashes for all road users.” ​Lama Alhasan, a member of the Bay Area Dream Defenders, said nonprofits need additional funding for youth programming to address gun violence. Stakeholders must go door-to-door and ensure families are aware of existing resources and help them overcome barriers to access, she added. ​Increasing access to nutritious food in South St. Petersburg was another community priority repeatedly highlighted at the meeting. Welch will present his recommended budget to the city council on July 15. ​For more budget information, visit the website here. City council members will discuss proposed capital improvement investments at a workshop on April 23. Image: City documents. ​Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Developers have long eyed the former Army-Navy Surplus Market site in downtown Tampa. The city plans for it to now house a mixed-used development with over 1,100 residential units. All images: City of Tampa. Underutilized land on the northern fringes of downtown Tampa is slated for a drastic transformation, featuring hundreds of affordable housing units, commercial space, and significantly improved connectivity. ​The city announced on Monday that it selected PMG Affordable, a subsidiary of Miami-based Property Markets Group, to redevelop four parcels between North Tampa Street and East Ashley Drive. Plans include 1,150 apartments, a 30% increase over the minimum threshold of 800 in a request for proposals. ​PMG will dedicate 70% of that total – 805 units – to affordable and workforce housing. Stakeholders, including the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), celebrated a win for those who struggle to afford the cost of living downtown. ​”This is a milestone for downtown Tampa and our affordable housing goals,” said CRA Chairman Luis Viera in a prepared statement. “As the first affordable housing development in Tampa’s Central Business District, we are opening countless opportunities for the individuals and families that need it most. ​“We want to ensure everyone has a chance to live in our flourishing downtown and enjoy a lifestyle that keeps them close to jobs and the places they enjoy most.” A project rendering highlighting street-level retail space. ​Long-eyed for redevelopment, the site just south of I-275 is less than a mile away from Tampa Riverwalk, Glazer Children’s Museum, Curtis Hixon Park, and several other downtown amenities. The CRA purchased the land, which includes the sought-after, shuttered Army Navy Surplus Market property, for $4.5 million in 2020. ​The assemblage also includes the adjacent Royal Street Regional Parking Lot. Project details, including income limits and the amount of commercial space, remain scarce. ​“We are still early in the development process, but it is incredibly exciting to move this vision for north downtown Tampa forward,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “We can’t overstate the importance of workforce housing in our community.” ​Workforce housing typically serves households earning up to 120% of the area median income (AMI), which is approximately $100,000 for two people in Tampa. Developers typically cap affordable units at 80% of the AMI, or roughly $67,000 for two people. ​Castor’s administration began soliciting redevelopment feedback on the site in 2022. Officials issued and subsequently cancelled an RFP last year before selecting PMG in the latest procurement round. ​The announcement notes that the properties are directly adjacent to I-275’s Ashley Drive on-ramp, which, with the city council’s project approval, “would be redesigned to drastically improve connectivity and pedestrian safety between the new development and surrounding neighborhoods.” ​“Not only will existing neighborhoods benefit from the improved connectivity, but this project will create hundreds of affordable, downtown homes for teachers, first responders, technicians, service employees, and others who make our city great,” Castor said. ​The development team includes the Tampa Housing Authority, Bank of America Community Development Company, and minority-owned DuCon. ​PMG is a national real estate development firm that is leading the Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg project across the bay. Its affordable housing subsidiary is also overseeing the redevelopment of Tampa’s Robles Park Village, which encompasses 30 acres and will feature 1,200 affordable units, 600 market-rate apartments, and a 30,000-square-foot community center. ​”PMG Affordable is honored to have been selected alongside our partners by the City of Tampa to revitalize the historic Army-Navy site,” said principal Dan Coakley. “Our goal is to deliver a transformative mixed-income, mixed-use community that enhances quality of life through affordable and attainably priced housing, activated retail, and public open spaces. “As planning progresses, we are committed to collaborating closely with residents and local stakeholders to ensure the project reflects the needs and priorities of north downtown.” The development will provide over 800 affordable and workforce housing units in downtown Tampa. ​Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

An aerial view of Palmetto Park, which, according to a new neighborhood plan, is “experiencing gentrification.” All images: City of St. Petersburg. An evolving South St. Petersburg neighborhood along the 22nd Street South (Deuces) corridor, near the Historic Gas Plant District, has a new guiding vision for the first time since 1992. ​City council members unanimously approved the updated Palmetto Park Neighborhood Plan at their March 5 meeting. The 69-page document begins by noting that the area has “attracted renewed interest from investors” and is “experiencing gentrification.” ​Palmetto Park encompasses 407 acres, is home to 1,492 residents, and sits within the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The area “stands on the brink of a transformative era,” states the plan, a strategic framework for growth. ​“The current Palmetto Park Neighborhood Plan is older than I am,” Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. told Power Broker Magazine. “It is outdated and does not reflect the true character or needs of today’s Palmetto Park. ​“This new community-driven plan – crafted by residents and stakeholders over a series of workshops, conversations, and surveys – will help guide future development in Palmetto Park, and also at the neighboring Gas Plant.” A graphic highlighting Palmetto Park (black outline), the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (green outline), the Historic Gas Plant District (blue stripes), and the 22nd Street South Business District (purple stripes). ​The area now known as Palmetto Park was once subjected to redlining, which prevented prospective homebuyers from obtaining mortgages in predominantly Black neighborhoods during segregation. However, 22nd Street South was a thriving commercial corridor during the city’s Jim Crow era. ​Post-segregation urban renewal efforts, combined with the construction of I-275, “greatly impacted” neighborhood culture and resources, notes the plan. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration launched the Neighborhood Planning Program in 2022 to help CRA communities reduce blight, improve infrastructure, preserve heritage, and balance growth with long-term stability. ​Neighborhood relations manager Kayleigh Sagonowsky said the program includes three pots of much-needed funding. The city hired Orlando-based Inspire Placemaking Collective, Inc. to facilitate neighborhood engagement, which began in December 2023, and to write the plan. ​Palmetto Park, bordered by 34th Street to the west and 22nd Street to the east, sits between the Grand Central and Warehouse Arts Districts. “So, this site is really primed for opportunity,” Sagonowsky said. ​Inspire Placemaking collaborated with community members and city staff to evaluate Palmetto Park’s streets, homes, and destinations across five key attributes: Connectivity, inclusivity, well-being, resiliency, and empowerment. ​Approximately 88% of neighborhood residents rely on private vehicles, with just 6% utilizing public transportation or bicycles. Sagonowsky said one of the plan’s “biggest takeaways” was that the community wants “more complete streets improvements” to help increase the number of pedestrians and bicyclists. ​Potential projects include repairing or installing sidewalks and bike lanes, adding signalized crosswalks, and intersection improvements, which could include new signage, lighting, and shade trees. Residents would like to see additional benches, pavilions, outdoor fitness stations, picnic areas, dog amenities, and increased connectivity along the Pinellas Trail. The plan highlights “large homes built to maximize use of the lot (left) that are not consistent in scale to adjacent homes.” The plan’s implementation ideas also include wayfinding signage, enhanced recreational amenities, and new mixed-use developments to infill vacant or underutilized lots. Sagonowsky said increasing food access “could be through something smaller, like identifying a site for a pop-up farmer’s market on the weekend, or something larger, like increasing grocery options throughout the neighborhood.” ​Stakeholders want the city to address illegal dumping and believe that additional pedestrian lighting and properly maintained landscaping will increase safety. “When people know that a neighborhood is well taken care of, they’re less likely to commit crimes in the area,” Sagonowsky said. ​Projects within the approved plan are now eligible for city and CRA funding. Councilmember Gina Driscoll called Palmetto Park an “active neighborhood that really knows how to use their voice to get things done.” ​Sagonowsky said residents have already provided a list of implementation priorities, and city officials are now ensuring that “all those things are feasible.” Driscoll noted that the CRA is “huge,” and people often fail to see progress due to “spread out” projects. “If we can concentrate the funding on some of these items, I think that we could really show the strength of the South St. Pete CRA, and what it does for its residents,” she said. A community garden in Palmetto Park. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

City council members must still approve a contract with the recommended design-build team, which includes six local certified small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises. Photo by Mark Parker. ​An evaluation committee has selected a global firm with local expertise to breathe new life into the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina – now a $162 million project. ​New York-based Skanska USA’s proposal emerged from a competitive process on Feb. 20. The prominent development and construction company’s selection represents the latest chapter in an ongoing saga to revitalize a critical facility that is functionally obsolete. ​Skanska’s 92-page proposal, obtained through a records request, outlines an extensive design-build partnership that will “meet the city’s goals for quality, schedule, and cost.” The joint venture, which includes six local certified small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises, still requires approval from the city council. ​In the proposal’s opening letter, Chuck Jablon, senior vice president of Skanska, and Jannek Cederberg, president of Coral Gables-based marine engineering firm Cummins Cederberg, state that the project provides “an opportunity to elevate the marina to its potential as the crown jewel of the St. Petersburg waterfront.” ​“We understand the importance of stakeholder coordination, community engagement, maintaining public access, and ensuring the long-term resilience of the marina infrastructure,” wrote the two partners. “Our team is local, invested, and ready to work side-by-side with the city to deliver your vision with optimal economic and operational outcomes.” A graphic highlighting significantly taller living seawalls that Skanska Cummin Cederberg would install throughout the downtown waterfront. Image: Skanska USA. ​A rocky history ​A master plan called for modernization efforts and improvements to docks that reached “the end of their service lives” in 2017. Time and recent hurricanes have exacerbated those issues. ​Former Mayor Rick Kriseman selected Safe Harbor Development to reimagine and operate the marina in 2021. The company wanted a 25-year lease, a nonstarter for city council members. Current Mayor Ken Welch reissued a request for proposals in April 2023. ​Welch’s administration subsequently selected Safe Harbor Marinas. The company planned to invest $48 million into new docks, a welcome center, and a two-story amenity facility with a lounge. ​However, those delayed plans hit a snag in April 2025 after Blackstone, a trillion-dollar investment firm, acquired Safe Harbor Marinas. The city’s agreement was dead in the water by June. Welch then decided to hire a design-build team and retain control of the marina rather than lease it to a private operator. Self-funding the project remains a source of contention. ​ Anchors aweigh? ​The antiquated 640-slip marina is home to approximately 100 residents and several businesses. Responses to the latest request for qualifications were due Dec. 2. ​Welch’s administration significantly expanded the project’s scope and construction requirements. Prioritizing environmental resiliency, including implementing a floating dock system, replacing the Demens Landing bridge and area seawalls, and numerous other infrastructure and utility upgrades, has exponentially increased the project’s cost. St. Petersburg’s Municipal Marina currently provides affordable space for residents and businesses. Photo by Mark Parker. The recommended redevelopment team, Skanska Cummins Cederberg, wrote that the area’s environmental vulnerability “calls for visionary design and proven expertise in marine structures and coastal hydrodynamics to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that achieve the City’s 75-year design life goal.” ​“Our team will model wind and wave scenarios – from everyday conditions to extreme storms – to create resilient marine and upland infrastructure that safeguards the waterfront for generations to come,” states the proposal. ​RFQ documents noted a $148 million budget. Welch’s administration recently told the city council that Intown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) coffers would cover the $62 million first phase of a $165 million project. ​“I just find this, quite frankly, to be fiscally irresponsible,” said Councilmember Brandi Gabbard. “I’m afraid it’s going to be a boondoggle.” ​Here is a sample of what Skanska Cummins Cederberg pledged to provide: ​• A forward-looking strategic master plan, anchored by in-depth financial analysis that enables the city to unlock maximum long-term value. • Deep technical expertise in marine and coastal engineering, permitting, and environmental services, including a proven track record supporting the city through its Citywide Seawall Strategic Capital Improvement Plan. • Extensive experience building along the downtown waterfront, including the St. Pete Pier and its approach. • Maximized opportunity for local and diverse businesses, through both inclusion in our design-build team and the construction subcontracting process. ​“Skanska is committed to fostering inclusion and diversity throughout all phases of the project, with a strong focus on engaging diverse business entities and uplifting the St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and greater Tampa Bay communities,” states the proposal. ​Skanska operates a Tampa office, and Cummins Cederberg has an outpost in St. Petersburg. The proposal notes that both Jablon and Cederberg are local residents who “appreciate the vibrancy of St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront and understand the complexity of building here.” The city anticipates construction commencing in 2028 and completing in 2031, according to an update on the marina’s website. A graphic highlighting the condition of seawalls throughout the subject area. Image: Skanska USA. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube ​

Pinellas County native Maranda Douglas made a historic first this month when she became 1st Klass Enterprise LLC’s first Black Woman Mariner Captain. Maranda Douglas made a historic first this month when she became 1st Klass Enterprise LLC’s first Black Woman Mariner Captain. In a majorly white male-dominated field, Douglas has carved out a space for herself as the First Black Woman Mariner Captain under Floyd Balentine’s luxury rental business. There are over 11,000 captains employed in the country, 6.7% is made up of Blacks/African Americans; a statistic Douglas now proudly contributes to. Under her title, Douglas will captain charters, mentor aspiring women mariners, support women-focused boating experiences, represent the brand at maritime events, and help expand the visibility of women in leadership roles within the marine industry. She will also help lead and represent the organization’s Sisters of the Seas initiative, a platform that highlights and empowers women in boating and maritime careers. “Captain Douglas is not only an exceptional captain—she is a trailblazer who will help shape the future of our company and inspire more women to take the helm,” said Balentine, who is himself a professional pilot and boat captain. Balentine is the founder and owner of the Tampa Bay–based luxury boating business. His company offers private charter experiences, curated on-water events, and premium maritime hospitality. Guests cruise through Tampa Bay waters on their flagship vessel, the 2022 Crownline 260XSS MY ACE. Floyd Balentine, a professional pilot and boat captain, is founder and owner of Tampa Bay’s 1st Klass Enterprise luxury boating business. Image courtesy of 1st Klass Enterprise LLC. “Bringing Captain Maranda Douglas aboard…represents an important step in expanding visibility, mentorship, and professional opportunities for women navigating careers on the water. Her presence as a professional mariner captain brings visibility and representation to an industry where women — especially Black women — are still underrepresented,” said Balentine. Douglas is no stranger to the marine industry. While she studied at the University of South Florida, she worked as a marketing associate for a yacht charter startup. In 2022, she ran for Clearwater’s city council, where she served on the City’s Marine Advisory Board and completed a water conservation art project in Lake Belleview. Fast forward a few years, and Douglas became the founder and owner of Top Nauts, an exclusive seaside experience that features boat rentals and yacht charters. Douglas is no stranger to the marine industry, as the founder and owner of Top Nauts, an exclusive seaside experience that featuresboat rentals and yacht charters. “My career journey starts with my upbringing in community service, growing as a servant leader, and the results of curiously following my passion for the marine industry. I was honored to be asked to serve as a voice for those directly and indirectly impacted by the various plans for Clearwater’s future,” Douglas acknowledged. Together, Balentine and Douglas set out to create a space for women interested in the marine industry through their immersive programs, including women’s empowerment cruises, mentorship days for interested young ladies, and leadership experiences on the water. Their mission is to create a visible pathway for women to enter the boating world. Together, Balentine and Douglas set out to create a space for women interested in the marine industry, with a mission to create a visible pathway for women to enter the boating world. Image courtesy of Floyd Balentine. “To have a partner with the same mindset is energizing and makes for a great collaboration. I am truly honored for this opportunity to share my passion with 1st Klass Enterprise,” shared Douglas. Douglas is considering enrolling at the Fred K. Marchman Technical College (FKMTC) to become a certified marine mechanic. Until her future enrollment, the newly appointed captain looks forward to a season of fun on the Tampa Bay waters. In 2022, Douglas ran for Clearwater’s city council, where she served on the City’s Marine Advisory Board and completed a water conservation art project in Lake Belleview. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

The governor could remove Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, the city’s first female police chief, from office for not disclosing the immigration status of crime victims and witnesses, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Photo: City of Tampa. ​Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has threatened to remove Tampa Mayor Jane Castor from office for failing to fully comply with immigration enforcement efforts. ​In a letter addressed to Castor and posted to X on Wednesday, Uthmeir claimed that the Tampa Police Department is violating “several Florida laws” by not disclosing the immigration status of crime victims or witnesses. ​“Mayor Castor is forcing sanctuary policies on the Tampa Police Department (TPD),” Uthmeir captioned the post. “These policies must be reversed immediately, or there will be consequences.” ​Florida’s “anti-sanctuary” law, which Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri helped shape in 2019, prohibits any action that “impedes local law enforcement agencies from cooperating or communicating with a federal immigration agency.” The statute was updated in 2025, and Uthmeier noted that local jurisdictions must now “use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law.” ​However, a court has yet to define “best efforts.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recently highlighted the law’s broad reach. ​Local organizations have also warned of the law’s paralyzing effect on crime victims and witnesses. Isaret Jeffers, founder of the Tree Collective, which supports Tampa area farmworkers, told NBC News that several undocumented women are enduring rather than reporting abuse from their partners due to deportation fears. ​Uthmeier’s letter acknowledges Tampa’s alleged policy benefits crime victims and witnesses – not the perpetrators. “TPD ostensibly supports these policies because they do not want illegal aliens to be concerned with immigration consequences by cooperating with law enforcement,” he wrote. ​“But we want illegal immigrants to fear immigration consequences to the extent that they are here unlawfully.” ​TPD’s policies also prohibit officers from participating in “broad-based immigration enforcement actions,” Uthmeier claimed. He said the agency’s ambiguous restrictions are “precisely the sort of conduct that Florida law prohibits and plainly fails the ‘best efforts’ test. You must do better.” ​Uthmeier gave Castor until March 31 to reverse “unlawful” immigration policies. “Failure to do so will risk the enforcement of all applicable civil penalties, including removal from office by the governor,” he concluded. ​Gov. Ron DeSantis removed Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren from office in 2022 due to an alleged dereliction of duty to enforce state laws regarding abortion, gender-affirming care, and a pledge not to prosecute low-level crimes, including trespassing at business locations and disorderly conduct. ​Tampa and St. Petersburg participate in the 287(g) program, which enables limited cooperation between local officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Castor, currently serving a second term that ends in May 2027, said in a prepared statement that she is reviewing Uthmeier’s concerns and evaluating policies and procedures” to ensure that we use best efforts to support” federal immigration law. ​“Tampa is one of the safest cities of our size in the nation because we built trust with our community through collaboration,” Castor said. “The Tampa Police Department signed the 287(g) and developed its immigration enforcement policy in consultation with partner agencies and law enforcement associations to ensure all immigration-related actions are carried out according to state and federal law.” ​The Florida Statute guiding the 287(g) program seemingly provides a provision that supports the TPD’s alleged policy. “This section does not authorize a law enforcement agency to detain an alien unlawfully present in the United States pursuant to an immigration detainer solely because the alien witnessed or reported a crime or was a victim of a criminal offense,” it states. ​Castor discussed local and national immigration enforcement efforts at a Suncoast Tiger Bay forum with St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector in January. She believes that Americans can agree on deporting people who enter the country illegally and subsequently commit crimes. ​However, Castor also noted that “over 70% of the people who have been deported have no criminal record.” The former police chief said those people “want to come to our country for the same reason our ancestors came to this country; in most cases, to make a better life for them and their families.” ​“We have got, as a nation, come to an agreement on what is acceptable and what isn’t,” Castor added. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube ​

Uniquely Original Art Studio has operated from 915 24th St. S. for nearly 35 years. Photo: Facebook. Time is running out to help preserve and celebrate local business legacies in St. Petersburg. ​The city opened the first round of applications for its burgeoning Legacy Business Program in February. Stakeholders have until 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16, to submit nominations for the inaugural cohort. ​​Officials will then select eight small businesses – one from each city council district – that have helped shape the city’s identity, economy, and culture for over two decades. The program’s website notes that legacy businesses are “the barbershop that greets you by name, the family-run restaurant that spans generations, the storefront that has quietly witnessed the city’s evolution.” ​“Their longevity is no accident – it is earned through commitment, consistency, and deep community connection,” the city said of its longstanding establishments. “The Legacy Business Program exists to recognize that staying power and help ensure it continues.” ​Selected businesses will receive a public-facing seal to display; a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the establishment’s enduring impact; signage at the event; and a professionally produced video or photo spread, which the city will then share through its BurgBiz: Legacy Edition publication, website, and social media channels. ​Officials previously said that an interactive map on the city’s website would also highlight participants. In addition, awardees can attend events, training sessions, and panel discussions tailored to meet legacy business needs, such as retirement and succession planning, social media marketing and storytelling, access to legal consultation, and lease negotiation support. ​In August 2025, economic development specialist Brittany Cagle told city council members that the program was about more than recognition. “It’s about safeguarding our roots – the cultural and economic backbone to our city,” she said. ​“Legacy businesses aren’t just our storefronts,” Cagle added. “They are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods.” ​Eligibility requires at least 20 years of continuous operation, a primary physical location in St. Petersburg, and an independent owner with no regulatory, financial, or unaddressed code violation issues. Home-based and multi-level marketing businesses do not qualify. ​Cagle said comparable legacy business programs found success by focusing on non-monetary, high-value technical support that fostered longevity. She also noted the focus on quality over quantity, as selecting smaller cohorts “ensures deeper community impact.” ​City Development Administrator James Corbett will select eight businesses on April 17, according to program documents. The nomination portal will reopen in the fall. ​St. Petersburg is home to 4,218 establishments that qualify for the program after surviving economic downturns, soaring living costs, and exponential growth for over two decades. This unassuming building at 1940 22nd Ave. S. houses a neighborhood market beloved by generations of St. Petersburg residents. Photo: Google Street View. Here are some African American-owned businesses that could meet the city’s criteria: ​​Green’s Bakery and Sandwich Shop: The business opened on the historic 22nd Street South (Deuces) corridor in 1965 and thrived for 37 years until redevelopment forced owner Bernice Green to move to 3065 18th Ave. S. Lorene’s Fish House: The takeout restaurant has served fresh seafood in the Deuces Live District for over 30 years. American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded owner Lorene Office a $50,000 “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” last year to help preserve history at 927 22nd St. S. Uniquely Original Art Studio: Catherine Weaver has operated Uniquely Original Art Studio at 915 24th St. S. for nearly 35 years. Her grandfather built the building, which initially housed the Original Art Studio, in 1947. Lakeview Market: The neighborhood grocer and general store has remained in business for nearly 50 years. Daisy Swinton relocated the market to 1940 22nd Ave. S. after it was displaced from the Historic Gas Plant District. Happy Workers: Founded in 1929 at 920 19th St. S., Happy Workers is one of, if not the oldest, childcare organizations in Pinellas County. ‘R Club Child Care, a nonprofit, now operates the center, and it may not qualify. For more information on program guidelines, visit the website here. Lorene Office’s (left) fresh seafood restaurant has been a staple in the historic Deuces Live District for over 30 years. Photo: Facebook. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Proposals to create and operate a new “Genius Lab” at the Enoch D. Davis Center are due by March 26. Photo: University of Toronto. St. Petersburg is currently searching for a qualified vendor to design and deliver a new hands-on afterschool experience that helps local youth reach their full potential. The Genius Lab will nurture academic growth, personal development, and creative exploration for students in grades 6 through 12, according to the city’s request for proposals (RFP). Participants will receive transportation to and from the Enoch D. Davis Center in South St. Petersburg. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration issued the RFP on Feb. 17, and interested organizations have until March 26 to apply. Officials expect the Genius Lab to welcome youth who attend St. Petersburg schools from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. “The selected vendor will create a learning environment that strengthens students’ confidence, supports their overall wellbeing, and expands their opportunities through innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities, leadership development, financial empowerment, and exercises in mindfulness, to include reflective practices,” states the RFP. “As a service provider, the vendor must demonstrate experience in youth academic enrichment, experiential learning, and student-centered instructional approaches.” The program has a $250,000 annual budget. Applicants must demonstrate experience in youth academic enrichment, experiential learning, and student-centered instructional approaches. Transportation services are a key program component. The selected vendor must pick up Genius Lab participants from schools or home, and transport them to the Enoch Davis Center, workshops, events, and “city-related programs.” Most pickup locations are at south Pinellas County middle and high schools, according to the RFP. The city wrote that operators should ensure “equitable access, with consideration to the schools within the proximity to Enoch Davis Center,” in response to a vendor question. The City of St. Petersburg plans to significantly expand and reimagine the Enoch Davis Center at 1111 18th Ave. S. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. The selected vendor will collaborate with Pinellas County Schools and community partners to align Genius Lab programming with student needs and complement academic curriculum. “Be sure to consider the WHOLE Child Framework,” the city said of an educational philosophy that prioritizes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Genius Lab programming will integrate technology-supported tools, including adaptive learning platforms, design-based learning experiences, and other nontraditional instructional strategies, to meet the varied needs of students. “The Vendor shall use data-driven strategies to identify academic needs, monitor student progress, and adjust instruction to address learning gaps while fostering overall achievement and personal development,” states the RFP. Parental engagement, including periodic social events, is also a focus. The goal is to strengthen family involvement, reinforce student progress, and create a collaborative learning environment. Genius Lab participants will receive daily nutritious meals or “substantial snacks,” provided by the vendor. Those must be “wholesome, balanced, and sufficient to sustain students’ focus, energy, and well-being,” wrote the city. The program’s operator will coordinate field trips that directly align with Genius Lab curriculum and foster student enrichment, career exploration, and real-world learning experiences. City officials will receive reports on youth progress, participation, and demographics to discern the initiative’s effectiveness. “Data collection must move beyond attendance and retention, providing clear evidence of student learning, skill development, and personal growth,” states the RFP. Interested vendors have until March 18 to submit questions and March 26 to apply. Welch’s administration expects to present an award to the city council on May 28. St. Petersburg will fully launch the Genius Lab within 60 days of executing a contract, according to the RFP. “St. Pete is tackling youth engagement head-on,” Welch previously pledged. “With the WHOLE child framework, we’re investing in literacy, STEAM, mentoring, and workforce readiness, and reaching over 3,000 young people with real opportunities.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (right), Danielle Thomas, senior vice president of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority, and several stakeholders celebrated the organization receiving a Community Project Funding grant for the Ed White Hospital’s transformation at a ceremony on Friday. ​U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor has secured $3.15 million in much-needed funding to help ensure St. Petersburg seniors – particularly vulnerable to soaring housing costs – have a unique place to call home. ​The federal funding will support the St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s (SPHA) transformation of the former Ed White Hospital into an affordable senior housing complex. Once completed, the six-story, 121,000-square-foot building will feature 71 apartments for seniors earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI). ​SPHA will move its administrative headquarters to the centrally located facility, which will also house an Evara Health clinic. Castor, speaking at a check presentation ceremony on Friday, said federal funding uncertainty delayed the long-awaited, $43.8 million redevelopment. ​In October 2022, the city dedicated $8.94 million in Penny for Pinellas and American Rescue Plan Act funding to the project. Officials rescinded the allocation in June 2024 due to concerns about delays. ​The city reallocated the money in June 2025 once SPHA restarted construction. However, a funding gap still jeopardized the project. Castor’s award, part of the federal Community Project Funding program, will allow SPHA to bring the hospital’s transformation to fruition. She said Friday that St. Petersburg “has done more with federal dollars to provide housing that is affordable and attainable for our neighbors than just about any city in the country.” “I believe in keeping these projects on track and not letting them get bogged down,” Castor told Power Broker Magazine. “There is an overwhelming need in this community to have more affordable places, especially for seniors.” A rendering of the redeveloped campus. Image: Wannemacher Jensen Architects. In 2025, Congress significantly reduced or eliminated many Community Project Funding requests amid efforts to reduce federal spending. Castor, who represents a wide swath of Tampa and St. Petersburg, secured $17.32 million this year for 13 projects throughout the region. SPHA received the largest award. ​Castor said affordable housing for seniors is “pretty fundamental to their ability to survive.” She also noted that the federal funding “would have been spent out in the world anyway,” and the Community Project program enables congress members to support local priorities. ​Ed White Hospital is adjacent to Booker Creek Park. Residents will have views of the lake and access to a walking trail, basketball courts, and pickleball courts. SPHA will convert a first-floor lobby into a dining room with a catering kitchen. ​The reimagined complex will also feature a community room, computer lab, and fitness center. However, its most vital amenity is on-site clinician services, including preventative care and chronic disease management, that make it easier for seniors to access care. Elodie Dorso (left), CEO of Evara Health, and Danielle Thomas, senior vice president of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. Elodie Dorso, CEO of Evara Health, said affordable housing is “also a health issue.” She credited SPHA for partnering with the organization, and said their vision is “turning policy into progress.” ​The facility could “be the difference between managing a chronic condition and ending up in the emergency room,” Dorso said of its future residents. “When housing is unstable, their health suffers.” ​“This moment is really about more than a check presentation,” Dorso said. “It really represents a shared belief that when we invest in people, especially our seniors, we’re strengthening our community.” ​Danielle Thomas, senior vice president of SPHA, thanked the myriad stakeholders who have supported the ambitious project. She said the agency’s new 18,000-square-foot headquarters would “better serve the families that rely on us every day.” ​The campus will feature 60 one-bedroom, four two-bedroom, and seven studio apartments for seniors aged 62 and older. SPHA expects construction to conclude in the spring of 2027. Additional funding sources include SPHA’s mortgage, Federal Home Loans through the Bank of Pittsburgh and Bank of New York, and the Pinellas Community Foundation. ​The former Ed White Hospital opened at 2323 9th Ave. N. in 1976. Its namesake became the first American spacewalker in 1965 and subsequently piloted the first Apollo mission. ​Edward Higgins White II died in January 1967 when Apollo I caught fire during pre-launch testing. His daughter, Bonnie White Baer, said he would “be so happy and proud” that the reimagined facility will continue honoring his name at a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2024. ​The 162-bed hospital closed in 2014 due to declining admissions and revenue. Rodents and adventure-seeking teenagers were the only visitors for nearly a decade. The St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s award was the largest among 13 projects throughout Tampa Bay. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Long-vacant lots within the Jamestown Apartments and Townhomes complex could feature additional affordable housing. All images: City documents. Evolving plans to create additional affordable housing at a city-owned complex near downtown St. Petersburg are advancing. However, voters will have the final say. ​​A city council committee approved draft ballot language on Thursday that, if approved by residents in November, would enable officials to build affordable housing on nine vacant parcels surrounding the Jamestown Apartments and Townhomes site. The land is currently considered park space despite only featuring “No Trespassing” signs. ​Any changes to the lots, which total 1.7 acres, will require a voter referendum. The city or selected developers could then create up to 37 additional affordable and workforce housing units at the site. ​“There’s illegal dumping – there’s other issues that are happening on these lots,” said City Development Administrator James Corbett. “So, we realized that this was a fairly simple way to take the nine lots that are not being used as parks, and put them into a program where they could be quickly utilized for workforce and affordable housing.” A graphic highlighting the parcels (yellow) that the city wants to remove from an outdated Parks and Waterfront Map. Unity Park is in green. Jamestown opened at 1035 Burlington Ave. N. in 1976 and provides 76 recently renovated affordable housing units. Unity Park borders the complex and abuts 4th Avenue North and the I-375 offramp. ​Aaron Fisch, director of real estate and property management, explained Jamestown’s convoluted land-use restrictions. An area redevelopment plan, established in 1982, required officials to implement buffer space throughout the 3.45-acre site. ​The legally binding Parks & Waterfront Map, approved by voters in 1984, prevents the city from selling or developing the buffer parcels without a charter amendment, which requires a ballot referendum. Fisch said the lots, vacant for over 40 years, “should be integrated into the adjacent neighborhood.” ​Officials once considered creating additional housing at Unity Park but shelved the idea in August 2025. “One of the concerns I have is that it’s always touchy when you ask our residents to approve the removal of park space,” said Councilmember Gina Driscoll. ​“Immediately, their mind goes to what they think of as our traditional parks – not this,” she added. “How do we make sure voters know exactly what we’re talking about?” Another large vacant lot within Jamestown. Developable land is scarce in St. Petersburg. Assistant City Attorney Brett Pettigrew said he would incorporate photos showing that the lots are not part of the park into public notices. Officials could also host community forums and “push out information to anyone in the city we want.” ​“We have options, but the greatest flexibility is now,” Pettigrew continued. “Once this becomes a ballot question, then our options are limited.” ​The city will also highlight that the lots will become affordable and workforce housing rather than market-rate condominiums. Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. said officials should “overly communicate what we anticipate seeing there at that site.” ​Givens also stressed the importance of quickly identifying project “allies.” He would “hate for residents and neighbors to try to oppose this in any way.” ​Corbett said administrators would issue a request for proposals from developers for the five largest parcels if voters approve the referendum. That would include criteria for income thresholds and affordability levels. ​Officials would place the four smaller lots in the city’s land disposition program. However, Councilmember Richie Floyd said the city should expand Jamestown and retain ownership of the property, as was discussed in a committee meeting last year. ​“If that’s not contemplated as part of this, I’m not going to support it,” Floyd said. “I don’t think I can successfully motivate people to take city land and put it into private hands.” ​Driscoll agreed that the city should maintain flexibility in its vision for the site. She also noted that some of the parcels could provide homeownership opportunities. ​Corbett said the ballot language would only require officials to ensure that lots feature affordable or workforce housing. “We can own it, we can sell it, or we can have someone develop it and manage it.” ​Floyd subsequently said that he felt more comfortable advocating for the land-use changes at Jamestown. The committee unanimously approved the draft ballot language, which will now head to the full city council for a vote. A smaller lot in Jamestown that currently serves as “buffer space.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Mayor Jane Castor (right) has updated the Tampa Police Department’s immigration enforcement policies. Photo: City of Tampa. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has revised the city’s immigration enforcement policies days after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier threatened her with removal from office. ​In a letter posted to X last week, Uthmeier claimed Castor was “forcing sanctuary policies on the Tampa Police Department.” Those included not disclosing the immigration status of crime victims or witnesses. ​“The City of Tampa has no intention of violating state or federal law,” Castor said in a letter sent to Uthmeier on Monday. “We will continue to use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law, as well as state law.” ​Florida’s “anti-sanctuary” law prohibits any action that “impedes local law enforcement agencies from cooperating” with federal immigration agencies. Uthmeier noted that municipal governments must “use best efforts” to comply. ​He ordered Castor to reverse all alleged sanctuary policies by March 31 or face civil penalties, “including removal from office by the governor.” Castor subsequently said in a prepared statement that “Tampa is one of the safest cities of our size in the nation because we built trust with our community through collaboration.” ​Uthmeier’s letter stated that the Tampa Police Department (TPD) “ostensibly supports” policies that protect crime victims and witnesses “because they do not want illegal aliens to be concerned with immigration consequences by cooperating with law enforcement.” ​Castor said Monday that TPD has revised its policy and added language from state statutes. The changes went into effect immediately. ​The updated policy reiterates that officers are “not required to provide a federal immigration agency with information related to victims or witnesses “necessary to the investigation or prosecution of a crime” that occurred in the United States. ​“Florida Statute 908.104 (9) does not authorize a law enforcement agency to detain an alien unlawfully present in the United States pursuant to an immigration detainer solely because the alien witnessed or reported a crime or was a victim of a criminal offense,” states the revised documents. ​However, Castor has eliminated a policy that prohibited officers from participating in “broad-based enforcement” efforts, another point of contention for Uthmeier. Those operations include traffic checkpoints, workplace raids, and “saturation sweeps.” The updated policy states that only officers who have completed the federal 287(g) training program and received related credentials can assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. ​Those who become Designated Immigration Officers (DIOs) have the authority to “question any person believed to be an alien regarding their right to remain in the United States,” and to arrest someone without a warrant, “when there is reason to believe the individual is in violation of immigration law” and is “likely to flee the country.” ​DIOs can inquire about immigration statuses if a person is suspected of, or observed engaging in, criminal activity; if they present an articulable threat to public safety or national security; or if the officer has reliable information that the suspect is unlawfully in the country. ​“All law enforcement officers shall have a clear and lawful basis for any enforcement action, investigative stop, or detention,” states the policy. “Immigration status inquiries shall never be initiated solely on the basis of a person’s race, color, ethnicity, accent, manner of speaking, or presumed national origin.” ​As of Friday, the City of St. Petersburg, Mayor Ken Welch, and Police Chief Anthony Holloway had not received any state correspondence regarding a lack of cooperation with immigration enforcement. Welch and Holloway declined to comment on issues concerning other jurisdictions. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Mayor Ken Welch (right) and artist John Gascot at a Black History Month event in 2023. The state has since removed the “Black History Matters” mural outside of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. ​St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch has pledged to continue fighting legislation that bans local governments from funding, supporting, or taking any official action related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. ​The Florida House passed Senate Bill 1134 last week despite five Republicans joining all Democrats in opposing the legislation. Critics have bemoaned its ambiguous language and steep penalties for defiance, including removal from office. ​Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has spent the past several years targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, is widely expected to soon sign the bill into law. Welch, in a prepared statement sent to Power Broker Magazine on Friday, said that would “usurp our local community values” and “impede local government’s ability to respond to community needs.” ​“Our inclusive policies are neither discriminatory nor punitive, but are essential tools for effective governance,” Welch said. “Our programs and policies reflect the voices of our residents and the will of the voters who entrust us with the responsibility of serving them. ​“As mayor of St. Pete, I want to send a clear message to our residents – we are committed to fighting this legislation, and we will continue to advocate for our community.” ​Welch’s stance could result in municipal litigation. The bill enables residents to sue for noncompliance, and local officials must pay legal damages if found in violation by a court. ​Elected officials could also face removal from office for perceived malfeasance. Welch called the legislation, which would take effect on Jan. 1 with the governor’s signature, the state’s latest “attempt to continue exerting their authority over local governments, while demanding adherence to a regressive anti-inclusion mindset.” ​“This is not who we are in St. Pete,” Welch added. “St. Pete believes in inclusive progress and a city that works for everyone.” ​According to SB 1134, DEI is any effort to “manipulate or otherwise influence the composition of employees with reference to race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation other than to ensure that hiring is conducted in accordance with state and federal antidiscrimination laws.” ​The bill bans any action that promotes or provides “preferential treatment or special benefits to a person or group based on that person’s or group’s race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation; or promote or adopt training, programming, or activities designed or implemented with reference to race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.” ​State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky has warned the bill “could mean that you can’t celebrate Women’s History Month or Women’s Equality Day or Diwali or Chinese New Year or Easter.” Rep. Michele Rayner unsuccessfully attempted to pass an amendment that would have allowed local governments to support Pride events. ​The bill does not prohibit municipalities from recognizing state and federal holidays, including Juneteenth or Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Local governments can issue event permits in a “content-neutral manner” and provide public safety services. ​“We can’t predict all the unintended consequences that could result from this legislation,” said Welch, echoing concerns shared by local, state, and federal officials. ​The latter group includes U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who believes Republican lawmakers are “simply out of touch.” Castor, speaking after a check presentation ceremony for an affordable senior housing development in St. Petersburg on Friday, said the “critical issue is the cost of living.” “Since they’re not solving those problems, they create these distractions for people to try and take your attention away from what’s important,” she continued. “And it’s not serving Floridians well at all.” Congresswoman Kathy Castor (right) said on Friday that state lawmakers should focus on housing affordability, soaring electric bills, and property insurance costs rather than culture wars. Photo by Mark Parker. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube ​

Author Donna Welch (third in line) stands with her husband, Mayor Ken Welch (first in line), family, and friends, holding her novel. All photos by Isis Climes City of St. Petersburg’s First Lady, Donna Welch, has started a new chapter in her life as a debuting author with “Becoming Her – A Pocket of Hope.” Last Saturday, Welch hosted a book release gathering at Enoch Davis Center. The two-hour event featured light refreshments, poetry, and a photo op with the author. Welch’s book is a collection of affirmations, mini messages, and selected reflections intended to “remind readers of their worth, strength, and the freedom to take up space in becoming.” Welch dedicates her book to her late aunt, Cecilia Denise Boykins, whose “life, love, and legacy” continue to inspire her. “Through her words and example, she anchored me in a simple truth: you are enough…Her wisdom taught me to value my worth, stand confidently in my identity, and walk boldly in who I was created to be,“ said Welch. “Becoming Her – A Pocket of Hope” by Donna Welch Welch explained that her “becoming” is a call to servitude in the ways that she shows up for others. Welch grew up in a religious background, attending church six days a week. She cited her call to service as stemming from the combined teachings of her matriarchal leaders, such as her aunt and grandmothers, and from her religious upbringing. “Becoming is not a destination. It is a process. We become because of the people we serve,” explained Welch. Before her title as mayoress, Welch was – and continues to be – a source of strength and support to her community. Taught to serve and act as a helping hand, Welch has actively changed lives through her community service and leadership in the St. Petersburg area. In attendance were Arnisha Whitman and Andrea White, two individuals who have personally felt the grace and influence of Welch’s support. Whitman met Welch in 2010; from graduating from high school to the birth of her daughter, Whitman stated that Welch remained a prominent figure in her life. Whitman described Welch as “an example of grace” that showed her anything was possible with “God, love, and hope.” She thanked Welch for being a pillar, not just in the community but in her life. “If I had to describe Ms. Donna, I would say she’s the one person who shows up for the good and the bad. No matter what you’re going through, she doesn’t pass judgment,” said Whitman. White met Welch at the Children’s Home Network caregiver group. Welch initially reached out to White over email to offer assistance, but White was wary of the support. Through her persistence, Welch showed White her intentions were genuine and helped White in her time of need. “To be able to have a person to talk to about any problem, to understand and embrace you without judgment, makes it a little easier to deal with any situation that life throws at you. I’m grateful, and I appreciate having her in my life,” said White. Donna Welch poses with family and friends at her book release Welch has always kept her hand outstretched to those in need; in 2008, she founded My Daughter’s Keeper, a nonprofit dedicated to “educating, empowering, and inspiring young girls, women, and youth in rising above life challenges and finding their greater purpose,” and currently sits as the organization’s president. Raised in a village of aunts and uncles who poured love and support into her, Welch vows to be that somebody for those who may not have communal support. “For me, this was never about titles or recognition. It was about service, responsibility, and purpose, because purpose is not about recognition; it is about impact. The question then becomes, as you continue becoming, what will you leave behind?” Welch asked the audience. Advocate, servant leader, and now published author, Welch continues to be a mentor to young girls and the women in her community. “‘Becoming Her – A Pocketful of Hope’ was behind all the women, all the young girls, all the mothers, all the phone calls. What can I give back to them that I have? I had a notice,” said Welch. Interested readers can grab a copy of her book on her website. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More photos

The Chattaway’s roots trace back to 1921. It will soon have new owners for the first time in over 50 years. All photos: Courtesy of The Chattaway. The Chattaway, a South St. Petersburg staple since 1951, will change hands in August. Co-owner Debby Kitto said time and the daily grind of running a restaurant have taken a toll. ​She believes the new owners, who should close on the property at 358 22nd Ave. S. in early August, are investors with the money and energy to revitalize The Chattaway. Kitto’s mother, Jillian Frers, assumed ownership in the mid-1970s and is now 93 years old. ​“It’s just not the same without her there, and a lot of family members really don’t work here anymore,” Kitto said. “For the most part, no one really wants to do it anymore. We’re done.” ​Kitto said she also lacks the money to renovate a 105-year-old building that has withstood numerous storms. “Something is always going wrong in it … The place needs a lot of work.” The Chattaway is known for its outdoor patio. The building opened in 1921 and initially housed a general store. A sandwich and beer shop followed once Prohibition ended. ​The establishment subsequently became the Chattaway Drive-In and changed hands several times throughout the 1940s. Helen Lund purchased the business, which gradually evolved into what it is today, in 1951. ​She was later joined by her son, Everett Lund. He and Frers met through the local theater circuit and eventually married. ​The two became co-owners of The Chattaway in the mid-1970s. Frers, a native of England, and Everett purchased the property in 1981. ​While the establishment has long been known for its vibrant outdoor dining area, surrounded by brightly painted bathtubs filled with flowers, Frers began incorporating British ambience. The Chattaway’s afternoon tea service – held in a formal indoor dining room, complete with elegant furniture and decor – became a defining feature. ​However, the restaurant remained a family affair with renowned burgers, seafood, and fried chicken. Greg Kitto, Frers’ son and a bartender at The Chattaway for roughly 40 years, called it a “blessed place.” ​“We didn’t want to leave, by any means,” said Greg. “I love my job. I love the people of St. Pete.” From left: Greg Kitto, his mother, Jillian “Lady Chattaway” Freers, and her third great-grandbaby, Shilo. ​ Greg, Debby’s brother, said the decision to sell was “completely financial.” The family “did not want to go out of business.” ​Debby called relinquishing the restaurant “bittersweet.” She stressed that the family still loves The Chattaway, which will serve its last meals in mid-July. ​“Sometimes I think I’m just crazy,” Debby said. “But it’s too much. It’s for young people. You have to be there every minute.” ​Business slowed during the summer, as is typical for the industry. Greg noted that the pandemic and Hurricanes Helene and Milton exacerbated mounting issues. ​Debby was initially skeptical that the new owners would maintain The Chattaway. However, architects have visited the site, and she now believes “they’re going to fix it up.” The restaurant is also known for its tea service. ​Greg, who said he runs the restaurant’s “diplomacy department,” is optimistic for the enduring icon’s future in St. Petersburg. “If the people that take over have the same idea as us, they’ll be just as blessed to run it,” he added. “All you have to do is be a good person with a good heart.” ​That mentality has enabled the restaurant to atypically remain in business since the Truman Administration. The family also maintained close ties with surrounding neighbors as urbanization inevitably changed the once-rural area. ​Greg credited The Chattaway’s staying power and relevancy in what is now the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) to “genuine, from the heart goodwill.” ​“We were able to meet some of the first Black cops and hear their stories,” he continued. “All these wonderful people, like the Freedom Riders, who came in here – I was so blessed to meet. These folks have turned into our soul family.” ​Loyal customers will have the opportunity to bid farewell and purchase Chattaway memorabilia in July. Greg has heard that the new owner’s wife “likes to help homeless people,” and he and his family are “just hoping they’re good-spirited.” ​“I’ll tell you one thing: Through the decades, I never turned down one hungry mouth,” he said. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube ​

Erica Sutherlin, current Artistic Executive Director of St. Pete’s acclaimed Studio@620, assumed the reins after being hand-picked by retiring founder and visionary Bob Devin Jones in 2023. Photo: Joey Clay Professional Erica Sutherlin, current Artistic Executive Director of St. Pete’s acclaimed Studio@620, assumed the reins after being hand-picked by retiring founder and visionary Bob Devin Jones in 2023. But the transition hasn’t been without challenges – and it’s Sutherlin’s smart turnaround strategies that are keeping the doors open during a difficult time for live performance. During her six-month shadowing process beginning in January 2024, she quickly realized there were “no policies or procedures” – and no strategic plan. “There was no handing over the book – ‘this is how this studio operates.’ There was none of that. There were no financial structures in place.” It was about to get worse. The organization had just purchased the building at 620 1st Avenue South, which it had rented since 2008 — and while she was in the shadowing process, she got a call saying that there was “no more money” in the coffers. The next shock was learning that no one was coming with the organization. She knew that the board had decided not to bring back the director of marketing — but she didn’t know that the managing director, with whom she had built a partnership during her six-month shadowing period, was also resigning. “I walked into a building on my first day of work, and I was the only one, and that was it.” Sutherlin said she had “$5,500 [in the organization’s bank account] with a mortgage that was $4,100 due.” Sutherlin was honest with the board. “I had to have that conversation, ‘you may have hired me to make the hard decision, because maybe I’m here to close the doors’.” She agreed to give it a year, but she also told them, “I’m not going to do it by myself. It has to be a team effort,” – and if they couldn’t hold up their end, she assured them, “I’m out — because I can’t do this all by myself.” Gaining a six-month grant for the mortgage allowed her “a little breathing room.” As the only one on payroll at the time, Sutherlin was dealing with the physical demands of maintaining the place as well as the administrative end, and was grateful when Charlotte Quandt, a well-respected and beloved local arts stage manager, volunteered to help. (Quandt has since been under contract as the resident stage manager.) Sutherlin started renting the Studio out to a church on Sunday — and considered raising the rent on the second-floor space (”Our prices hadn’t been increased in probably ten years!”). Sutherlin chose to split the area into two separate spaces. She eventually procured a new renter who took both spaces, bringing in additional much-needed finances. The Studio wasn’t out of the woods. With a monthly budget of around $14,000 to run the space, and no robust grant department, there were no immediate grants or income. Since programming had slowed due to the storms of 2024, when Sutherlin started programming again, she strategically eliminated events that couldn’t contribute to her new vision for the Studio, while keeping the ones that had hefty community support and were a boon rather than a drag on resources. Erica Sutherlin, far left, Cadillac Crew Cast, and Powerstories executive director Clareann Despain, far right. Image courtesy of Powerstories Theatre. Her next step was to devise a calendar that was built on partnerships and shared expenses, and she worked with Tampa’s Powerstories Theatre to split the costs of a technical director (TD) and also to co-produce the recent hit play Cadillac Crew. Today, two organizations are sharing the TD and have learned how to plan their seasons to avoid scheduling conflicts. Sutherlin calls it a “blueprint” for the way arts organizations can move forward together to weather the financial realities of the day. Noting that, in a world where everything is more expensive, “people are not necessarily spending money the way they used to,” which, for Sutherlin, means arts organizations need to be highly strategic and continue to find ways to work together. “I think the landscape is speaking to lifting together. We are experiencing obstacles that have intensified, and they’re more rapid. I don’t think that we can problem-solve this by ourselves – [so] how do we save each other? I think the idea of cost sharing is very important.” Sutherlin also stressed that the misunderstanding about how nonprofits function is harmful. “People like to think that when they hear nonprofit, that nonprofits don’t create a profit. Not true at all. A nonprofit should create a profit. It’s just what happens to the profit: it does not go into the pockets of the shareholders – it goes back into the organization.” Acknowledging the positives of her tenure so far, Sutherlin was proud that the Studio employed over 500 artists in 2025. Looking to the future, she is also excited about the new “Arts at Work program” giving young tech and sound crew — costumers, sound engineers, set designers – their first paid experiences through the Studio’s productions. For more information on the Studio@620, and how you can contribute to its future, visit https://thestudioat620.org. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Flooding around Lake Maggiore after Hurricane Milton. Photo: Heather Davidson, Facebook. St. Petersburg is finalizing plans for a Voluntary BuyoutProgram that will offer homeowners in strategic areas up to $400,000 for storm-damaged properties and relocation incentives. ​Residents in high-risk areas, including parts of South St. Petersburg, can receive up to $50,000 to purchase or rent a new home, $10,000 to move to higher ground, and $5,000 to remain in the city rather than relocate. The $5 million initiative is part of the $160 million Sunrise St. Pete disaster recovery plan. ​A city council committee heard a program update on March 12. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration plans to purchase 14 strategically located properties when the initiative launches in the spring or summer. ​“I want to make sure that those who need the help the most – get the help,” said Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. “And if we can keep residents here in St. Pete, I want to focus on that.” The city plans to purchase 14 eligible homes at fair market value, up to $400,000. Image: City documents. Properties within a floodplain or designated risk reduction area that sustained damage during Hurricanes Idalia or Helene could qualify. At least 80% of the voluntary buyouts will benefit households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI). ​The city will convert purchased parcels into open space or dedicate the land to stormwater management and flood mitigation uses. Officials will prioritize contiguous, repetitive loss homes – particularly those adjacent to parks or city-owned properties. ​Staff will notify eligible property owners about the program before conducting assessments and prioritizing parcels via a ranking system. Residents earning up to 120% of the AMI can receive $50,000 in down payment assistance to purchase a home in Florida with a reduced risk of flooding. ​Residents earning up to 80% of the AMI can receive up to $50,000 to move into an affordable rental unit in Florida for a year. There are no income requirements for a $10,000 incentive to relocate to an area with a reduced flooding risk, and the city will offer those participants $5,000 to remain in St. Petersburg. A graphic highlighting relocation incentives. Image: City documents. Councilmember Brandi Gabbard believes the city should target single-family homes that could increase natural shorelines rather than multifamily properties. “We’re not going to be able to do a large amount of these, and I really think we’re going to have to have a laser focus on this program,” she said. ​“I do not want us to use these funds for people to move outside of the City of St. Petersburg, at all,” Gabbard added. “I want this to be an initiative that helps people stay in the city.” ​The committee agreed with that sentiment. City Development Administrator James Corbett said certain restrictions, including only targeting homesteaded properties, “make sense.” ​However, he also explained the importance of not eliminating potential program participants. The overarching goal is to acquire contiguous lots that will increase environmental resiliency, and Corbett said that would “be difficult when you have people coming in and out of the mix based on their own personal circumstances.” ​Aubrey Phillips, director of strategic initiatives and grants, said the city broadly defined disaster risk reduction areas for the same reason. Administrators will provide more precise location data before seeking the city council’s approval and throughout the iterative process. ​Councilmember Richie Floyd said an in-development interactive map helped him visualize the city’s intent. “If we were to have a good number of homes turn into mitigation properties, especially around a creek – you can see how stormwater drainage areas would be really beneficial here.” ​“Whatever detail you can provide like this in the future just makes my life easier, and I assume that a lot of my colleagues would agree,” Floyd added. ​Phillips said the “excellent amount of feedback” will help the administration refine program parameters. The city’s deadline for publishing general guidelines, which officials can “always go back and revisit,” was Saturday. A map highlighting eligible disaster risk reduction areas (pink). Image: City documents. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

“Bridging the Gap: A Community Conversation” offers families, educators, and community leaders an opportunity to come together to listen, learn, and share their experiences, opening the door to solutions that directly shape the future of young people. Image courtesy of Pinellas County Schools on Facebook. When families, educators, and community leaders come together to listen, learn, and share their experiences, it can open the door to solutions that directly shape the future of young people. “Bridging the Gap: A Community Conversation,” happening on Monday, April 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Enoch D. Davis Center, is designed to create that kind of space, bringing the community together to focus on the achievement of Black students and clarifying the roles families, schools, and local leaders play in addressing educational gaps. As a part of COQEBS’s (Concerned Organization for Quality Education of Black Students) mission to promote, advance, and monitor public quality education of Black students in Pinellas County via a Court-ordered agreement, the event continues the ongoing work to evaluate the Pinellas County School District’s progress toward reducing the achievement gap between Black and non-Black students, with the most recent report of findings presented in April 2025. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., as the evening brings together parents, educators, and local residents to hear insights from recent research, share their experiences, and explore ways the community can work collectively to support student success. Dinner will be provided, and childcare will be available for children ages two and older who are independently using the restroom, allowing parents and guardians to fully participate in the conversation. The evening is hosted by Erik Smith’s Inclusivity Innovative Institute (I3), a nonprofit dedicated to amplify community resources to foster sustainable change. Through I3, Smith works with organizations leveraging community resources and education to drive sustainable change, while emphasizing inclusion and collectiveness. “Families need to understand the outcome data and benchmarks set by the district,” Smith shared, reiterating the Bridging the Gap Plan’s six goals: Graduation Rates, Student Achievement, Advanced Course Work, Student Discipline, ESE Identification, and Minority Hiring. While he acknowledged that, “Essentially, we know the gap still exists,” Smith stressed the importance of this moment as a time to look critically at “what happens to our children if the gap never closes.” “It’s important to focus on the current gaps,” he affirmed, “because with the increasing dependence on technology, cost of living expenses rising, and the wealth gap widening, we must do whatever it takes to create more sustainable opportunities for our children to fully participate in an economy that tends towards building generational wealth.” Bridging the Gap reflects the same values that guide Smith’s work through I3, helping organizations strengthen cultural competence and better understand how communication, leadership, and inclusion shape opportunity. While that work often takes place in business and institutional settings, this event brings those ideas into a community space, creating an opportunity for families, educators, and local residents to come together. In that way, Bridging the Gap is not separate from Smith’s broader mission, but an extension of it, turning the principles behind his consulting work into a conversation centered on students, families, and collective action. “This event, in collaboration with COQEBS, seeks to convene families, social service organizations, and the school district to co-create solutions to bridge the current achievement gap that can limit the earning potential of our children,” Smith explained. Rather than stopping at awareness, the conversation is intended to push deeper into the factors that continue to shape the achievement gap for Black students. Organizers are creating space for families, educators, and community members to not only discuss the challenges students face, but also consider what accountability, support, and community involvement can look like in response. The I3 founder said he hopes the community will walk away with “realistic and doable actions to move the needle, knowledge of what will happen if nothing is done, a greater understanding of proficiency rates, and resources that the district is implementing to address the gap.” With blocks for discussion and other ways for all attendees to participate, he believes attendees will gain “a renewed sense of hope and desire to work together with the district and other organizations to build sustainable pathways for our children to reach their full potential.” Community members who want to be part of the conversation are encouraged to attend and join the effort to support stronger outcomes for local students. Register with the Google Forms link. Join the conversation at Bridging the Gap, a community discussion focused on the barriers impacting Black students and the path toward stronger outcomes. The event will be held on Monday, April 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33705. Dinner will be provided, and childcare will be available for children ages 2 and older who are independently using the restroom. Through Inclusivity Innovative Institute (I3), Erik Smith has worked to reshape conversations around race, inclusion, and opportunity in workplaces and across the community. With Bridging the Gap, that mission continues through a conversation focused on the barriers facing Black students and the path toward meaningful change. Image retrieved from Inclusivity Innovative Institute Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

From left: St. Petersburg Councilmember Brandi Gabbard; Enrico Palmerino, co-founder of Dam It Defense; and Erica Hall, executive board member for the Storm Squad, participate in a recent flood mitigation panel. Photo by Kayla Avirett. Enrico Palmerino could have fled St. Petersburg after Hurricane Helene inundated his St. Petersburg home. Instead, he turned a harrowing experience into a thriving business. ​Palmerino and Danny Fustar, a close friend and neighbor, launched Dam It Defense in June 2025. The cofounders have since scaled the family-owned flood barrier fabrication company, which has sold several hundred systems and now employs nearly 20 people. A community-focused company, Dam It Defense partnered with Cajun Navy Relief to provide local resources after a disaster. But Palmerino and Fustar never had a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for its headquarters. That changed on Wednesday, as the two families led tours of the facility, designed to resemble a castle, and hosted a flood resiliency panel that provided expert insight. ​“We want to make sure everybody hears this story of not just a solution that’s going to help them, but of a community of entrepreneurs who create their solutions in St. Pete,” said Chris Steinocher, CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “That is how you become resilient.” From back left: Enrico Palmerino, co-founder of Dam It Defense; Carlie Palmerino; Kristin Fustar; Danny Fustar, co-founder of Dam It Defense; their children; and Christ Steinocher (right), CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Kayla Avirett. Valuable insight ​A group of neighborhood leaders, known as the Storm Squad, are utilizing new technology to help vulnerable communities mitigate the impacts of flooding. Executive board member Erica Hall kicked off the panel discussion by highlighting the free, publicly available platform’s benefits. ​The CRIS-HAZARD app provided a “completely different” view of storm impacts during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Hall said. “We saw flooding happening outside of designated flood zones, we saw streets becoming impassable before alerts went out, we saw clusters of impact in neighborhoods that historically deal with disinvestment.” ​“But what we also saw was community data moving faster, because it was coming from people experiencing it in real time,” Hall added. “If we’re only relying on official data, we’re already behind the storm.” ​Councilmember Brandi Gabbard stressed the importance of proactive, individual flood mitigation efforts. She encouraged attendees to ensure their storm drains are clear and “be good neighbors and good stewards.” ​Gabbard said that St. Petersburg’s infrastructure cannot currently withstand increasing environmental threats. The city’s Stormwater Master Plan outlines nearly $1 billion in projects that should have been implemented “five years ago.” ​Officials must prioritize stormwater initiatives according to impact, Gabbard said. “We’re going to have to eat this apple one bite at a time.” A ballot referendum in November will ask residents to fund infrastructure projects through an additional property tax. ​Cristian Bragano, an insurance adjustor with VIP Adjusting, encourages home and business owners to invest in a flood barrier system, such as those fabricated by Dam It Defense. He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding flood insurance documents before a storm. ​The panelists agreed that all St. Petersburg homeowners, regardless of requirements, should consider maintaining flood insurance due to evolving risks. Bragano also explained that standard National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies do not provide payments “for you to live elsewhere while your home is substantially damaged.” ​“So, I would just push for understanding the policy and what is covered,” he said. Erica Hall (right), executive board member for the Storm Squad, and Cristian Bragano, an insurance adjustor for VIP Adjusting. Photo by Kayla Avirett. ​Palmerino does not guarantee that his flood barrier systems will prevent water from entering a home. However, he said those and other commercially available products can drastically mitigate “devastation.” ​Now is the time for residents to prepare a “go-bag” that includes copies of insurance policies and photos of their property and possessions, Palmerino said. He also encouraged creating a flood plan; Dam It Defense provides a template. ​Residents should seal doors and windows, put valuable possessions into sealed, plastic bags, and use risers to lift furniture valuable inches off the ground as a storm approaches. “All you have to do is keep water out of your home for hours, not days, in most cases,” Palmerino said. ​Nearly all of Gabbard’s district sits within a Coastal High Hazard Area. Her passion for promoting environmental resiliency stems from the people who “cannot do this work for themselves, but they love this city.” ​Average residents can also have a significant impact on their communities, Hall said, as Storm Squad ambassadors had an intimate understanding of their neighborhood’s vulnerabilities. The organization hopes to expand into other areas. ​“Your neighbors should be the number one team that you build around, because preparedness isn’t just about your house,” Hall elaborated. “It’s also about your network, and it’s about your community.” ​Dam It Defense is now another local resource. The company will utilize its fleet of military Humvees to support search and rescue efforts after a storm. Palmerino encourages anyone who needs assistance to call the company, which also stores supplies and will become a safe haven for displaced residents during storms. “I wanted to let the community know to consider this home when disaster strikes,” he said. Local artist Kris Markovich painted the fabrication facility at 695 28th St. S. in South St. Petersburg to resemble a castle. Photo by Kayla Avirett. More photos Clayton Percy, director of field sales, demonstrates a Dam It Defense flood prevention system. The company stores and deploys its products for customers as needed. Photo by Mark Parker. St. Petersburg-based Dam It Defense serves the entire Tampa Bay area and has partnered with other companies for deployments outside of the area. Photo by Mark Parker. ​Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

The nine-week College for Kids summer program returns to St. Petersburg College’s Gibbs Campus on June 1. Photos: SPC. ​For over 40 years, St. Petersburg College has been planting seeds of ambition in local youth by combining the fun of summer camp with the look and feel of higher education. ​College for Kids is returning to SPC’s Gibbs Campus, its oldest, on June 1. Participating children, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, will spend nine weeks exploring a wide range of topics, from career opportunities and entrepreneurship to the art of dance and storytelling. ​Kiani Bowman, associate dean of workforce development & corporate partnerships, said SPC expects to serve about 80 kids weekly. Many will go on to become first-generation college students. ​“People can’t be it if they can’t see it,” said Bowman, who oversees the program. “I definitely believe that when kids have exposure to being on a college campus, it gets them excited about their education, their future, and where they can go.” ​Several weekly topics fall under the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) umbrella. Those include Adventures of Space Exploration, a beginner and an advanced Science Experiments and Discovery course, and Robotics. ​“What I have seen, in my experience, is that when people don’t know that certain careers exist, they don’t know that there are pathways they can pursue,” Bowman said. “So, giving the kids early exposure to robotics, to manufacturing, allows them the opportunity to learn and experience these jobs - and maybe see themselves in it one day.” Many attendees will go on to become first-generation college students. ​Bowman noted that SPC only hires certified teachers who work for the Pinellas or Hillsborough County school districts, another differentiating factor from traditional summer camps. Local industry experts also serve as guest instructors to help provide students with “real-world, hands-on experiences, based on their grade level.” ​Some weekly topics are inherently more lighthearted than others, such as LEGO Exploration. All include entertaining and engaging activities, “so not only are they learning, but they’re also having fun,” Bowman said. ​However, the most important aspect of College for Kids is its setting. Extensive research has shown that introducing disadvantaged youth to college at an early age has a profound, positive impact on their high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and degree completion rates. ​Bowman has seen those generational benefits firsthand. She said several SPC staff members attended College for Kids growing up, and their children have since participated in the program. ​“There are a lot of first-generation college students, especially here in Pinellas County,” Bowman said. “I think when you have that early exposure, there’s definitely long-term economic impacts.” ​College for Kids is open to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. While the scholarship application window has closed, Bowman urges anyone who needs assistance to contact SPC and “see if we have additional funding available.” ​Registration is $25, and the cost to attend camp is $150 weekly. Parents or guardians can drop children off at the Gibbs Campus as early as 7:30 a.m. ​Camp programming runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from June 1 to July 30. Aftercare, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., is an additional $50 weekly. ​“Usually, once the kids come for one week, they’re going to want to come back,” Bowman said. “Because they make those friends and those lifetime memories.” Here is the weekly schedule: Week of June 1 - Career Exploration & Entrepreneurship Week of June 8 - LEGO Exploration Week of June 15 - Health and Wellness Week of June 22 - STEM Exploration Week of June 29 - Adventures of Space Exploration Week of July 6 - The Art of Dance & Storytelling (Music and Dance) Week of July 13 - Science Experiments and Discovery Week of July 20 - Robotics Week of July 27 - Science Experiments and Discovery I College for Kids is open to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Share Your News To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com: and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway (left) and Mayor Ken Welch. Photo by Mark Parker. City and community leaders recently sounded the alarm over a surge in youth crime at Jordan Park. Stakeholders now say the situation at St. Petersburg’s first public housing development has improved. Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders requested a committee discussion in February due to an influx of “criminal and violent behavior” in Jordan Park. Police Chief Anthony Holloway said over a third of calls for assistance in the area from June 1,2025, to Jan. 28 were related to “juveniles, crowds, and brawling.” Holloway subsequently explained that calls for service dramatically increased in December, to 110, before dropping by 39% in January. He said law enforcement expects a citywide spike in youth issues around spring, summer, and winter breaks. “The kids are out of school, they have nothing to do, and people start calling in on them,” Holloway told Power Broker Magazine. “People tend to see them more.” While fights among youth had increased in Jordan Park, Holloway noted that the St. Petersburg Police Department received just 22 calls for brawling from June 1 to Jan. 28. Officers also responded to 51 reports of disorderly juveniles, 24 auto thefts, 24 crowd issues, and 17 narcotics violations. Another 16 residents reported hearing shots in the area from June through January. Holloway said the calls encompass both real and perceived threats. Stakeholders have split on whether residents or visitors are more responsible for the issues. “We can’t stop and ask who lives here and who doesn’t live here,” Holloway said. “So, I can’t tell you where those kids are from unless we make an encounter with them.” Officers completed 188 directed patrols, 100 park, walk, and talk outings, and 34 special assignments in Jordan Park from June 1 to Jan. 28. SPPD has increased those efforts in response to community concerns. A graphic highlighting police activity in Jordan Park between June 1, 2025, and Jan. 28, 2026. Image: St. Petersburg Police Department. St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) leadership told city officials in February that the situation was scaring away residents and employees. The agency manages Jordan Park, which opened between 1939 and 1941 along the 22nd Street South (Deuces) corridor. Nick Fokianos, communications director for SPHA, said increasing police patrols around Florida’s oldest public housing community has “been a big help.” Residents are also “grateful.” The agency hired private security for the Legacy at Jordan Park, a $93 million senior housing development that opened in October 2023. Although nothing is “set in stone,” Fokianos said SPHA is working with the city to increase safety measures throughout the surrounding neighborhood. ​“When you have a large group of youth who are out late, unsupervised, of course, trouble can find them,” he added. “So, we’re trying to guide them to more productive endeavors.” The Legacy at Jordan has enhanced security measures that are cost prohibitive to implement throughout the community. Photo by Mark Parker. Fokianos said SPHA’s social services department facilitates multiple youth programs at Jordan Park. He noted that the “fantastic” team now feels more secure and appreciates the police department’s efforts. Residents are also responsible for their visitors, Fokianos said. “If your guests come in and they engage in bad actions, that can get you kicked out. So, we’re making that clear.” Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. represents the area. He, like Holloway, realizes that “kids are going to be kids.” However, Givens believes stakeholders must also “put some pressure on those parents.” He said the entire community must do its part to “foster a better environment for those kids to grow up.” “It’s not their responsibility to raise themselves,” Givens said of wayward youth. “It’s not the government’s responsibility.” Local leaders must provide tools and resources that parents, who often lack “hope and opportunity,” need to successfully raise their children, Givens said. He also noted the importance of informing residents of available programs. “We just got to keep doing our part,” he added. “And I don’t think we’re doing enough.” Overall crime decreased by 16% in 2025. St. Petersburg recorded its lowest number of homicides, 10, since 1967. Holloway said issues among young adults aged 18 to 24 remain constant. However, he also believes that “we as a community” can collaboratively mitigate the problem. The mayor and city officials have “done a great job of targeting our youth, so that’s why we see those numbers are down,” Holloway said. “How do we address them when they hit this age where they’re becoming adults?” There is hope that current programming for children and teens will help participants as they age into adulthood. Holloway also noted that the issue extends far beyond South St. Petersburg. “We still have fights throughout the city,” he said. “Sometimes people think there are too many young people downtown on a Friday night, so they perceive that as a problem. Or too many kids hanging out at Tyrone Mall on a Friday night – they perceive that as a problem. “So, it’s perception, and I don’t know how we address that.” Jordan Park, Florida’s oldest public housing community, opened between 1939 and 1941 along the 22nd Street South corridor in St. Petersburg. Photo: St. Petersburg Housing Authority. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg in South St. Petersburg will host a grant information session on Tuesday, June 23rd (Photo: Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg) The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg just announced the launch of two new responsive grant opportunities. Local nonprofits, grassroots groups, and community changemakers are invited to a special kick-off and information session on Tuesday, June 23rd. The session will introduce two distinct funding tracks designed to support community-driven solutions in South St. Petersburg: Together With Our Community: A rolling deadline opportunity offering grants of up to $2,500 to support community-based and mission-aligned activities, events, or new programming happening in priority zip codes of 33705, 33711, and 33712. Applications will be reviewed and grants awarded on a monthly basis until funds are exhausted. St. Pete Thrives: Offered in partnership with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, this flagship initiative provides substantial grants of up to $50,000. It targets direct-service solutions aimed at sustaining and scaling existing programs so that all residents can lead healthier lives. Doors open at 8:30 AM for a complimentary breakfast, with the official program running from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Attendees will get a first look at the application guidelines, review timelines, and eligibility criteria, along with a live Q&A session with Foundation staff. Crucially, organizers emphasize that this is an inclusive event. All groups — including brand-new organizations just getting started — are highly encouraged to participate. Because this is an interactive session rather than a drop-in open house, attendees are asked to arrive before the 9:00 AM presentation begins. Click here to register for this event. This event will be held at The Foundation's Center for Health Equity, located at 2333 34th Street South, in St. Petersburg. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Commissioner Roger Goodell believes its Rooney Rule, which promotes diversity in hiring practices, does not violate Florida law despite a recent letter from Attorney General James Uthmeier emphatically stating otherwise. Photo: NFL.com ​Recent threats of legal action from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier will not stop the NFL from enforcing its Rooney Rule. ​Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the initiative, created to increase diversity in key positions, at the NFL’s annual meeting on Tuesday. He pledged to “engage” with Uthmeier, who said last week that the Rooney Rule and similar policies “brazenly” violate Florida law. ​In a letter to Goodell and the owners of Florida’s three NFL teams, dated March 25, Uthmeier gave the league until May 1 to confirm it will no longer enforce the Rooney Rule and multiple other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He wrote that “failure to provide such confirmation may result in a civil rights enforcement action.” ​“One thing that doesn’t change is our values, and we believe that diversity has been a benefit to the National Football League,” Goodell told the media on Tuesday. ​“We are well aware of the laws, and where the laws are changing and evolving. We think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those.” ​Republican leadership in Florida will likely disagree with that sentiment. State lawmakers, along party lines, recently passed legislation banning local governments from taking any official action related to DEI initiatives. ​The NFL adopted the Rooney Rule in 2003 to ensure that “promising candidates have the opportunity to prove they have the necessary skills and qualifications to excel. It requires all 32 teams to interview two external minority or female candidates for general manager or head coaching vacancies. ​Some stakeholders believe that teams treat the policy as a perfunctory exercise. Just three – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, and Houston Texans – employ Black head coaches (9.4%), despite that demographic accounting for 53.5% of all players. ​However, Uthmeier believes the Rooney Rule requires teams to “limit, segregate, and classify applicants for certain employment and training opportunities because of race and sex,” which is “precisely what Florida law forbids.” ​Goodell emphasized on Tuesday that the Rooney rule is “not a hiring mandate.” He also noted that the longstanding policy has evolved over the past 23 years, and said the NFL would “continue to do that as circumstances warrant.” ​“It’s intended to try to help, and it’s been used by industries far beyond football and far beyond the United States to help identify candidates, and a diverse set of candidates, to bring in better talent … and folks make those decisions individually,” Goodell said. ​“Those are, I think, principles of how we try to get better. Bring in the best talent.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Hillsborough County Commissioner Josh Wostal asserted on Wednesday that documents related to a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium financing deal exist and should be released to the public. Mounting concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding a Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal stoked ardent debate on Wednesday at a Hillsborough County Commission meeting. ​Commissioner Joshua Wostal filed a motion that would have forced staff and the Tampa Sports Authority to release all draft documents regarding stadium financing negotiations with the Rays. County Attorney Julia Mandell and Administrator Bonnie Wise, much to his dismay, insisted that publicly releasable information does not exist. ​Mandell said she, like Wostal, has “heard about leaked documents.” However, negotiations between the administration and Rays have been confined to in-person or online meetings, and staff notes are not “subject to the public records law or production.” ​“If this board doesn’t want to allow the public to see how we’re attempting to spend their money, then shame on us,” Wostal said. “The records in question are there. They have been shared. They should be made available to the public immediately, and I will testify under oath that they all have been shared among county staff.” ​Mandell was adamant that the county had not received any draft documents regarding the Rays stadium deal. Wostal asked if staff completed an extensive financial risk analysis “in their head.” ​While there “may be some documents that we have created that did analyze various revenue sources,” said Wise, “nothing has been agreed to.” She believes it is “very awkward” to publicly negotiate “a deal of this magnitude.” ​Mandell and Wise both stated that personal notes not shared with anyone else are not considered public records. “Something doesn’t smell right,” Wostal said. A rendering of the proposed ballpark at the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus. Image: Tampa Bay Rays. ​The Rays shared that they plan to contribute 54% of the stadium’s estimated $2.3 billion cost, with public funding covering the remaining $1.06 billion. An initial financing proposal, according to commissioners briefed on the subject, reportedly includes $467 million from the county’s Community Investment Tax (CIT). The money pays for infrastructure, public facilities, and current stadium upgrades. ​Residents approved renewing the CIT, a half-cent sales tax, through a ballot referendum in 2024. Wostal reminded the board on Wednesday that he and multiple colleagues spoke against using the money for new stadiums before that vote. ​Commissioners subsequently allowed the Tampa Bay Sports Authority to negotiate a Rays deal using any expected excess CIT revenue above what was previously earmarked for other projects. Wostal asked if that has since changed without their blessing. ​Mandell was reluctant to “get into a discussion about the things that we have talked about, publicly, at this time.” Various funding sources are under consideration, she added. Wostal said the commission wants to “force” a stadium financing vote on April 15 to keep the Rays in Tampa Bay. The team has stressed the importance of opening a new ballpark in time for the 2029 season. ​“I was promised by the Rays … the Saturday before last, that we would both jointly call the administrator and have her release these documents. Radio silence, nothing,” Wostal said. “Then I received another phone call on Sunday that they do agree, and that I would receive these documents before today’s board meeting … and here we are again, nothing.” ​Commissioner Chris Boles believes formal negotiations would create an “executive work product,” which falls under public record laws. He said the county is operating within a “gray realm” while the public and commissioners are left in the dark. Boles said Hillsborough and Tampa officials are trying to “not lose the Rays,” when they are St. Petersburg’s team “to keep.” He also bemoaned the timeline. ​​“We’re being pushed up against this deadline,” Boles said of efforts to approve a deal. “That’s not our deadline, it’s somebody else’s deadline.” ​Wostal’s motion did not carry a vote. Commissioner Harry Cohen said it was “very irresponsible of us to break open this information” before negotiations had concluded. ​Commissioner Christine Miller noted that “transparency is critical, especially in a project of this magnitude.” She also doesn’t believe that “anything should be released,” and said the board must trust the negotiating team. ​Cohen subsequently motioned to schedule a televised workshop when public documents are available, followed by a public hearing. While Hagan acknowledged there is a “sensitive issue on time,” he supported the additional meetings. ​The commission approved the workshop, with Wostal and Boles dissenting. Commissioner Gwen Myers later asked Mandell to clarify whether the county can use CIT funds to help pay for a new stadium. ​Mandell, who was not the county attorney in 2024, preferred to seek an outside legal opinion and said she would report back to the board before April 15. Wostal said the county should prepare for a legal battle. ​“It’s not if we are going to get sued on this, it’s when we get sued on this – if we use CIT for a new professional sports stadium,” Wostal said. An aerial rendering of the new ballpark and surrounding district. Image: Tampa Bay Rays. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

From left: Lynn Harrell-Johnson, president of the National Council of Negro Women’s St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section; Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida; Rita Wesley, executive assistant to the mayor; Jeannine Williams, assistant city attorney; and Stephanie Morge, vice president of learning and development for Power Design, at the Sunshine Senior Center on Tuesday. Photo provided. Women’s History Month concluded on Tuesday with St. Petersburg celebrating five trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on the city. ​Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, served as the keynote speaker for the event – “Her Story, Our Future: Women Leading the Way.” She also participated in a panel with Lynn Harrell-Johnson, president of the National Council of Negro Women’s St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section; Stephanie Morge, vice president of learning and development for Power Design; Rita Wesley, executive assistant to the mayor; and Jeannine Williams, assistant city attorney. ​Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders kicked off the event by stating that there is “no way that you can calculate, measure, or count the contributions that women have brought to the City of St. Petersburg.” Seixas, who lost her parents at a young age, then shared her unlikely journey from history major to leading a power utility. She concluded her speech with words of inspiration. ​“You have to be kind to yourself,” Seixas said. “And do not take criticism from somebody that you would not ask for advice.” ​Here are some highlights from the panel, slightly edited for clarity and brevity: ​Inspirations ​Harrell-Johnson, also an accomplished entrepreneur, credited her mother, a maid, for instilling the value of hard work. “I don’t care what job you have, whatever you’re going to give, just make sure you do your best,” she said. ​Williams named Tampa Bay’s first Black elected official, C. Bette Wimbish, as her inspiration. The two met shortly after Williams moved to St. Petersburg, and routinely stressed the importance of perseverance. ​“She was young, she was Black, she was a woman, and she accomplished all these things despite the obstacles in her way,” Williams said of Wimbish. “Every time I have an obstacle before me, I think of her, because they seem small when I think about what she faced.” ​Lessons Learned ​Morge noted that the number of women in leadership positions has increased. She also warned that “they’re not always in your corner.” ​However, those personal experiences still taught Morge how “not to be a leader, and things not to do,” she said. “How can I learn from this person? How do I make sure that I can not only work with them, but also make myself better through that relationship?” The City of St. Petersburg’s Parks & Recreation Department organized and hosted the event. Photo by Mark Parker. Motivation and Perseverance ​Williams said she maintains a “growth mindset” to ensure her kids realize that “mom never stopped learning.” Harrell-Johnson highlighted the reciprocal impacts of keeping close relationships. ​“We don’t know what this journey is going to throw at us, but when it does, we need to be able to stand firm and continue to move forward,” she explained. “You can do that when we have good people who we have poured into, who understand us, and they can pour back into us.” ​Misconceptions ​Wesley said people often assume that “you’re perfect, that everything has been wonderful for you,” without realizing the obstacles faced away from the public eye. She also noted that “sometimes people are watching us to see how we are responding to challenges.” ​“Just keep putting one foot in front of the other,” Wesley said. “Just get up, and sometimes it’s hard to get up.” ​Morge, echoing a sentiment Figgs-Sanders shared in her opening remarks, noted that women often take on multiple roles. She emphasized the importance of seeking help and practicing self-care. ​“I think we owe it to ourselves to do a better job of trying to balance the weight that we carry,” Morge said. ​Moving Forward ​Seixas said the city has a well-earned reputation for fostering connections. She credited decades-old women’s clubs and church groups, and hopes future generations will “carry on that legacy of being involved and engaged and willing to raise your voice – not be a bystander.” ​Harrell-Johnson encourages people to think and “be outside of the box,” volunteer, and not let a professional title become a defining characteristic. Morge said women should “say ‘yes’ to things that bring you joy,” and not be afraid to share their accomplishments. ​“Try something new, and just see what happens,” Wesley said. “Be open to what the universe is offering you. Maybe you’ll like it, maybe you won’t, and maybe it will lead you down the yellow brick road to where you really want to be.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

BayCare Ballpark opened in 2004 at 601 Old Coachman Rd. in Clearwater. The Philadelphia Phillies have held spring training in the city since 1947. Photo: MLB.com The Philadelphia Phillies are seeking approximately $110 million in public funding to renovate their spring training complex in Clearwater. ​Pinellas County’s other stadium saga is seemingly nearing a conclusion as the Phillies presented a new term sheet for the long-discussed project to commissioners on Thursday. The team also plans to extend its lease at BayCare Ballpark through 2047, which would mark a century of spring ball in Clearwater. The upgrades and expansion would cost roughly $205 million, said County Administrator Barry Burton. Commissioners generally supported providing at least $80 million in tourist development tax dollars, generated from a one-cent tax on overnight stays. ​Burton said the Phillies would contribute $75 million, “of which $49 million has already been spent” on previous upgrades, and assume cost overruns. There is also a $20 million state grant, which, as multiple commissioners noted, leaves Clearwater to cover the remaining $30 million. ​Several commissioners said they would support increasing the tourism funding amount to reduce the burden on Clearwater taxpayers. Local attorney Brian Aungst Jr., speaking on behalf of the Phillies and citing a municipal study, said the revamped ballpark and 20-year lease extension would generate a $1.6 billion economic impact. ​“Not one penny is going to the Philadelphia Phillies,” Aungst said. “This is going to the City of Clearwater, for their asset, to renovate and bring it up to date through 2047.” A rendering of new fan amenities along the left field wall. Image: Screenbrab. ​Evolving Costs ​BayCare Ballpark opened in 2004. In 2019, the Phillies unsuccessfully requested $40 million from local tourism tax coffers to complete nearly $80 million in upgrades for the 15-year-old stadium. In 2022, the Phillies proposed transforming the site into a $300 million, year-round player development facility. Ownership updated its plans the following year to include a $250 million mixed-use development after acquiring 13 acres south of the stadium. ​Aungst’s father, former Mayor Brian Aungst Sr., said in 2024 that the team shelved the ambitious project due to an ownership change. He expected a new $65 million proposal that focused solely on stadium upgrades. ​“I was on board as this escalated up until we got north of $65 million, because then I started looking at the numbers and what’s the breakdown between public and private money,” Commissioner Brian Scott said on Thursday. ​ ​“That’s where I’m a little challenged with this, because I always believe that something like this, public dollars should be the last dollars in.” ​While the Phillies will provide $25 million in advertising value over the next two decades, Scott said the deal’s public-to-private funding ratio is still 58.4% to 41.6%, respectively. He also noted that the “timing of this isn’t good,” as living costs continue to soar. ​“With $5 gallon gas prices and the affordability problems that we’ve been having, it’s just the optics of it are not good,” Scott concluded. The Philadelphia Phillies have already installed a new video board. However, the proposed project would add new viewing areas. Image: Screengrab. Sports Tourism ​The county has requested an annual marketing contribution of $850,000 from the Phillies, which would increase slightly over time to account for inflation. Philadelphia is the largest market for hotel revenue in Pinellas during spring training, according to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) data. ​Approximately 380,000 Philadelphia residents visited Pinellas throughout 2025, and 128,00 came during spring training. “That’s why you have thousands of people who get second homes here, who retire here, from that market,” said Aungst Jr. ​“The reason we’re here is because the Phillies do travel well,” Burton said. “It is an economic engine – not just for Clearwater, but all of Pinellas County.” ​Aungst said the upgrades would boost both the fan and player experience at BayCare Ballpark. Those include: ​New LED field lighting A larger concourse Enhancement to the west plaza fan entrance Seat replacements A new center field fan deck An expanded Frenchy’s Tiki Bar and revamped concessions New center field restrooms Refreshing suite interiors An expanded team store Diamond dugout restroom upgrades Installing south and west fan elevators Enclosing the 1st Base Club area and suite hallway Updating the grounds crew area Aungst said an administrative and player development facility would feature a new cafeteria and a baseball “lab.” Renderings also show new training fields and pitching areas. ​The county and city must still approve the team’s terms, and the proposal expires before the next spring training season. “I absolutely believe in the Phillies partnership,” Scott said. “It’s just at what level that I’m comfortable with.” A rendering of new training and administrative facilities. Image: Screengrab. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos An aerial rendering of the revamped complex. Image: Screengrab. An aerial view of the surrounding area, including the plaza acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. Image: Screengrab. ​

Pinellas County Commission Chair Dave Eggers (standing) greets David Baldwin, grandson of Dansville’s founder, Dan Henry, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a long-awaited park on March 31. All photos: Pinellas County Government. What was once a dumping ground in a historic yet long-neglected Black neighborhood in Pinellas County is now home to a 12-acre park. ​Stakeholders celebrated the much-anticipated Dansville Park opening on March 31 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The admittedly overdue public amenity in a community founded by Black pioneers is at 12701 Wilcox Rd. in the unincorporated Greater Ridgecrest area, near Largo. ​Dansville Park features a pond, a multi-use paved path, a picnic shelter, benches, sidewalks, restrooms, and several acres of open green space. The county will install a playground later this year. ​Dan Henry, a former sharecropper, began settling the area in the early 1920s. County Commission Chair Dave Eggers said the pioneer’s history is “not just an inspiring story, it is the very foundation on which we stand.” ​“This land, once a blighted dump site, now blooms,” Eggers said. “We find ourselves in a beautiful park in a thriving neighborhood at the beating heart of Pinellas County, thanks to the efforts of so many.” The park encompasses 12 acres. The park, as Eggers noted, symbolizes decades of perseverance. He also credited former officials and local organizations for doggedly pursuing “redress for a history of indifference and neglect.” ​Eggers said the occasion marked a “major step forward in building on the work that they began.” Wanda McCawthan, president of the Friends of Ridgecrest, said the community started petitioning the county for a park nearly 30 years ago. ​“We have been waiting a long time,” said McCawthan, her voice rising. “But it’s beautiful. I love the water, I love the scenery, I love the feeling of it. County, thank you all so very much for blessing us today.” ​McCawthan pledged that the community would embrace, enjoy, and maintain the park. “I guarantee you it’s going to get used,” she said. Wanda McCawthan, president of the Friends of Ridgecrest. Eggers called the park a “historic achievement, a testament” to Henry’s lasting impact on the area. In May 2021, the county unveiled a historic marker that highlights Dansville’s rich history. ​Henry and one of his 12 brothers, Lloyd, found employment loading citrus at freight stations along the Seaboard Airline Railroad after arriving in Pinellas from Dawson, Georgia, in the early 1920s. In 1928, Lloyd became the first of the two to purchase property, a rarity for African Americans in the Jim Crow era. ​By 1946, Henry had purchased two 40-acre tracts. He built a home for his family and invited other African Americans to settle on the property. ​Henry began creating smaller lots for the growing, self-sufficient community. His land, subsequently known as Dansville, would eventually accommodate 80 homes, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and a store. ​A tornado swept through the area in October 1992, destroying 26 homes and damaging many others. Eggers said the county then began formalizing property lines. ​The county, after years of neglect, also helped residents rebuild and documented Dansville’s history through an award-winning oral history project. Henry’s grandson, David Baldwin, helped cut the ribbon at the park’s opening ceremony. ​“This is a really big deal,” Eggers told attendees. “A big deal to all of us, a bigger deal to all of you – the folks who live here and have wanted this for so long. I just wish you all the very best.” Efforts to establish the park began in earnest nearly 30 years ago. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Local stakeholders cut a ceremonial ribbon. The county will add a playground later this year. The community can host functions and events in the park. ​

Myiah Moody Huff (MyiahPink), founder of HappySoul Revival Inc., has built her creative practice around faith, wellness, and helping others find their voice through art. Photo Courtesy of HappySoul Revival Inc. The fourth annual Soul Revival Art Festival and Fundraiser returns with a three-day experience shaped by art, healing, wellness, and sickle cell awareness, April 17 through 19 in St. Petersburg. Founded by artist, educator, and philanthropist Myiah Moody Huff, Soul Revival has continued to grow into a cultural gathering grounded in creativity, community care, advocacy, and awareness. This year marks an important turning point for the work behind Soul Revival. With Happy Soul Revival Inc. now officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Huff is building on the momentum of the annual event while creating room for more sustained, year-round efforts rooted in creative education, mental wellness, and support for illnesses that continue to affect Black and Brown communities at disproportionate rates. Soul Revival grew from a deeply personal place for Huff, who created the event in honor of her aunt, LaMetra Moody. Watching her aunt live with and fight sickle cell disease gave Huff a firsthand understanding of how the illness can shape an entire family, and that experience became the force behind the work she would later build. Huff said LaMetra still shapes both the spirit and direction of Soul Revival, remembering her as a teacher, a woman of faith and a fighter whose perseverance left a lasting mark. “LaMetra’s legacy was one of love, joy, learning, and service,” Huff said. “Despite her struggles with sickle cell, she always found a reason to smile and put a smile on someone else’s face.” What began as a tribute has since grown into a public expression of that legacy, carrying LaMetra’s memory into a weekend that invites people into a deeper understanding of sickle cell disease and the lives it touches. Myiah Huff, right, and her sister, Sherie Moody, left, with their aunt, LaMetra Moody, whose life and legacy continue to inspire the mission behind Soul Revival. Photo Courtesy of Myiah Huff Honoring her aunt also meant widening the conversation around a disease that continues to shape far too many lives. According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States, with more than 90% of those affected identified as non-Hispanic Black or African American. The agency also reports that people living with sickle cell disease in the U.S. face an estimated life expectancy more than 20 years shorter than average, while many still struggle to access recommended screenings and treatment. That reality helped define the purpose behind Soul Revival, giving the event a foundation that reaches beyond tribute and into public understanding. That purpose is clear from the first day and continues throughout the weekend’s lineup. The weekend opens Friday, April 17, at St. Petersburg College Midtown with “Understanding Sickle Cell: Wellness, Research, and Lived Experience,” a gathering designed to ground the festival in the realities behind its mission. The opening program will bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, caregivers, wellness experts, and people living with sickle cell disease for a conversation rooted in lived experience, practical information, and a fuller understanding of the condition and the communities it affects. On Saturday, April 18, Soul Revival heads to The James Museum for “The Revival Art Gala Brunch,” where brunch, live performances, and visual art come together in a setting designed to spark conversation around healing and wellness. Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the brunch will include a panel exploring the role of art in personal and collective well-being, alongside work from local artists and performers across multiple disciplines. Huff said she hopes guests leave with something they can carry beyond the event itself. “We want people to walk away with a renewed mindset and tools in their pocket to maintain their overall wellness,” Huff said. The weekend closes Sunday, April 19, on The Deuces, where Soul Revival’s festival and fundraiser will bring the event into the heart of the community through live art, local talent, and public engagement, with The Well for Life serving as home to a pop-up gallery. Set along one of St. Petersburg’s most historic corridors, the final day puts the weekend’s purpose on full display, showing how Soul Revival continues to turn creativity into something people can experience and support in real time. This public-facing mission has also translated into measurable impact. Organizers say last year’s event raised more than $5,000 for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America St. Petersburg Chapter, and this year’s goal is $10,000. The fundraising effort supports continued work in research, education, and outreach around sickle cell disease, while reinforcing the larger purpose behind the weekend. As Huff sees it, the creative side of Soul Revival is part of what makes that possible. “Art is also a powerful way to bring people together, tell stories, and raise money,” she said. As Soul Revival enters its fourth year, the event is growing into something with a wider footprint in St. Petersburg, shaped by a three-day experience, nonprofit momentum, and a mission that reaches beyond the weekend itself. What began as Myiah Huff’s tribute to her aunt, LaMetra Moody, now stands as a public-facing expression of that legacy, one that uses art to open conversation, deepen understanding around sickle cell disease, and pour back into the community that surrounds it. To support Soul Revival, visit the organization’s website for more information on the weekend’s events and ways to contribute. Tickets are available for purchase for “The Revival Art Gala Brunch” at The James Museum, while the remaining Soul Revival events are free and open to the community. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Myiah Huff stands with family members and The president of the St. Petersburg Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Mary Murph (far right) . in front of a display highlighting sickle cell awareness. Rooted in the legacy of her late aunt, LaMetra Moody, the event’s mission is closely tied to the family’s ongoing effort to bring greater visibility to sickle cell disease and support the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America St. Petersburg Chapter. Myiah Huff with AR the Prophet, the featured artist for last year’s Revival Art Gala Brunch. AR the Prophet, an Orlando artist living with sickle cell disease, traveled to St. Petersburg for the festival and used his music and advocacy to help bring greater visibility to the condition and the experiences of those affected by it. Photo Courtesy of HappySoul Revival Inc. Community members take part in Soul Revival activities during a previous festival on The Deuces. Images Courtesy of HappySoul Revival Inc.

Ebony Vaz (second to right) with innovators and leaders at the 2022 Synapse Summit conference. The Black Innovation Leaders of Florida (BILF) is changing the economic architecture of the Tampa Bay area. With co-founder and board president Ebony Vaz at the helm, BILF works tirelessly to close the gap between local talent and established businesses, furthering the growth and expansion of Florida’s technological economy. The Black Innovation Leaders of Florida (BILF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting and providing access, education, advocacy, and technical support to Florida organizations and leaders, while also focusing on elevating innovation in the black community. As board president of BILF, Vaz leads and connects visionary leaders dedicated to architecting Florida’s future economy. “My role is to bridge the gap between complex economic systems and local talent, ensuring that resources aren’t just available but actually land in the hands of Floridians who can drive growth,” said Vaz. The nonprofit organization operates across five pillars: Capital, Talent, Education, Procurement, and Public Policy. Through these values, Vaz stated that BILF turns “theoretical frameworks” into tangible, measurable statewide impact. Founded in 2022 during Black History Month, BILF has evolved from a resource-sharing group into a robust “resource house” for the state of Florida. Some key milestones it accomplished are securing grants to hire local organizations to deliver specialized training; providing strategic public commentary to the White House and OpenAI on emerging technology and national security; and placing professionals into underfunded schools during the Great American Teach-In. In recent events, BILF is working on its 2026 Innovation Tour and, in addition, a high-impact immersive experience, “Beyond the Block: From Code to Capital”. The tour will head to Miami for BITE-CON (April 9-10), followed by Pensacola (April 17-18), with stops in Orlando and Tallahassee. Their tours will include educational offerings designed to build pathways to high-wage roles. Discussion topics featured in the tour are listed below: Innovation PD for Educators: Arming teachers with the latest AI and cybersecurity tools to modernize their classrooms. IP Launchpad: Providing the professional training necessary for entrepreneurs to protect their intellectual property. Innovation Pipeline: A comprehensive program that takes residents from entry-level positions to skilled tech professionals, fostering true economic mobility. Locally, BILF has partnered with The Skills Center, Tribaja, and Big Stage Energy to be featured on a panel titled “Culture to Commerce: How Untapped Talent Becomes Economic Infrastructure” during Tampa Bay Tech Week on Wednesday, April 8th at 12pm, at The Skills Center. Tampa Bay’s Tech Week is a multi-citywide celebration of technology, culture, and community set to connect innovators and creators alike. Vaz stated that BILF’s vision for “Florida’s innovation economy” is to serve as a force multiplier, whether by helping organizations relaunch or connecting legacy foundations with grassroots innovators. “Our roadmap is focused on building that ‘connective tissue’ across the state. We are uniting Florida’s leaders to provide the advocacy and technical education that elevates the entire state’s standing,” explained Vaz. In 2024, BILF launched its IP Launchpad Program and partnered with Kukua Institute as an official “Innovation Hub.” Designed to empower Black entrepreneurs with knowledge and resources to protect their intellectual property, their shared partnership provided innovators the chance to hold “protected, scalable assets” that would attract capital and create jobs. “Our partnership with the Kukua Institute established a physical and virtual ‘Innovation Hub’ that gives talent a platform. By combining our network with their community-rooted expertise, we’ve provided entrepreneurs with the technical tools to navigate complex legal and filing processes,” explained Vaz. The following year, BILF provided trademarked and patented education to 33 businesses, while simultaneously providing $165,000 in community savings on attorney fees and loans through its IP Launchpad program. Simultaneously, BILF’s Innovation Pipeline Project works to ensure no Floridians are left behind in the digital economy by providing access to AI and VR (Virtual Reality) through transformative workshops to the public free of charge. “By connecting residents to high-wage tech roles and training business owners in modern, tech-enabled marketing systems, we are fostering long-term wealth creation rather than temporary assistance,” said Vaz. As of 2026, BILF launched their “Last Mile Fund,” which provides final-stage support for innovators ready to cross the finish line into commercialization or in need of mentorship or employment certification. This year is full of hopeful expectations as BILF works to make Florida the international standard for inclusive economic growth. “At BILF, we aren’t just talking about the future; we are architecting it,” Vaz proudly stated. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube Ebony Vaz, Board president and Co-Founder of Black Innovation Leaders of Florida (left) and Servola Frazier, CEO of Motivate Enterprises (right) at the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM).