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Mayor Ken Welch speaking at the State of the City address 2023 (Courtesy City of St. Petersburg Flickr page) St. Pete has a workforce challenge much bigger than beleaguered Fire Chief Jim Large, who was placed on paid leave last week by Mayor Ken Welch, after findings of a recent employee climate survey, and fall out from it, painted Large as guilty of sexism, racism, and homophobia. Following the St. Pete NAACP’s call for Large’s termination, I reviewed the 240-page climate survey report by Inclusivity, LLC, with a specific focus on the experiences of Black workers. The data tell a story of two cities where – as ever – the experiences of African Americans are vastly different from those of whites who make up the majority of the City’s workforce and a super majority of its highest-ranking and highest-paid staff. Before delving into the racial differences, though, we should all take notice that across all racial and ethnic groups, the survey revealed high percentages of workers experiencing what some would call toxic conditions. Over one quarter of respondents said they have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior by their supervisor (27%), and over a third saw these behaviors from coworkers (34%). But the situation among African Americans is worse. Here are the things that stood out to me as worthy of a closer look. More African Americans are witnessing inappropriate behavior by supervisors, and many see this behavior daily Close to one-third of Black survey takers (30%) said they have seen or witnessed inappropriate behavior by their supervisor, such as intimidation, abuse, ill-treatment, and inappropriate remarks. A smaller share of whites experience these behaviors by supervisors (23%). There is an even bigger racial gap in how often workers experience inappropriate behavior by supervisors. One-third of African Americans (33%) say they see or suffer these incidents daily or weekly, versus 24% of white workers who do. Black workers are demoted & disciplined at higher rates and their jobs are less stable The climate study found that negative personnel actions, namely demotions and disciplinary actions, affect a higher percentage of Black workers than the percentage of this group in the City workforce. The report also found that Black workers were re-hired at higher rates, which signals higher turnover for African Americans and/or that more Black workers are in cyclical or temp jobs. The report did not contain data on personnel actions by race, making it impossible to gauge how severely Blacks are overrepresented in negative actions. This should be looked at more closely. The Public Works team clearly has something to say Several data points indicate that there may be major racial and cultural issues in the Public Works department, which had the largest number of Black survey respondents. First, Public Works had the second highest survey response rate among departments reported (indicating that either the department did a strong survey outreach program and/or people are itching to talk). Three out of four Public Works employees (or 76% of the department) took the survey, compared to only 40% of workers in other departments. Survey answers by Public Works employees paint a department rife with bad behavior. Public Works had the highest percentage of workers who’ve seen or suffered inappropriate behavior by supervisors (35%). The Fire Department had the second highest (33%). Likewise, Public Works had the highest ratio of workers witnessing inappropriate behavior by coworkers (41%). The problem appears not only pervasive but daily. Public Works had the second highest percentage of workers experiencing inappropriate behavior by supervisors on a daily basis (21%, second only to Neighborhood Affairs, at 28%). Whites more than others feel the City’s employment practices are racially fair When asked to react to the statement “City practices enable the success and promotion of individuals from all racial/ethnic groups,” 69% of white respondents agreed, versus only 53% of Black workers and 47% of Hispanics. There is a clear racial divide in perceptions about and/or the reality of City practices. African Americans are less convinced of the City’s commitment to equity, despite the promises of St. Pete’s first Black mayor Mayor Welch was installed as St. Pete’s first Black chief executive in January 2022. He has been unequivocable that his administration is comprehensively committed to equity and inclusion. Yet fewer Black workers believe that the City is committed to and actively promoting values and that enhance equity, and fewer believe the City is working to remove barriers. Only half of Black workers surveyed agree that the City tries to reduce bias in the workplace, versus 61% of white workers who believe the City is trying. African Americans are less convinced that the City “promotes a core set of values to enhance equity.” More than two thirds (68%) of white workers agree that the City promotes equity-enhancing values, versus 59% of African Americans. On the flip side, nearly twice as many Black workers disagreed that the City promotes such values (12% of African Americans versus 7% of whites), while 26% of Black workers were neutral (neither agreed nor disagreed) and 3% said they don’t know. Black workers are also less convinced that City leaders are “committed to advancing equity principles.” Two thirds of whites (66%) agree that the City is committed, versus 57% of black workers. More African Americans believe City rules and policies are based on biased beliefs and assumptions Nearly a third of Black workers surveyed (32%) feel that City rules and policies may be biased, which is twice as high as the ratio of white workers who perceive bias (16%). As “perception is reality,” this tells us that too many City employees are showing up to work every day for an institution they believe harbors bias. Only half of Black workers agree that the City understands the communities it serves, and half believe the City is attempting to do better About 53% of Black workers versus 66% of whites believe that City staff understands the communities it serves, “including their culture, values, norms, history, customs,” and the discrimination and exclusion they face. Barely half of Black workers agree that the City attempts to reduce bias it or its employees may have about communities served (51% of Black workers versus 64% of whites). More Black workers say it’s hard to feel close to people of other cultures Several survey questions shed light on a possible need for dialogues on race and relationship with African Americans especially, who express more interest than other groups in getting to know others’ differences, as well as more discomfort with the process. Black workers had a higher percentage of people who find it really hard to feel close to a person from another culture (11% versus 3% of whites) More African Americans said that getting to know someone from another race is generally an uncomfortable experience (11% versus 2% of whites) More African Americans said their biases and prejudices affect how they interact with people from different racial/ethnic backgrounds (16% versus 9% of whites). The challenge for Mayor Welch Despite the Mayor’s oft-repeated and highly publicized commitment to equity and inclusion, much of his workforce is not seeing his principles play out in their everyday jobs (and a too-large share of City workers appears not to know of their boss’ commitment). The challenge isn’t new and it certainly isn’t his alone. The last climate survey done, under the Kriseman administration in 2020-21, also showed signs of a struggling culture that took shape decades ago. But in the post-George Floyd context, and given the vision Welch has cast far and wide, many will be watching closely for the Mayor’s next moves. It’s positive that the 2023 climate survey got four times more responses than the one done a few years ago. It could mean that more workers tuned in this go round, possibly inspired by the Mayor’s push around the survey. If so, that too raises the bar. Mayor Welch announced in a recorded video last week that he has requested corrective action plans from department leaders to address problems in their organizations. The question remains, though: What if the departmental leader is the problem? 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 Judge Jessica Costello, as featured in Tampa Magazine’s Top 10 Under 40 (Photo: Tampa Magazine) This year, the Power Broker Magazine is celebrating Black History Month with a twist. We will continue to recognize titans and milestones from “back in the day.” But this time, we will also celebrate recent Black history and those charting historic firsts for the community. We begin with cameo coverage of 20+ historic firsts for and by local African Americans since 2010. Higher Education Dr. Tonjua Willaims (Photo: St. Petersburg College). In 2017, Dr. Tonjua Williams became the first to break a racial barrier to occupy a previously all-white chief executive role of one of the area’s largest mainstream institutions (St. Petersburg College). Economic Development Others who’ve broken the barrier include Dr. Cynthia Johnson, the first African American and first female to serve as director of economic development for Pinellas County (since 2021); and Bemetra Simmons, the first Black and first female head of the Tampa Bay Partnership (also since 2021); along with James Corbett, the first African American to head economic development for the City of St. Petersburg. Corbett’s title is City Development Administrator and he was named to the post in 2022. Philanthropy Dr. Tomalin unveiling her vision for the future of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg in Nov 2023 (Photo: Foundation). Dr. Kanika Tomalin holds several spots in the history books. She was the first African American to serve as a citywide Deputy Mayor, from 2014 to 2021, and later, from 2017 to 2021, simultaneously served as the first African American City Administrator for St. Petersburg, since the city’s transition to a strong mayor form of government. Prior to her, the late Don McRae served as the first and only Black City Manager for St. Pete, and Dr. Goliath Davis served as Deputy Mayor for the area known as Midtown. Dr. Tomalin broke another barrier in June of last year when she became the first African American to head a major philanthropic organization in Pinellas (the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg). Political & Judicial Firsts Kenneth T. Welch was elected the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg in 2021, becoming the city’s 54th chief executive. The photo above is of Mayor Welch being sworn into office. He is only the second African American elected to lead one of Florida’s top five most populous cities, if my research is accurate. Alvin Brown was the first in this category. Brown was elected as Jacksonville’s mayor in 2011. Darryl Rouson (Photo: Florida Politics). Darryl Rouson is the first African American based in St. Petersburg to serve in the Florida Senate. He was preceded by Hillsborough County’s Arthenia Joyner, who held the seat from 2006 to 2016. House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, seen here at a Democratic Party event in July 2022(Photo: Tampa Bay Times). Fentrice Driskell was elected Florida House Democratic Leader in 2022 and is the first Black woman to serve in the role. The Hillsborough Democrat leads the caucus through 2024. St. Petersburg City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders, and Councilmembers Richie Floyd and John Muhammad (Photos: City of St. Pete). The St. Petersburg City Council gave us four recent historic firsts for African Americans. One, 2022 marked the first time in St. Pete history that three African Americans were seated at the same time – current Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders (left above), member Richie Floyd (center) and member John Muhammad (right). Two, in 2021, Figgs-Sanders became the first African American ever elected to represent District 5 (a majority-white district). She is running for re-election this year. Three, Muhammad is the first Muslim American to serve on the body. He was appointed to the District 7 seat in late 2022 and recently announced that he will not seek election to continue in the role. And four, Floyd is the first African American to represent District 8, which is adjacent to and north of District 7. Rene Flowers and supporters announcing the endorsement of Chris King in 2020 during her run for the Pinellas County Commission (Photo: Spectrum Bay News 9) Rene Flowers has made history several times, most recently as the only African American to be elected to three legislative bodies in Pinellas County. Flowers has served on the St. Petersburg City Council (where she was the first Black female Chair) and the Pinellas County School Board, and at present, is a Pinellas County Commissioner (the first Black female elected to the role). Judge Moore being interviewed by Spectrum Bay News 9 in 2022. (Photo: Spectrum Bay News 9) St. Petersburg native Judge Patrice Moore also claims a first Black female status. She was elected as Circuit Court Judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in 2010 and is the first African American female to serve in this capacity. Moore was re-elected in 2016. Judge Costello, as featured in Tampa Magazine’s Top 10 Under 40 lineup in 2022 (Photo: Tampa Magazine) Judge Jessica Costello was appointed in 2019 to serve as a Hillsborough County jurist, making her one of the youngest judges in Florida and the first Black woman appointed to the Hillsborough bench in 20 years. Costello was 34 at the time. The Non-Profit Sector Gaskin-Capehart speaking on the need for ownership opportunities at the Historic Gas Plant in Dec 2023 (Photo: Tampa Bay Rays) Last September, we saw the historic first female appointment of Nikki Gaskin Capehart as CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League. She has announced her intent to take the agency in bold new directions, while building on the legacy of her predecessor, the late Rev. Watson Haynes. As it happens, the League scored another first this January when Dr. Tonjua Williams became Chair of the board, which created the first-ever female CEO-Chair leadership duo for the agency. Rev J.C. Pritchett (third from right) at his Legacy Awards dinner in February 2024, with, from left to right, Mrs. Karen Pritchett, and this year’s honorees, Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Janice Starling, Bemetra Simmons and Leon Russell In 2021, Rev. J.C. Pritchett was appointed as the first African American president of the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club. Pritchett also serves as president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. (Photo: Dr. Sandra Braham) Dr. Sandra Braham made history as the first African American CEO of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (2016 to present). She charted another history milestone as the first Black female Chair of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber board of directors (2021 & 2022). Braham is also one of only two individuals in modern history to serve in the role for more than one year. The first African American to Chair the Chamber board was Dr. Ricardo Davis, in 1996. Business & Corporate Troy Taylor speaking on secrets of success in 2018 (Photo: Magzter) Businessman Troy Taylor claims two historic firsts. One, as the first African American CEO in the Tampa Bay region to surpass business revenues of $1 billion (his Coca-Cola Beverages Florida took in $1.5 billion in 2021). And two, in 2015, Taylor’s enterprise became the first franchise awarded to a new owner in the Coca-Coca network in 60 years. Starting in 2010 through 2015, St. Petersburg native Bridgette Heller (above left) served as Executive Vice President of Merck & Co. and President of Merck Consumer Care, making her the first local African American to hold a top executive role with a Fortune 100 corporation. Heller held top exec roles with two other Fortune 500 brands – as one-time President of Johnson & Johnson’s Global Baby Business Unit, and most recently, in a several roles with Danone, including Executive Vice President of its Early Life division (2016) and in the dual role of Executive VP of the Advanced Medical Nutrition division (2017) and president of Danone’s Nutricia division. Valerie Stafford-Powell is the first African American female to serve as CEO of a St. Pete-based corporate employer. She is president and chief executive officer of HCA Florida Northside Hospital, a role previously held by Dia Nichols, from 2013 to 2019. Nicholas is a Black male and was the first African American CEO of the hospital. 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’s Black population is shrinking at a rapid pace, according to U.S. Census data released on December 7th. The city’s African American population shrank for a fourth year in a row in 2022. From 2018 to 2022, St. Pete lost 10% of its Black population, while the rest of Pinellas County experienced double-digit Black population growth, and Florida had 7% growth in Black residents. A report released this week by Urban Market Analytics (UMA) shows that outmigration is the biggest contributor to the trend, which means that more African Americans are moving out of the city than the number moving in. St. Pete had negative net migration of African Americans for 10 of the past 12 years of census data available, but the Black exodus rate reached record highs over the past three years. The trend appears to be strongest among younger and college-educated African Americans. A local survey project is hoping to discover why Black residents are leaving St. Pete. Among 20 African Americans who previewed the report to lend perspective, over three-quarters speculate that housing costs are to blame, and nearly two-thirds say that lack of employment and business opportunities for African Americans is a factor. Rents and home prices in St. Petersburg have skyrocketed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading many to seek out less expensive markets. Some are relocating to nearby cities such as Clearwater and Largo (which are among 15 cities in Pinellas that saw significant Black population growth over the past decade). But a large portion are leaving Pinellas County altogether. Anecdotes collected by the Power Broker suggest that Atlanta, New York, Miami, and Washington, D.C., are among the cities attracting young professionals and other African Americans from St. Pete. Closer to home, St. Pete has lost Black residents to Bradenton, Palmetto, Brandon, and Tampa. Ashon Nesbitt, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, identifies himself as one of many in his age group who left the city. The 43-year old St. Pete native says housing costs and shortages are a key issue, but also points to cultural factors. His opinion: “I think retaining and growing the Black population will take a multi-pronged approach. The more our kids pursue education and training in jobs that are growing in the city, the more they see themselves in the local culture, the more they will stay.” Nesbitt, who now lives in Tallahassee, continued, “Projects like the redevelopment of the Deuces (22nd Street South) and cultural events that take place there are important not only for their economic value, but for their cultural impact – becoming the destination for younger people to build connections with others and in effect with the city.” Reasons for the trend may soon become clearer. The Power Broker Magazine is asking current and former African American residents of St. Pete to take an opinion survey to help identify top factors driving the city’s Black population losses. The survey is also open to African Americans who currently or previously worked in St. Petersburg. Watch for a report on survey results in January 2024. In the meantime: Click here to take the survey (and please share with others); Click here to for the new report on African Americans leaving St. Pete in record numbers; and Feel free to email me your thoughts and questions at gypsy@powerbrokermagazine.com. 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

For much of its history, the Black population of Pinellas County was a fairly homogenous mix of mostly native-born and Southern US-born African Americans. Though a few Black diaspora groups have had a visible presence here for many years –namely Jamaicans, and more recently Haitians – the foreign-born and diaspora communities were only a fractional share of Pinellas’ Black population on the whole. In 1990, for example, only 3% of Pinellas’ Black population was foreign-born, compared to a 13% share across Florida. Today, the community is much changed. The latest Census data show that the Black foreign-born population of Pinellas doubled over the past decade, to 10,000, while the number of Black residents who claim ancestry from outside the US – including descendants of immigrants – stands at roughly15,800. Pinellas still ranks last among Florida’s 10 most populous counties for the size of itsBlack foreign-born and diaspora populations, but from 2010 to 2021, Pinellas had one of the highest growth rates for these groups. The Black foreign-born group grew by 81% (compared with 27% across Florida) and theBlack diaspora grew by 119%. Regions & Countries Represented Beyond numeric growth, Pinellas County’s Black diaspora is becoming more diverse in ethnicity and nationality. The Power Broker Media Group cross referenced three Census data tables to identifycountries of origin for Pinellas’ Black population (see data notes section below). Combined, the three tables show that the county’s Black population hails from at least54 countries outside US borders – a major increase over the 31 home countries thatwere identifiable in 2010 Census data. In terms of world regions, most Black residents of Pinellas who claim non-US ancestry are from countries in the Caribbean (70%) or Africa (17%). But a surprising number were born in Europe (380), Latin America (1,354) and Asia(106). By country of origin or ancestry, the top five largest Black ethnic groups in Pinellas are those who identify as Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian & Tobagonian, Nigerian and SouthAfrican (in that order). Top origin countries from the Caribbean – apart from the three above – were theBahamas, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada, one of the islands devastated byHurricane Beryl last week. From the Motherland, Pinellas’ Black residents claim ancestry from 20 African countries in all. Besides Nigeria and South Africa in the top five, these include Ghana, DemocraticRepublic of Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Liberia and Cameroon. Closer to home, many of Pinellas’ Black residents are from primarily Spanish-speaking countries that include Cuba, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Ecuador. From Europe and Asia, Black Pinellas residents were born in Jordan, Germany,England, and other parts of the United Kingdom. Click here for a report with population counts for all 54 non-US origin countries. Table: Top 20 Ancestral Homelands of Pinellas’ Black Population Country No. of Residents % of Black Diaspora 1 Jamaica 5,975 55% 2 Haiti 3,517 32% 3 Trinidad and Tobago 736 6.7% 4 Nigeria 563 5.2% 5 South Africa 394 3.6% 6 Cuba 364 3.3% 7 United Kingdom 292 2.7% 8 Bahamas 251 2.3% 9 Guatemala 191 1.7% 10 Ghana 187 1.7% 11 Democratic Republic of Congo 180 1.6% 12 Dominican Republic 172 1.6% 13 Venezuela 164 1.5% 14 Barbados 144 1.3% 15 Kenya 138 1.3% 16 Ethiopia 132 1.2% 17 Ecuador 120 1.1% 18 Cameroon 108 1.0% 19 Liberia 108 1.0% 20 Brazil 89 0.8% New Connections Taking Shape Some local groups are working to build cultural, business and social connections within the increasingly diverse community. The Pinellas County Urban League is sponsoring a Trade Mission to the Motherland for a delegation of 16 entrepreneurs to tour business opportunities in Ghana. The trip is set for February 2025. St. Pete native Kristin Tellis Quaye now lives in Ghana and co-owns Certified Africawith her husband Nii. The company hosts tours for African Americans and others visiting Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, and other countries. The Haitian American Foundation for Democracy has included Pinellas in its outreach plan to engage more of the Haitian diaspora in advocacy for new US-Haiti policies. We are likely to see more new diaspora connections emerge in the years ahead. Trends point to continued growth for the Black diaspora in Pinellas County. Discover More Read the new report – Pinellas County’s Black Foreign-Born & DiasporaPopulations Doubled in Past Decade. Watch for the Power Broker’s upcoming interview with local professionals and business owners from six Caribbean and African countries sharing their lived experience in theUS and Pinellas County. Data Notes The table above draws from three different US Census tables. It includes Census counts of both the foreign-born and US-born members of two groups – Jamaicans andHaitians. For all other groups, figures are the higher of a) counts of those who wrote-in their ethnicity (e.g., Nigerian) in a new field offered by the 2020 Census, or b) counts of foreign-born residents by their country of birth. Most ethnic groups are larger than the numbers above suggest. US Census tables used for this report include: American Community Survey Table B05001 Nativity and Citizenship Status in theUS (2021 5-Year Estimates) for Jamaicans and Haitians Decennial Census Detailed Demographic & Housing Characteristics File A TableT01001 Total Population (2020) American Community Survey Table B05006 Place of Birth for the Foreign-BornPopulation in the US (2021 5-Year Estimates) Census of Population Social and Economic Characteristics Florida Section 1 of 3Table 153 Geographic Mobility, Community, and Industry of Employed Persons byRace ad Hispanic Origin (1990) 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

Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, president of the Pinellas County Urban League, said she has never seen such a demand for emergency services in her three years of leading the organization. All images: Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s office. Federal policies and the war in Iran have exacerbated affordability issues, which are now a top-of-mind concern for people from all walks of life. ​As of Wednesday morning, the average price for gas in Tampa Bay was $4.16 per gallon. Most tenants still pay over $2,000 in monthly rent, and homeownership remains an elusive dream for many residents. ​Exorbitant food and energy costs increased by nearly 3% year-over-year in March. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor wanted to hear the personal stories behind the statistics before returning to the nation’s capital to advocate on behalf of exasperated constituents. ​Castor hosted the People’s Hearing on High Prices on April 9 at St. Petersburg College’s Midtown Center. The event followed a marathon tour of Tampa Bay as the congresswoman announced $17.32 million in Community Project Funding awards for 13 initiatives. ​“I know it is so expensive and rough out there these days,” Castor said after the event. “That’s why I’ve been so focused during the spring work period here at home to deliver investments to help lower the cost of living.” ​Castor added that she is “doing everything in my power to help bring a little bit of relief around here.” She will also “fight to put guardrails around the Trump administration’s costly and reckless agenda.” ​The president’s “war of choice” is costing the nation billions of dollars weekly, Castor noted. She believes that money should instead be spent supporting communities. “You deserve so much better.” ​Here are some comments, slightly edited for clarity and brevity, from residents who spoke at the People’s Hearing on High Prices: ​Jabaar Edmond, co-founder of Community Development and Training Center, said affordability issues are no longer relegated to typically impoverished neighborhoods. The problem has spread to the suburbs and downtown condominiums, he added, and it is now common to see luxury vehicles waiting in line at food pantries. ​“Desperate people do desperate things,” Edmond warned. “And I’m seeing more people become desperate.” ​Dr. Nichole Pena-Miller, senior director of financial security for United Way Suncoast, said it is nearly impossible for people to thrive when they are “struggling just to survive.” She noted that 46% of all Tampa Bay residents “don’t make enough to make ends meet.” ​“In Pinellas County, a family of four with two children in child care needs to make over $108,000 a year to afford basic necessities,” Pena-Miller said. ​Maureen Cacioppo, owner of Florida Pure Sea Salt, said tariffs have increased the cost of key materials that small businesses rely on for packaging and shipping. “At the same time, gas prices have created a ripple effect across everything that we do.” ​“Small businesses like mine don’t have the margins to absorb constant increases,” Cacioppo continued. “But we do have the ability to create jobs, strengthen local economies, and contribute to something bigger.” ​Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, president of the Pinellas County Urban League, said she has never seen such a demand for emergency services in her three years of leading the organization. She also noted the term “affordability crisis” is much more than a political buzzword. ​“This is a very heavy time in our community,” Gaskin-Capehart said. “We know that people are at their wits’ end.” ​St. Pete resident Aleyah Conway said she, like many younger adults, thought that graduating from college and doing “all the right things” would enable her to buy a home. Promises of financial security for her and her family remain unfulfilled. ​“It just isn’t happening,” said Conway, who now works two jobs. “I’m very concerned about what this means for the future of my children.” ​Castor told the speakers that their emotional stories reinvigorated her to “speak truth to power” in Washington, D.C. She also pledged that the ongoing dialogue would continue “until we change things.” ​“It does not have to be this hard in the United States of America,” Castor said. “It simply does not.” U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (foreground) hugs St. Pete resident Michelle Mastrototaro, who emotionally described how she struggles to afford her child’s healthcare, at the People’s Hearing on High Prices. 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

Gary Hartfield hopes to become the first Black mayor in the City of Tampa’s 139-year history. Photo by Octavio Jones. Gary Hartfield is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader, and author. What he is not – a career politician – may serve him best in what he hopes is his next role: Mayor of Tampa. ​Hartfield is among 10 candidates vying to replace Mayor Jane Castor in 2027. Bob Buckhorn, the most recent person to file and perhaps the top contender, already led the city from 2011 to 2019. ​“I’m not coming in with politics as usual,” Hartfield told Power Broker Magazine. “I’m coming in to listen, engage, and deliver results, which is what I think our city deserves from its next CEO and mayor. I’m focused on practical solutions, not platitudes and empty promises.” ​Hartfield noted that Tampa, like the nation, is at a pivotal moment. He plans to ensure that all residents from every corner of the city are heard and included in the city’s future. ​Ensuring that Tampa’s growth is “working for everyone, not just a few,” is a priority. Hartfield wants to create a generational impact that endures long after he leaves office. ​“I get to make a difference in this tough time in our country’s history,” he added. ​A successful campaign would make local history. Tampa has not had an African American mayor in its 139-year history. ​Hartfield believes Florida’s third-largest city is inclusive and would welcome its first Black mayor. He also realizes that the title would come with “a lot of responsibility, not only to do a great job in the role we’ve been charged with … but also to represent the African American community and all other communities in a way that allows for the continued success of all citizens.” ​“We want to ensure that we do a great job and that we continue to keep the door open for others to follow,” he concluded. ​Hartfield founded the All Hart Foundation and is the CEO and chairperson of Empower Florida, both nonprofit organizations. He also owns Serenity Village Insurance & Consulting. ​Hartfield has served on the governing boards for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas, and multiple other organizations. He said small businesses are “near and dear to my heart.” ​Expanding access to resources and capital is a campaign priority. Hartfield noted that incentives can not only attract new companies but also help ensure existing small businesses thrive. ​He also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, both to bolster Tampa’s small business ecosystem and provide much-needed workforce housing. Hartfield would “love to see our healthcare systems come to the table” and help address his second campaign focus. ​The goal is to ensure that healthcare workers “don’t have to traverse an hour each way in and out of the city,” he said. “There’s a way to do that, because there is a direct return on investment for our employers to have a vested interest.” ​Additional campaign priorities include expanding homeownership and entrepreneurial opportunities to promote long-term stability and economic security. Hartfield also plans to earn the trust of constituents through accessibility, responsiveness, and results-driven governance. ​“I’m the founder of the organizations that I’ve been privileged to serve the community with, both as an employer and a philanthropist,” he said. “It takes a different skill set to build an organization from the ground up. It takes innovation, it takes resilience, and it takes know-how.” ​Hartfield said that experience will directly translate to serving as Tampa’s chief executive. He is also a devoted father who “thinks about stability and access to opportunities for the next generation.” ​A crowded and diverse field of candidates is ultimately a benefit for the city, Hartfield said. He believes each challenger brings innovative ideas to the race, and that his primary opponent is “simply the issues.” ​“It’s simply, how do I make Gary Hartfield the best resource for the city?” he explained. “My race is me against me, and how do I provide the best solutions for the City of Tampa?” ​While Hartfield stressed that his nonprofit and campaign remain unaffiliated, the All Hart Foundation is sponsoring a production at Stage Works Theater on Thursday evening. The play, THE MEETING, highlights the relationship between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. ​Hartfield’s campaign will host an official launch party in the “near future,” he pledged. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote on March 2, 2027, the mayoral race will head to a runoff election on April 27. 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 Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition has received approval to build a small business village out of shipping containers in the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area. Image: CULC. A nonprofit dedicated to uplifting a long-neglected, predominantly African American community in Clearwater has received the green light to create a culturally rooted economic engine out of shipping containers. ​Tentatively dubbed The Village, the Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition’s (CULC) forward-thinking project received unanimous and enthusiastic approval from the city’s Community Development Board on Tuesday. The overarching goal is to mitigate barriers that have historically sidelined local entrepreneurs. ​The CULC will now transform a vacant .34-acre property within the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) into a vibrant, mixed-use plaza. Executive director Gloria Campbell said the organization would have shipping containers on-site by the end of the year, with affordable storefronts opening at the underutilized intersection of N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Tangerine Street in early 2027. ​“We actually have more people interested than we have spaces, which is a good thing,” Campbell said. “We’ll be building the infrastructure to bring some of those businesses along, so as tenants move to better, bigger facilities, we’ll be able to infill those with new tenants.” Members of the North Greenwood Leadership Coalition, including Executive Director Gloria Campbell (second from right), Board Chair Jai Henson (second from back left), and Board Member Marilyn Turman (second from front left), pose with community supporters Carl Lavendar (left), senior advisor for Power Broker, Annette Douglas (center), Sean Cashen (right), and Tawny Castle (back left). Photo: CULC. ​Campbell said the CULC is finalizing agreements with 10 tenants, the maximum. Anticipated operations include 2,240 square feet of restaurant and bar space, 960 square feet of retail sales and services, and an 8,800-square-foot outdoor gathering area, according to city documents. ​Six large tree planters and other landscaping along the site’s north and east boundaries will serve as a buffer. The project will feature a total of 14 shade or accent trees, several shrubs, and a 100-square-foot landscaped area on the property’s southwest corner. ​The outdoor gathering space will include benches, tables, and a stage for live music, presentations, readings, displays, and exhibits. “Collectively, these enhancements will significantly improve the overall appearance of the site and contribute positively to the surrounding area,” wrote city staff. ​According to the project website, utilizing shipping containers as storefronts will significantly reduce entry costs and development timelines. Sharing infrastructure, including utilities, seating, and technology, will decrease operational overhead for tenants. ​“This is a branded village that celebrates legacy and neighborhood pride, creating a destination that is both economically productive and culturally meaningful,” the website states. “It creates a dedicated home for retail and food-service innovation, activates community gathering spaces, and strengthens the commercial identity of North Greenwood as a premier destination for commerce, culture, and connection.” A current view of the property at 1317 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Clearwater. Image: Google. ​Development Board Member Michael Lucius and his colleagues expressed excitement to see the much-anticipated project come to fruition. “I’ve seen these in different parts of the country, from California to North Carolina,” he said. ​“It’s nice to see them, because it does attract and bring people in as a gathering spot,” Lucius continued. “So, we wish you all the best success.” ​City planner Ted Kozak noted that the unique project has been in development for several years. “It has been a lot of work - a lot of push, a lot of shove,” he said. ​Over 20 community organizations and individuals joined forces to create the CULC. The coalition’s mission is to promote business development, wellness, self-sufficiency, literacy, education, and resilience in the North and South Greenwood CRAs, according to its website. ​The CULC, which first proposed establishing the CRA, notes that historically, government funding “has not trickled down to the grass roots community where the difference can be recognized, impacted, and felt.” In February 2025, the city allocated $500,000 to the shipping container project, formerly known as The Grove @1105. The project’s site plan highlights the landscaping buffer. ​Campbell said on Monday that “The Village” will remain part of the project’s name. “What we use as a tag, we’re still deciding. We’re refining that now based on some recommendations from St. Petersburg College. They did a consulting project for us a few months ago.” ​Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) has also pledged to lend its “small business assistance expertise” to the project. Stakeholders expect it to create over 100 jobs, with an emphasis on youth and workforce development. ​“This is the first new business facility to be built in the North Greenwood area in 50 years,” Campbell told PCED. “It was once a thriving black business hub, and our goal is to stimulate business growth in the area to become a beacon of hope for generations to come.” ​The CULC has also launched a $100,000 capital fundraising campaign. “This is not charity; this is community ownership,” the website states. Campbell said on Tuesday that “you too can be part of the village” by supporting the cause. ​A free “Taste of the Village” event is on Monday, June 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the North Greenwood Recreation Center. Attendees will receive a first look at what is coming to The Village. For more information on the Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition, visit the website here. 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.

Mark Ferguson, owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, expects business to increase by 30% when the Tampa Bay Rays return to St. Petersburg. Photo by Mark Parker. Baseball will soon return to St. Petersburg for the first time since September 2024, and tickets to see the Tampa Bay Rays on Opening Day have nearly sold out. ​A freshly repaired Tropicana Field will likely reach its 25,025-seat capacity, without the upper deck, throughout the season-opening homestand that begins on April 6. Thousands more will watch the Rays face the Chicago Cubs from local establishments, which is welcome news to the ears of many business owners who were impacted by the storm-displaced Rays spending the 2025 season in Tampa. ​Mayor Ken Welch called the return of Major League Baseball a “huge economic boost” for St. Petersburg. He also believes it will benefit the city’s psyche. ​“We can look at the Trop and realize we can take on big challenges – what some people might say are insurmountable challenges – and overcome them,” Welch told Power Broker Magazine. “A lot of folks didn’t have faith that we could get this done. That’s going to be a point of celebration and pride, I think, for the community.” ​Mark Ferguson, owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, expects a 30% boost in revenues when the Rays return. ​A tunnel underneath 1st Avenue South connects his business with Tropicana Field. Ferguson said stakeholders “could not ask for a better team to open with” than the Cubs, known for their large fan base. He will transform a parking lot into “Wrigleyville South,” a nod to the district centered around Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field, throughout the three-game homestand that begins on April 6. ​Ferguson is installing replicas of the stadium’s outfield walls, complete with ivy, and has spent the past two months securing marketing partnerships with establishments in Chicago. The goal is to ensure “all the northern people know they’re invited,” and maximize business following last year’s downturn. ​“It means a lot to all my employees, to their families – they missed out last year on a baseball season,” Ferguson said. “Now it’s back, and we can get back to normal. It was a slow, hot summer without baseball.” ​The city is again offering free shuttles via the Looper from downtown to Tropicana Field during every home game. Eric Carlson, transportation director for the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, has served as the service’s administrator since 1995. ​Carlson said he has received several calls from “very loyal fans of the trolley” inquiring about the return of the service. He has also secured three coach buses “because our little trolleys can’t handle the Opening Day crowd.” A map of the free shuttle service. Image provided. Shuttle service begins at 2 p.m. on April 6, two hours prior to the game, and will continue for an hour after the final out. The two trolleys and three buses will pick up fans approximately every five minutes. ​“It doesn’t necessarily reduce the demand for parking, but it certainly does spread it out,” Carlson said. “There is a lot of parking at Tropicana Field … However, sometimes it’s not enough.” ​He said the Trop’s lots will reach capacity on Opening Day, and digital signage will direct attendees to downtown garages and the free shuttle service. Carlson expects a “mad rush” for the service, particularly “given we lost the last season to Hurricane Milton.” ​“With five vehicles on that route, certainly the frequency is very high,” he said. “So we can get back and forth and move people quickly and efficiently.” 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

If you live in zip code 33712, you could be eligible for up to $10,000 in home renovation support, the Pinellas County Urban League (PCUL) announced on Wednesday. The funding is part of the Home Resilient & Ready Collective (HRRC), an initiative led by the PCUL and funded by Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. The goal of the initiative is to make the city’s homes and neighborhoods safer and healthier. The HRRC will support home improvements such as repairing roofs and plumbing, sealing air leaks, fixing windows and doors, and improving heating and cooling systems. To help lead the program and rally additional support, the PCUL is recruiting a Healthy Homes Community Action Group. The group will serve a short-term task force to create a community-driven resilience action plan to advocate for long-term policy change around neighborhood revitalization. Residents of Wildwood Heights, Jordan Park, Deuces Live, and Highland Oaks neighborhoods are invited to join the Action Group. “This is your community, and this project is built around your needs, your priorities, and your future,” wrote Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, president and CEO of the PCUL. “Together, we will identify challenges, co-create solutions, and equip residents with the tools to build lasting resilience.” . To see if you qualify for renovation funding, complete the Healthy Home survey; and to register to take part in the Healthy Homes Community Action Group, click here.

Stetson Law Pathways to Justice Academy for teens application is now open to students ages 15 to 17 in the Tampa Bay area. Photo courtesy of Stetson University College of Law Stetson University College of Law’s Pathways to Justice Academy youth summer application is now open to students ages 15 to 17 in the Tampa Bay area. Local high school students will have the chance to participate in this immersive, hybrid program that provides real-world experience in the legal system and public policy through a one-week course. Civics education takes on a new look with candid conversations, workshops led by legal professionals, and sessions designed to empower students to develop their leadership skills. Pathways to Justice Academy celebrates its fifth year of placing students face-to-face with judges, activists, and attorneys working within a range of specialties, and others passionate about creating positive social change. Through this interactive program, students learn about the critical role young people played during the Civil Rights Movement and other transformative moments throughout history, while simultaneously witnessing firsthand how legal professionals can help advance important social causes. Though the program is structured for one week, participants can extend their stay beyond the curated process. Stetson’s aligned partnership with Community Tampa Bay's ANYTOWN® Advocacy Academy Program allows interested participants to continue benefiting from mentorship and engagement throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. The program runs from Monday, July 13th, to Friday, July 17th, and can be attended via Zoom or in person at Stetson Law's main campus in Gulfport, Florida. In-person participation in pre-program orientation will be held on Saturday, July 11th. Participation is free for all selected applicants. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 15th. Selected applicants for the program and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified directly via email and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to sign a Consent Form to confirm their participation. Please email youthcivicprogram@law.stetson.edu if you have any questions. Learn more and apply. 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.

Video of a Hillsborough County teacher hanging a Black doll from a television on Monday has since gone viral. Images: Screengrabs, Facebook. An art teacher in Hillsborough County has been removed from her classroom following a disturbing incident where she appeared to wrap a charger cord around the neck of a Black doll and hang it from a television. ​The incident, which occurred on Monday, was captured on video by a student and subsequently shared by their mother on Facebook. The now-viral footage shows Karen Savage, a Caucasian art teacher at Barrington Middle School, tossing the babydoll near a cord over a TV set and leaving it to hang while students in the background react with nervous laughter and shock. ​Nina Williams, who shared the video, wrote that when students questioned the display, Savage "laughed it off.” According to Williams, the teacher’s excuse was that she wanted to “get their attention.” ​“This is NOT a classroom management tool,” Williams continued. “This is straight-up hate and trauma being weaponized in front of our children where they are supposed to be safe.” ​Williams noted that the incident deeply affected students of all races and cultures, who "stood united" to gather evidence and provide school administrators with official statements. The post has garnered nearly a million views in roughly a day. ​Hillsborough County Superintendent Van Ayres confirmed Savage’s removal in an official statement released Tuesday afternoon. He also called the incident "inappropriate and highly offensive.” ​“The content of this display is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our school community, or me as your superintendent, and will not be tolerated,” Van Ayres said. “We are committed to fostering a caring, supportive learning environment where every student feels respected, valued, and safe. We recognize that incidents like this cause concern among students, families, and the broader community. ​“Please know that I take this matter extremely seriously and will continue to address it with transparency and urgency.” Karen Savage has been removed from her classroom, and an investigation is ongoing. ​Savage will not return to Barrington Middle, located in a suburban community approximately 20 miles southeast of Tampa, while the district’s Office of Professional Standards investigates the incident. Williams told WTSP that she appreciates the district’s swift action and hopes the teacher “never gets to return to another school in any county in any state.” ​“That is not something that I expected my children in 2026 to ever have to deal with seeing - a lynching, whether it was real or fake,” Williams said. “The whole image is just horrific. This is something they (students) will never forget. This will be with my son for the rest of his life.” ​Her son, Noah Williams, explained that Savage confiscated the doll from a classmate. Stunned students quickly told the teacher that her subsequent display was “wrong and racist.” ​The teacher claimed it was a joke before removing the hanging doll. Noah, 14, said he decided to record the teacher lowering the baby as evidence to hold Savage, 63, accountable. ​Noah later reported the incident to school administrators. He alleges that Savage followed him to the student affairs office and spoke over him as he attempted to explain the situation. ​“It was really disturbing,” Noah told WTSP. “I hope that she’s not allowed to teach again. Because she shouldn’t be allowed to teach if she does things like that.” 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.

Photo shared by Maiya Papaya Start February on a high note with Afro Opera’s third annual Black History Month Concert, “A Message From the Roots” – a free event at St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church on February 1st, at 4 PM. St. Petersburg native and opera singer Maiya Stevenson will serenade music lovers at this year’s concert, which highlights African American composers, performers, and Black artistry in classical music. The all-African American cast will feature Ashley Thunder and Kevin D. Mitchell from the St. Petersburg Opera Company, with Yohance Wicks accompanying on piano. Stevenson founded Afro Opera in 2017 as a company dedicated to honoring diversity in classical music by “showcasing works from underrepresented composers,” while intertwining captivating storytelling performances to inspire audiences from different walks of life. Their mission statement also touches on how the company actively serves as a cultural ambassador for “inclusivity in classical music, providing transformative performances and educational opportunities that connect communities to the universal beauty of music.” “One of the most significant barriers Afro Opera has broken is the belief that artists must wait for institutional approval to succeed…Afro Opera challenges that narrative,” said Stevenson. “While Afro Opera may not yet be at the stage of completely dismantling industry-wide barriers, it has intentionally created space to showcase underrepresented Black talent. Afro Opera is open to working with artists of all backgrounds, but I am deliberate about ensuring that our Black History Month concerts feature an all–African American cast.” Stevenson also spoke on important lessons she’s learned founding the company – including actively supporting other artists. “Showing up matters. Your presence, your encouragement, and your representation make a difference, even when the artist may not realize it in the moment.” She also believes in giving back. “I’ve noticed that attaching ticket prices to performances can unintentionally place a cap on how people perceive the value of the work. Some of my most successful concerts have been donation-based.” Stevenson said she has learned to focus less on the quantity of supporters and more on the quality of support. “Early on, I worried about attendance numbers, but I quickly learned that some of my greatest opportunities came from people who attended my smallest shows.” As far as considering her artistry as a universal experience, she says it’s important not to “limit your audience,” noting that though her work centers Black artistry, her “biggest supporters” come from many different cultures. Nearly a decade after its founding, Afro Opera has retained a strong community following. As the company continues to push the boundaries in the music field, Stevenson welcomes new opportunities to educate, transform, and provide an inclusive space for artists to thrive in the classical musical genre. “I envision Afro Opera expanding to present five to six concerts annually, not only in St. Petersburg but across other cities and states. Our goal is to establish signature yearly performances,” said Stevenson. “Long-term, Afro Opera aims to package these concerts and offer them to venues, churches, corporations, and cultural organizations nationwide—and eventually internationally. Growth, for Afro Opera, means visibility, sustainability, and opportunity for Black classical artists.” Stevenson says that Afro Opera will continue to help artists create, perform, and thrive on their own terms. You don’t want to miss this free event. Join the fun and come out to Afro Opera’s concert on February 1st, 4 PM. 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.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

The Tallahassee resident and Parliament-Funkadelic superstar takes on a music industry giant George Clinton, the funk pioneer who has called Tallahassee home for more than three decades, filed a federal lawsuit on May 15, against UMG Recordings, alleging the record company unlawfully froze more than $1.1 million in royalties owed to Clinton. The 20-page complaint — available at via Music Business Worldwide — accuses UMG of breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Clinton alleges that UMG has withheld his royalties across at least 12 separate accounts for more than three years, using a third-party copyright dispute as a pretext. The underlying dispute involves the estate of the late Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell, which claimed co-ownership of certain recordings. In September 2025, a federal judge ruled in Clinton’s favor on summary judgment. Yet, UMG has continued its freeze on payments to the 84-year old artist, which Clinton’s complaint notes has caused him “severe financial harm.” As of December 2025, the frozen funds include more than $996,000 in a Parliament royalty account alone, $99,000 in a separate Clinton production account, and $29,500 from Clinton’s production work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The latter have no connection whatsoever to the original Worrell dispute. Since 1994, Clinton has made Tallahassee, Florida, his permanent home. His property, set on a dirt road a few miles north of the city, features live oaks, a carp pond, a pool house he uses as a painting studio, and a full recording studio. In February 2024, Mayor John Dailey presented Clinton with a key to the city, recognizing his three decades of contributions to the community. In 2025, he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame by the Florida Department of State. Clinton is also an honorary member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. FAMU and FSU chapters of the fraternity shared the stage with him at his inaugural P-Funk Fest in Tallahassee in 2026. 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 to right: Christian Pyror Hurst, Mendee Ligon, Tamisha Darling-Roberson, Carolyn Brayboy, and Shawntavia Turner at Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge for W.I.R.E. Photo by J.A. Jones. Last month, the Pinellas County Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) hosted the W.I.R.E. (Women Investing in Real Estate) event at Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge in St. Pete. Pinellas County Association of Realtists (PCAR) President Tamisha Darling-Roberson moderated the panel, featuring Black Leaf owner Christian Pryor Hurst, real estate broker Shawntavia Turner, and real estate investors Carolyn Brayboy and Mendee Ligon. “Tonight you’re hearing from people who didn’t just talk about investing. They moved, they took risks, they figured it out along the way; because the difference between those who build wealth and those who keep watching is a decision,” said Darling-Roberson. The women shared their individual paths toward real estate investing, sharing topics from credit preparation to available down payment assistance programs, to ensure attendees left feeling more informed, prepared, and another step closer to making homeownership their reality. For Turner, the journey toward not only investing in real estate but also being able to help others learn the ropes of buying property and land is furthered through her real estate school, Turnkey School of Real Estate. Turner is a cornerstone in her community for educating people about homeownership. She has been the owner and broker of Turnkey Real Estate Brokerage since its inception in 2015. She later opened Turnkey School of Real Estate in 2018, where she serves as the main instructor, guiding individuals on the ins and outs of the real estate field. “I’m such an advocate for access and educating our community - that’s why I started the real estate school,” said Turner. Turner’s brokerage operates with a staff of over 25 realtors, all committed to fostering homeownership in the Tampa Bay area. The firm offers a multitude of in-house services, including individual and commercial financing, property management, and credit repair. “We can walk you through the entire process of getting you financially approved and also represent you on the sale side of your purchase,” Turner explained. Beyond her brokerage, Turner’s real estate school offers Florida-approved pre-licensing courses through its three main programs: Sales Associate, Broker Pre-Licensing, and Continuing Education. Through these classes, students benefit from direct exposure, real transactions, and mentorship opportunities within a full-service brokerage. The Sales Associate Pre-Licensing class is a 63-hour course covering real estate principles, practices, and Florida law. This required course is for those interested in becoming a licensed real estate sales associate in Florida. In-person classes are held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 5149 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710. The Broker Pre-Licensing class is a 72-hour course geared towards experienced sales associates ready to take the next step. The course covers investment analysis and valuation, advanced real estate law, escrow management, and other topics for advanced brokers. To qualify for this class, you must be a real estate agent for a minimum of two years. Lastly, the Continuing Education is a 24-hour course intended for those who wish to stay current and maintain their Florida real estate license. At the end of each course is a 3-hour state exam where students must pass with at least a 70% to complete the course. Classes can be in person with Turner or online at your own pace. After graduating, students are offered hands-on experience and real-world practice with what they learn in the field. “If they’re in my licensing course, I offer them a job opportunity. If they’re not looking to stay with the broker, I still offer some type of resources that help them with leads or anything to get started,” explained Turner. While enrollment dates are still pending on her site, Turner – who is also an entrepreneur – welcomes the opportunity to connect with those interested in homeownership and in becoming pre-licensed through her real estate classes. “We are here to connect you to the possibilities,” said Turner. 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.

Darlene Hill (fourth from left), founder and CEO of the Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce, and the organization’s board at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in March. Photos: WCBCC. The Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce has officially launched, serving as a critical conduit between underserved entrepreneurs and essential resources in one of Tampa Bay’s fastest-growing communities. ​Founder and CEO Darlene Hill said the chamber has already attracted over 30 members in less than a month of operation. The overarching goal is to create a lasting network that boosts support, visibility, and opportunities for local businesses owned by people of color. ​WCBCC’s opening at Signature Workspace Wiregrass in March fills a representation gap in Wesley Chapel, which has seen its population soar by 29% since 2020. The unincorporated area in east Pasco County, roughly 20 miles north of Tampa, now boasts nearly 80,000 residents. ​“The push for us is community togetherness and involvement,” Hill said. “It’s really about helping people, because we all need a little help every now and again.” ​The new nonprofit allows Hill to “do what I’m passionate about, which is helping people,” she added. After a career in corporate human resources (HR), Hill launched a consultancy business in 2018. ​She quickly realized that most entrepreneurs worked full-time for someone else while attempting to get their own venture off the ground. Hill, then a member of various professional organizations, also didn’t receive the “help, resources, and the tools to really help me build my business - anything from just how to network to marketing and budgeting.” ​“I’ve been here in Wesley Chapel for 16 years now, so I’ve seen the growth,” she continued. “There are a lot of new businesses popping up. But as a business owner, not having access to those resources kind of prompted me to start this chamber.” From left: Darlene Hill, CEO of WBCC, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean, and Priscilla Lauture, owner of Align Comms. ​Hill’s first priority is increasing awareness of available resources. However, she doesn’t blame busy entrepreneurs for not identifying potential opportunities. Time, in Hill’s opinion, is often the primary cause for a disconnect between business owners and resources. ​“We’re wearing so many different hats that we’re not even aware of different organizations that might be out there,” she said. In addition, many organizations that could offer assistance are “not coming into our area and our communities.” ​She emphasized the need to increase visibility for oft-marginalized business owners. The chamber will assist with marketing. ​Helping create pathways for sustainable success is another priority. Hill said this could encompass everything from learning how to apply for a business loan to building relationships with bankers. ​She also noted the need for underserved entrepreneurs to expand their horizons. WCBCC wants to help them “get their foot in the door” with large organizations, including area health systems and hospitality conglomerates. ​“How do we bridge the gap between large businesses and small businesses?” Hill rhetorically asked. That should be an achievable goal, at least to some extent, as Hill said established companies “absolutely want to partner with businesses here in the community.” ​“It’s visibility for them, too, and it’s also them giving back to the business community,” she said of large organizations. “It benefits both sides.” ​WBCC secured an early partnership with AdventHealth, which is now hosting quarterly workshops, before the official launch. Overworked entrepreneurs often neglect their physical health, Hill said, which in turn impacts their business. ​Internal goals include expanding the chamber’s membership, and Hill, currently the sole employee, admitted she is off to a “pretty good” start. More importantly, she wants underserved entrepreneurs to know “they can come to us for help.” ​WBCC’s workshops are open to non-members, and Hill noted the chamber welcomes “any business that supports our mission and vision.” She reiterated the importance of serving as a conduit, “here in the community we serve.” ​The surrounding community can support WBCC by partnering with the grassroots organization. Wesley Chapel might be the focus, but Hill is open to forging relationships with other chambers throughout Tampa Bay. “It’s a win-win,” she said. Hill encourages any business owners considering joining WBCC to call, send an email, or attend an event. “They can meet other members and get their take on what the experience has been for them so far,” she added. ​“I’m so passionate about this because I’ve been through it,” Hill said. “We are big on making sure our members get a return on their investment.” For more information about the Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce, visit the website here. In March, the chamber’s leadership and community members celebrated the new office opening at 28210 Paseo Drive, #190 in Wesley Chapel. 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

Mike Mikurak (right), interim CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board, has threatened to sue the agency. Photo: JWB. With a high-stakes leadership vote looming, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County now faces a $100,000 ultimatum. Interim CEO Mike Mikurak also wants the agency to scrap its search process and extend his contract by a year. ​The taxpayer-funded board, which distributed $133 million to youth-focused nonprofits in 2025, has spent the past several months embroiled in a controversial search for a permanent CEO. Glen Gilzean, a frequent gubernatorial appointee who was accused of but never found liable for misspending millions as the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, is the front-runner. ​In March, the board voted 6-5 to name Gilzean the permanent chief executive. Members, who must hold a final vote on Thursday, now have something else to consider. ​Mikurak became interim CEO in June 2025, following Beth Houghton’s retirement, and is also a finalist. However, he believes defamatory statements from a board member tainted the process and has threatened to sue the agency. ​On April 29, Mikurak’s lawyer sent a settlement proposal to the board, which was subsequently obtained by Power Broker Magazine. Attorney Shane Vogt wrote that Mikurak “feels compelled to offer a final opportunity to amicably resolve this situation without the need for litigation.” ​The settlement highlights multiple requests, starting with the “immediate retention of a reputable national search firm to identify qualified JWB candidates.” ​Board members must then drop the “interim” from Mikurak’s title and make him the CEO for at least a year, “or as needed until the new CEO selection process is fully completed … and such period of time necessary for Mr. Mikurak to help the new CEO become acclimated to their position.” ​The board must also refrain from conducting a second vote to appoint Gilzean. Mikurak would retire after his new term ends. ​He also pledged to work in “good faith” with the board to help improve the lives of area children and families. Vogt wrote that the settlement would not become effective until approved at Thursday’s meeting. ​“Within 30 days of the effective date of the settlement agreement, Mr. Mikurak shall be paid $50,000 to resolve his civil claims against Board Member Renee Chiea, and $50,000 as reimbursement for his attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with this matter,” the proposal states. ​“In exchange for the foregoing, Mr. Mikurak will fully release JWB, its board members (including Ms. Chiea), their employees, agents, attorneys, and insurance carriers, from any and all claims and causes of action,” it continues. ​Mikurak declined to comment on the settlement proposal. ​The local Juvenile Welfare Board was created nearly 80 years ago through a Special Act of the Florida Legislature. As a special taxing district, the agency funds nearly 100 programs that foster early childhood development, increase school readiness, and mitigate child abuse and neglect. ​Mikurak, 72, was an international consulting partner with Accenture before retiring in 2003. He was appointed to the JWB in 2013 and has since held multiple leadership positions with the agency. ​The board, which includes 11 county officials and gubernatorial appointees, released a formal job posting for a permanent CEO - with an anticipated annual salary between $200,00 and $245,000 - in December 2025. An ideal candidate should “be able to articulate and implement JWB's strategic mission while maintaining the highest level of transparency and accountability to the taxpayers of Pinellas County,” it states. Glen Gilzean has received eight gubernatorial appointments throughout his career. ​Board members selected three finalists in January, with Mikurak and Gilzean, 44, becoming the front-runners after an informal straw poll the following month. Vogt, in a letter sent to Chiea on March 23 - after the straw poll and initial vote - accused her of making false and defamatory statements about Mikurak. ​The 13-page letter notes that Chiea, a gubernatorial appointee, publicly questioned Mikurak’s transparency and ethics, and essentially accused him of participating in Medicare fraud in 2012. Mikurak denied the accusations and threatened to sue. ​In December 2024, the Orange County Comptroller’s Office found that Gilzean spent $9.9 million, over half of his annual budget as the supervisor of elections, in a two-month period. Gilzean denied any wrongdoing and sued the county. His case was dismissed the following month when he left office. ​​County Commissioner Renee Flowers, in a social media post on Monday, suggested that the board restart its search for a new CEO and eliminate the current applicants. “This is the best way for JWB to focus on the work and move forward,” she wrote. ​“This organization is too important for us to get it wrong.” ​In his latest letter, Vogt wrote that the settlement was proposed to resolve Mikurak’s claims, and “more importantly, try to mitigate the substantial harm JWB and its reputation are suffering because of the manner in which the CEO selection process has been conducted.” An agreement would constitute a “compromise,” and not an admission of liability or wrongdoing. 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 decline is Black voter registrations is worst in St. Petersburg, but affects all of Pinellas County Most readers have already heard about the body blows suffered by Black and Democratic voters in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais late last month. In Florida, that devastating loss was accompanied by a successful sneak attack — led by Gov. Ron DeSantis and backed by the majority-Republican legislature — to further gerrymander the state’s congressional districts. Political strategists are now questioning whether an anticipated blue wave (and the hopeful results of recent special elections) will be enough for Democrats to effectively battle back in this year’s midterm election. It’s possible, but to prevail in Florida, Democrats will need a wholly different approach than the one in evidence, especially for engaging Black voters. I will have more to say on that in the months ahead. For now, this is an urgent warning to leaders in my home county: Black voter registrations have reached a generational low in Pinellas County, and in its largest city — St. Petersburg — where a plurality of the county’s Black population resides. Since the 2020 general election, Pinellas has lost nearly 18,000 registered Black voters (down from 61,000 in October 2020 to about 43,400 in April 2026) — a 29% drop. Though other counties suffered losses too, the decline was more severe in Pinellas. Statewide, the registered Black voter population shrank by 8% between the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. In Pinellas, the figure was a staggering 21%. The news is even worse in St. Petersburg. The city has lost one-third (33%) of its Black registrants since the 2020 election, a loss of 12,300 eligible voters. *Data are from October 2020, October 2024, and April 2026 book closing reports by the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections What accounts for the loss? One factor in the decline is the Black “brain drain” trend documented by the Power Broker in recent years. Between 2014 and 2024, St. Pete lost 10% of its African American residents. While Pinellas County’s Black population grew by 7%, that significantly lagged the state’s 19% increase over the same period. But the bigger factors — by far — are the intentional efforts of state lawmakers to purge voter rolls; the lackluster engagement strategies of both major political parties over the past several cycles; and — mirroring national trends — a rise in disaffected and unengaged voters, particularly among younger generations. What this means for the midterms and beyond The dramatic shrinkage of the Black electorate should alarm anyone counting on African American and Democratic voters in Pinellas as part of their formula for success this fall. The battle over the newly-minted Congressional District 16 is a case-in-point. The new boundaries severed South St. Petersburg — the largest Black population concentration in Pinellas — from district 14, which spanned two counties. The community was absorbed — along with most of St. Petersburg — into a sprawling territory that encompasses parts of six counties. Overnight, the district covering South St. Pete went from a 57% Democratic majority in the 2024 election to a 58% Republican majority, according to Dave’s Redistricting. At the same time, the district’s Black population share fell from about 17% to 12%. There is a potential silver lining for Black and Democratic voters, which I will cover in a separate article. But for the purposes of this piece, recognize that Democrats are staging an uphill battle for District 16 without the full fighting strength of the party’s most strident supporters. And because the Pinellas part of District 16 is home to about 80% of its total Black voting age population — according to my back-of-the-envelope analysis — the loss of Black voters in the county could spell a resounding defeat for the Democrat who wins the August primary. Beyond the near-term practical considerations, the nose dive in Black voter registrations should be a five-alarm fire for community leaders who understand the power of the vote to shape life outcomes. Several community organizations are fielding initiatives to rev up voter engagement for the midterm. The Power Broker Magazine will chronicle their efforts in the months to come. With information or perspective on this timely topic, please reach me at gypsy@powerbrokermagazine.com. Table 1: Change in Black voter registrations October 2020 through April 2026 Oct of 2020 Oct of 2024 Apr of 2026 # Change 2020-2026 % Change 2020-2026 Pinellas 61,266 48,648 43,416 -17,850 -29% St. Pete 37,179 28,146 24,875 -12,304 -33% % in St. Pete 61% 58% 57% 69%

Nearly 400 people attended the “Ocean of Support” fundraiser for the USF College of Marine Science on Friday evening at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub. Photos by Mark Parker, unless otherwise noted. While years of invaluable research went up in flames earlier this month, an “Ocean of Support” is proving that St. Petersburg’s marine science sector is too vital to stay submerged for long. ​Nearly 400 people attended the Ocean of Support benefit on Friday evening at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub. Local leaders began organizing the fundraiser, held in the shadow of the Marine Science Laboratory’s charred remains, less than 48 hours after a suspected lightning strike set the facility on the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus ablaze. ​Thousands of dollars raised at the event will benefit the USF College of Marine Science and the Florida Institute of Oceanography. Looking out over a throng of supporters, Dr. Tom Frazer, dean of the college, called the moment “huge.” ​“Sometimes when you have a tragedy, you see the best in people,” Frazer told Power Broker Magazine. “And that’s certainly what’s happened here in St. Pete. The outpouring of support has been amazing, and it warms your heart.” Nearly 200 firefighters spent hours containing the blaze on May 2. Photo: Fireground24photography. ​The benefit also offered stakeholders an opportunity to thank some of the approximately 200 firefighters who helped extinguish the blaze on May 2. While no injuries were reported, the World War II-era building along Bayboro Harbor is likely a total loss. ​Frazer noted that video footage clearly shows lightning striking the laboratory. A fire inspector is still discerning if that was the primary or a contributing cause. ​Stakeholders have speculated that the college lost millions of dollars' worth of research equipment. Frazer said insurance adjustors are still assessing the damage, and “that information will take a while to compile.” ​“We’re going to try to work through that as fast as we possibly can,” he added. “Our goal is to get our college operational again as quickly as possible.” Dr. Tom Frazer (right, kneeling), dean of the USF College of Marine Science, and local researchers affected by the fire pose for a picture. ​There are silver linings. Frazer said some biological and geological samples, prioritized for evacuation during recent hurricanes, were salvaged. Much of the data extracted from computer equipment is still usable, and instrumentation is rebuildable or replaceable. ​“The journey is going to be a long one, but we’ll get there,” Frazer said. “Time will tell a little bit, but I think we feel pretty good about our efforts to get everything we could.” ​Dozens of researchers were displaced due to the fire. Frazer said state and federal agencies throughout St. Petersburg’s Innovation District, and the university, have offered emergency space. ​Frazer noted that society faces complex environmental challenges. “The work that we did, the science that we did, is not just of local importance - it’s of regional, national, and even international importance,” he said. ​“So, sometimes out of tragedy, people see the value of what you do, and I think that message was really helpful.” Local artist Zulu Painter works on a painting at the event. ​The surrounding community’s response to Ocean of Support underscored his sentiment. Attendees bought all 1,000 raffle tickets, and a silent auction raised an undisclosed amount of additional funding. ​The event featured live paintings by local artists Alyssa Marie and Zulu Painter, who donated the artwork. Duke Energy, Thrive Downtown, and Rock Bottom Charters also provided auction and raffle prizes. ​Carved & Crafted Catering at USF, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, and the innovation district provided food and sodas. Councilmember Mike Harting, owner of 3 Daughters Brewing, Great Bay Distributors, and Republic National Distributing Company, donated beer, hard seltzers, and wine. ​A massive water station and event supplies were provided by the City of St. Petersburg. The Grind campus cafe offered coffee, tea, and pastries, and Pacuigo hosted a gelato station. Ocean Road Band performed an extensive, free set for attendees. ​City Councilmember Gina Driscoll, who led efforts to organize the event, said inviting St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, which extended a ladder truck over the crowd, was a priority. The aptly-titled Ocean Road Band performed a multi-hour set for free. ​“I’ve never been a person who has a comfort level with feeling helpless, and I thought, you know what, I’m just going to get some people together and raise some money,” said Driscoll, who found an immediate and enthusiastic partner in Alison Barlow, executive director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District. ​“The fire was on a Saturday night, and the following Monday we were rolling.” ​Driscoll noted that marine science is a “big economic driver” in St. Petersburg. She also pledged that the event is “just the beginning,” and stakeholders would “do more as we move forward.” ​Frazer, who became emotional as he addressed attendees, said the outpouring of support restored his faith in humanity. “We’re going to come back, we’re going to be bigger, and we’re going to be better - and we’re going to be all of that because of all of you.” ​To donate to the USF College of Marine Science fund, visit the website here. Local artist Alyssa Marie also donated paintings. 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

On May 6, American Express announced two programs focused on AI training and workforce development American Express issued a press release in early May announcing partnerships with two nonprofits — Generation and Scholarship America — to introduce new artificial intelligence (AI) education initiatives designed to help small businesses and their employees integrate AI into their day-to-day operations. Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at American Express, noted in a corporate press release, "AI can be a powerful tool for small businesses when it’s used in practical, everyday ways. These initiatives were designed to help small businesses move from Gen AI exploration to practical application, equipping them to drive productivity and help unlock new opportunities for growth." AI Upskilling for Small Business Open to businesses globally and available in English and Spanish, AI Upskilling for Small Business is a training program designed for small businesses and grounded in real-world applications. It covers AI fundamentals, digital marketing, and digital customer success. You can learn more and register on the Generation website. An AmEx press release notes that the program offers three training tracks tailored to different roles and levels of AI familiarity: AI Generalist: A foundational primer plus targeted “Mini Missions” to apply AI across everyday tasks, with modules designed for seamless workflow integration. Digital Marketing: Applies AI to content creation, campaign optimization and insight generation to support efficiency and impact. Digital Customer Success: Uses AI to streamline customer interactions, resolve inquiries faster, and deliver more personalized experiences. Learn more and apply at Generation’s website. Smart Futures for Small Business Scholarships Administered by Scholarship America, this program provides U.S.-based small business employees with up to $1,000 in scholarship funding to pursue AI courses or certifications at colleges and universities. Small business employers can nominate a member of their teams to apply for a scholarship and build new skills in AI that can have a ripple effect on both the business and employee’s potential. Learn more at the Scholarship America 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

A damaged burial vault spray-painted with the words “Ron DeSantis” at the Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto. All images: Screengrabs, YouTube. Police are still searching for suspects after vandals damaged 17 gravesites at a historic Black cemetery in Palmetto, roughly 25 miles south of St. Petersburg. ​The vandalism included broken and toppled headstones and caused significant damage to burial vaults at Old Memphis Cemetery, which opened in 1904 to serve African American residents. Several graves were spray-painted with the words "Trump" and "DeSantis,” referring to the president and governor, respectively. ​Detectives believe the incident, announced on Thursday, occurred sometime this month. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has yet to announce any arrests, and an investigation is ongoing. ​“This is unconscionable,” said Rep. Michele Rayner in a social media post on Friday. “I’m looking forward to the Republican-led legislature and governor to comment and use the full weight of law enforcement to investigate this.” Gov. Ron ​DeSantis has not responded to the incident. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a prepared statement that “anyone who engages in this disgusting behavior must be condemned in the harshest terms possible.” ​Reuters, which first reported the story on May 14, noted that President Donald Trump has a history of sharing racist rhetoric. Glenn Searls, 77, told the publication that he felt “extreme anger” over the vandalism to the predominantly Black cemetery at 202 25th St. W. in Palmetto. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests in the case. ​​“When you look, and you see ‘DeSantis’ and ‘Trump’ spray-painted on a vault, you wonder if it’s politically motivated, and I tend to believe it is,” said Searls, who has family members buried at Old Memphis Cemetery. ​Edrena Love Freeman found her father’s gravestone had been removed. “I just thought it was evil; it’s just not right,” she told the publication. ​Manatee County officials are working with a specialized contractor to assess and repair the damaged gravesites. They are also considering implementing additional security measures at the cemetery. The county, in partnership with the Cities of Palmetto and Bradenton, will host a cleanup and beautification effort at Old Memphis Cemetery on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 9 a.m. “Acts of vandalism do not define our community - the response does,” said Commissioner Amanda Ballard in a prepared statement. “What we are seeing now is neighbors, families, volunteers, and local partners coming together to restore dignity to this historic cemetery and honor the generations of people buried there, including veterans who served our country. Ahead of Memorial Day, this effort is about remembrance, respect, and unity.” ​Authorities are asking anyone with information about the vandalism to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS (8477). ​Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest. The Gold Star Club of Manatee County is offering an additional $1,000 reward. The 122-year-old cemetery is at 202 25th St. W. in Palmetto, an approximately 30-minute drive south from 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.

From left: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan, and Ken Babby, CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays, celebrate the negotiating parties reaching a memorandum of understanding on Friday afternoon. Photo: City of Tampa. ​A memorandum of understanding between the Tampa Bay Rays and local government representatives now caps the public contribution toward the cost of a new stadium at $976 million - nearly $100 million less than the initial $1.065 billion request. ​The non-binding agreement, reached Thursday afternoon, still requires approval from the Hillsborough County Commission and Tampa City Council. However, Mayor Jane Castor called the long-awaited MOU a “gigantic step” toward ensuring the Rays remain in Tampa Bay at a press conference on Friday. ​Castor has reason to celebrate, as the framework for a $2.3 billion stadium deal reduces the city’s commitment from $251 million to $180 million. However, the county’s contribution has increased by $46 million since a draft proposal was released last month, to $796 million. ​“There’s been compromise on everyone’s part, because we’re all going towards the same goal,” Castor said. “The Rays belong in Tampa Bay. Now we have a memorandum of understanding that is the first step, and I would say a gigantic step, to ensuring that occurs.” ​County Commission Chair Ken Hagan and Castor also advocated for the MOU’s formal approval. He and his colleagues will vote on the framework on Wednesday, followed by the city council on Thursday. ​Castor noted that the MOU is a much-needed outline and the three negotiating parties must still fill in the blanks. “That’s where the hard work begins,” she said. ​Hagan explained that stakeholders would now address a “few unresolved issues,” and finalize binding documents. Those include a team lease for the county-owned stadium, a community benefits agreement, a non-relocation mandate, and a final funding plan, which will also require approval from the county and city. ​“I can’t imagine that any elected official would vote no on this memorandum of understanding,” Castor said. Hagan is “relatively confident” that the commission will approve the MOU, which will allow county administrators to “dig deep” into the stadium deal’s details. ​The Rays will now cover roughly 55% of the total cost for a 31,000-seat stadium with a translucent roof. That equates to an approximately $1.27 billion private investment, the largest by a professional sports team in state history, said CEO Ken Babby. The Rays will now cover at least 55% of the cost for a new ballpark at the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus. Rendering: Tampa Bay Rays. ​The team is also responsible for cost overruns, which underscores the new ownership group’s sense of urgency. Friday’s press conference came seven months after they announced an ambitious goal of opening a new ballpark in time for the 2029 baseball season. ​Babby said state lawmakers are “watching closely to make sure that we can reach an agreement here locally.” The Rays have reportedly requested $150 million from the Legislature, which is currently in a special budget session. ​Babby emphasized the importance of “keeping our foot on the gas” to reach definitive agreements with the county and city that will ensure Major League Baseball remains in the region after the team’s lease at Tropicana Field ends in 2028. The goal is to meet “not just the Rays’ timeline, but it’s the community and Tampa Bay’s timeline,” he said. ​Hagan, who wore a polo shirt emblazoned with the Rays logo and a team pin on his coat, said many short and long-term issues still “warrant careful consideration.” He also believes that “this is the closest we’ve ever been toward reaching an agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays.” ​County staff previously identified $702 million that Hillsborough could contribute to a new stadium. It remains unclear how officials will address what is now seemingly a $94 million gap. A rendering of the proposed mixed-use development surrounding a new stadium. Image: Tampa Bay Rays. ​Hagan said Friday that a hybrid financing model would free up money by allowing the county to issue fewer bonds. Officials would then dedicate funding designated for interest payments to the project. ​County staff is also “trying to be as creative as possible to identify sources that can be used to prevent us from raising taxes, from raising fees,” Hagan said. “Unlike previous agreements, we’re not raising taxes or fees.” ​Here are the proposed public funding sources: Tourist development tax bonds and reserves: Approximately $303 million. Community Investment Taxes (CIT): Approximately $360 million from the county and $80 million from the city, structured so public safety and infrastructure funding remain protected. “Other county resources”: Approximately $103 million. Drew Park Community Redevelopment Area tax revenue: Approximately $100 million. Federal disaster relief funding: Approximately $30 million for eligible stormwater infrastructure improvements. “Other public funds”: Approximately $54 million. Babby reiterated that the project, including the massive mixed-use development, will generate a $55 billion economic impact and create 12,000 new jobs. While details remain scarce, a community benefits agreement “will be the largest in the City of Tampa’s history.” ​The benefits package will focus on five core pillars: workforce development, youth opportunities, community access and activation, neighborhood enhancements and public investments, and direct community funding. “These things matter; this moment matters,” Babby said. ​“For nearly 20 years, folks have waited for this moment, wondering about where the future of this team will be, and this memorandum of understanding is a monumental step toward securing the future of Major League Baseball right here in 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

Dwight Hudgins and Sharon Young’s notoriety has recently increased after multiple local television shows featured the couple. Photo: Barbara’s Kitchen. An affinity for catching and smoking wild game made Dwight Hudgins, also known as the Dreaded Fisherman, a natural to compete on Food Network’s new series, Chopped Castaways. ​However, landing a spot to compete for $100,000 against 12 chefs on a deserted island was so unexpected that Hudgins didn’t reply to what he thought was a scam. Producers found him through his Instagram page, which showcases his outdoor exploits and Barbara’s Kitchen, a Largo-based gourmet food business founded by his partner, Chef Sharon Young. ​Young, a Chopped aficionado, demanded that Hudgins return the call. He advanced from a deep pool of potential contestants and made his television debut on Tuesday. ​“The first episode - it’s different when you sit back and watch compared to when you’re in the mix of things,” Hudgins said. “You’re focused on your teammates and trying to accomplish certain things. So, it’s kind of strange to sit back and watch.” ​Chopped Castaways, a survival-style spinoff of the Emmy-nominated Chopped, strands 12 chefs on an undisclosed remote island. Contestants split into two teams that compete in cooking rounds and physical challenges. ​Unlike the original series, chefs on Chopped Castaways must build a working kitchen using primitive materials, cook over an open fire, and earn ingredients through outdoor challenges. Competitions include archery, spearfishing, ocean diving, and sand digging, which align with the Dreaded Fisherman’s hobbies. ​Hudgins said some contestants, to a “certain degree,” possessed similar skillsets. “There were some that said they did, but actually really didn’t.” ​“I would say some of them were a lot more boujee than others,” Hudgins added. “I could physically go out and grab an alligator and skin it. A lot of these other people had restaurant experience.” Dwight Hudgins (left) and Sharon Young, who opened Barbara’s Kitching in 2016. Image: Screengrab. He emphasized that Young, who opened Barbara’s Kitchen in 2016, is the true chef. She named the business, which specializes in handmade jams, jellies, sauces, and butters, in honor of her mother, Barbara Dawes. ​Hudgins creates several varieties of honey and seasonings, and the couple regularly hosts special events. The Dreaded Fisherman, whose double-entendre nickname stems from his hairstyle and the fear he instills in fish while angling, takes the lead during “wild game night.” ​“I grew up hunting and fishing and cooking what we caught,” Hudgins said. “My grandparents … sold all the good meat; whatever was left over, that’s what we ate. So, that part was exciting.” ​His background would seemingly give Hudgins a competitive advantage on Chopped Castaways. However, he believes the three judges valued taste and presentation more than “how the food got to the table.” ​Hudgins said the focus on creating traditional dishes increases as the eight-episode series progresses. “And I’m more thinking of a Crocodile Dundee scenario.” ​“It’s a standard meal, and I’m looking at doing a ball python or an iguana or something like that,” Hudgins added with a laugh. ​He survived the first episode, which aired on the Food Network at 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Tampa Bay residents looking to root for one of their own can stream the premiere on HBO Max. The cast of Chopped Castaways. Photo: Food Network. ​Young said she “absolutely” yelled at Hudgins through the screen while watching the episode. She also urged the “phenomenal” yet rustic cook to watch his timing before he left home, where he typically smokes meat for eight or nine hours. ​Hudgins said the remote island, with its lush forests and beaches, provided a beautiful setting. He also noted that a severe thunderstorm greeted contestants on their first day. “And then one by one, everyone started getting sick.” ​While he wishes that foraging for edible plants would have played a more prominent role in the show, Hudgins said he felt at home in the jungle. Non-disclosure agreements prevent him from sharing how he fared on Chopped Castaways. ​“It was exciting, and it was fun,” Hudgins said. “It was a very good experience.” ​Winning the $100,000 grand prize would allow Hudgins and Young to expand their business, he said. The two frequently host high-tea parties and charcuterie classes at 12508 Starkey Rd. in Largo, and an educational wild game night will return for Father’s Day. ​However, space is limited at the storefront. Hudgins said the couple would purchase an old Victorian house, or a “nice-sized boat,” with the prize money to increase event capacity. ​“It’s going to give us free exposure,” Hudgins said of the show. “And that was one of the biggest reasons I was intrigued to do it.” ​For more information about Chopped Castaways, visit the website here. ​For more information about Barbara’s Kitchen, visit the website here. Dwight “the Dreaded Fisherman” Hudgins, co-owner of Barbara’s Kitchen in Largo, is one of 12 contestants on Chopped Castaways, a new series from the Food Network. 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

Kyandra Darling is a proud fourth-generation native of St. Petersburg and a lifelong Democrat (Kyandra Darling) The announcement came on Friday that U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has endorsed St. Petersburg-based Kyandra Darling for Florida House district 62 - an open race for a seat currently held by State Representative Michele Rayner. The senator from Vermont posted the news to his social media channels on Friday morning, writing “Today, I am proud to endorse 61 progressives running for state and local office across America. They will fight for the kind of changes our country desperately needs.” So far, Darling is the only state and local candidate in Florida to be endorsed by Sanders - a distinction she noted in a Facebook post. “I am beyond honored to receive an endorsement from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, a proven advocate for human rights,” Darling wrote. “As the only candidate endorsed in Florida, I understand the gravity of this moment, and I’m deeply honored to carry the torch for future leaders around our state and beyond!” The endorsement adds momentum to Darling’s candidacy. Her website boasts the backing of: Kathy Castor, U.S. Representative D14 Alan Clandenin, Tampa City Councilmember Harry Cohen, HIllsborough County Commissioner Gina Driscoll, St. Petersburg City Councilmember Richie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Councilmember Eric Gerard, Former Largo City Commissioner Pat Gerard, Former Mayor of Largo & Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Gerdes, Former St. Petersburg City Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz, St. Petersburg City Councilmember Bob Henriquez, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Alan Johnson, Former Mayor of St. Pete Beach Rick Kriseman, Former St. Petersburg Mayor John Muhammad, Former St. Petersburg City Councilmember Frank Peterman, Former Florida State Representative Alex Sink, Former Florida Chief Financial Officer Cindy Stuart, Former Hillsborough County Clerk and Comptroller Darling has two competitors for the August 18, 2026 primary election - Upton Fischer and Wengay Newton, who formerly represented district 70 in the Florida House. 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, FL — American Stage is turning up the heat this summer with The Hot Wing King, the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy-drama by acclaimed playwright Katori Hall, running June 3–28, 2026. Set in Memphis, Tennessee, during the annual "Hot Wang Festival," the play follows Cordell Crutchfield and his partner Dwayne — along with their culinary crew, The New Wing Order — as they chase a crispy crown. But when Dwayne takes in his troubled nephew, the stakes get a whole lot higher than a first-place trophy. Promotional materials describe The Hot Wing King as a funny, deeply felt exploration of Black masculinity, queerness, love, and family — told with sizzle and soul. Katori Hall, a Memphis native, has become one of the most celebrated voices in American theater. The Hot Wing King earned Hall the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, with the Pulitzer board praising it as a "funny, deeply felt consideration of Black masculinity... filtered through the experiences of a loving gay couple." Hall also won the Olivier Award for Best New Play for her earlier work The Mountaintop and received two Tony Award nominations for Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which she wrote and co-produced. The production is directed by Kenny Moten and stars Mathenee Treco (Hamilton national tour) and Jos N. Banks (Kinky Boots international tour), alongside Randy Chalmers, Don Randle, Elijah Jordan, and Lance Markeith Felton. Special events include: Behind the Scenes — May 24, 2026, 2:00 PM Preview Nights — June 3 & 4, 7:00 PM Opening Night — June 5, 8:00 PM Hot Wing Competition — June 14, 2:00 PM ASL Performance — June 20, 8:00 PM The show is rated for ages 16+ and runs through June 28. Tickets are on sale now at americanstage.org or by calling (727) 823-7529. 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

Akayla Gardner is an award-winning journalist who has covered President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris (Akayla Gardner) On Tuesday of this week, President Donald Trump called MS NOW reporter, Akayla Gardner, “a dumb person” for pointing out that the cost of his hoped-for ballroom had doubled since he first announced the project. The incident happened on the South Lawn of the White House prior to the president’s departure for a summit with Xi Jinping, president of the People's Republic of China. Gardner is an award-winning journalist who also reported on the Biden administration (previously for News). The young journalist had reported on four continents. In 2024, she was a National Press Foundation Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellow. For more, read MS NOW’s report, and for perspective, listen in to Native Land Pod’s discussion of Trump’s repeated disrespect for female reporters, particularly African Americans, and how we should respond (starting at around minute 17). 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

Woodson leader issue last calls on Jazzy juneteenth ticket sales, event nears sell out (Woodson African American Museum of Florida) The Woodson African American Museum of Florida announced today that the popular Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee is officially almost sold out. The museum’s executive director, Terri Lipsey Scott, describes it as an “extraordinary evening of culture, celebration, and community,” and urged supporters in an email this week to secure tickets “before the SOLD OUT banner is raised.” This annual celebration is attended by residents and visitors from across the region to commemorate Juneteenth through live music. The event is also a fundraiser for the museum, supporting year-round exhibits, educational initiatives, and community programming. Guests are encouraged to dress with purpose in their choice of red, black, green or yellow to honor the emancipation of African Americans in the U.S. and the ongoing pursuit of true equality for all. Event Details What: Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee When: Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM Where: The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Admission: Table Purchase (Accommodates up to 10 guests per table) Click Here to Reserve Your Table for Up to 10 Guests! 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

Mequela Moreno, environmental affairs manager for ECOncrete, is passionate about protecting marine environments, education, and providing much-needed Black representation in a typically homogenous field. Photo courtesy of Mequela Moreno. Mequela Moreno is on a mission to reshape concrete jungles into marine sanctuaries, while proving that protecting coastal communities starts with breaking barriers in and outside of the lab. ​Moreno, environmental affairs manager for ECOncrete, is now highlighting how the company’s patented additive and surface-based design principles can transform typical coastal infrastructure into a thriving marine habitat. The resulting layer of living organisms also increases a structure’s resilience to flooding, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. ​The eco-friendly concrete’s benefits recently led South Florida-based Moreno, also a professor at Everglades University, to St. Petersburg’s Innovation District. She believes the collaborative work emanating from the area helps distinguish Florida from other states, “because we are on the pathway to protecting our coastal resources.” ​“We need to come up with solutions now - not in 10 or 15 years, but now,” Moreno said. “And let’s test them and see how they work in a real-world environment. And then help provide funding for them, too. So you’re not leaving smaller companies with ideas to be on their own.” A before-and-after photo highlighting how ECOncrete creates marine habitats. Photo: ECOncrete. ​ECOncrete and the innovation district share that vision, Moreno said. Headquartered in New York, the company was founded in 2012 by two marine biologists and now boasts offices in Spain and Denmark. ​Moreno, who left multiple roles with the federal government to join the private sector, is now working to expand ECOncrete’s footprint to Florida. She wants people to know that the company’s proprietary additives, surface textures, and mold designs can help safeguard critical underwater infrastructure while also supporting communities that rely on fisheries and coastal economies. ​People often fail to realize that traditional concrete and marine infrastructure can have harmful environmental impacts, Moreno said, as it is “out of sight, out of mind.” She believes seawalls, bridges, pillars, and other structures should have ecological performance standards. ​Moreno explained that infrastructure built with ECOncrete structures develops a living layer of oysters, corals, tubeworms, and algae, which attracts fish. “When your fish species show up, guess what? That’s eco-tourism,” she said. ​The company’s concrete also acts as an above-water “ecological mattress” that fosters vegetation, which in turn helps stabilize the surrounding environment, Moreno added. “You’re basically recreating the shoreline.” ​Shorelines - rapidly disappearing due to development and natural factors - help mitigate flooding and sea level rise. Moreno noted that Florida, with the passage of Senate Bill 302, has signaled a shift toward integrating nature-based solutions into resilience planning. ​She said the legislation, which became law in March, fosters innovation and allows eco-friendly companies to thrive. “Most of our engineering techniques have always worked against nature.” ​“So now we’re acknowledging that we should partner with nature,” Moreno continued. “Let’s get it right this time.” A photo highlighting how the company’s “armor blocks” support marine life in New York. She believes the innovation district can serve as a model for supporting small businesses with big ideas to transform marine industries. Moreno hopes to discuss collaboration opportunities with local leaders. ​ECOncrete can also support jobs, Moreno said. The company relies on locally sourced labor and sand to complete projects. “We don’t outsource anything.” ​A seat at the table ​Like many millennials, Moreno grew up watching episodes of Bill Nye the Science Guy. She “never really saw a Black scientist” during her formative years, and wanted to help increase representation for younger versions of herself. ​“And then you get to educate your community about our resources to make sure they know that these are the options we have,” Moreno said. “I’m more for the education component, but mostly ensuring we are doing right by this planet.” ​She wants the younger generations to know that their background does not impede their ability to succeed in science, government policy, or leadership. “Your experiences can actually become your strength,” Moreno said. ​“Many communities facing environmental and economic challenges need voices from people who understand those experiences firsthand,” she added. “I want others to know they belong in these fields, and that success is not about coming from privilege - it is about persistence, passion, and believing you deserve a seat at the table.” 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 Black Money Movement is a political action organization supporting community wealth and economic circulation in the South St. Petersburg area, including Cash Mob advocacy for Black-owned businesses. Pictured: Cash Mob at Juggs Soul Food Kitchen, St. Pete. Photo by Jabaar Edmond. Following the reported mistreatment of resident Carlisa Wilson and neighborhood children on September 8, 2025, the South St. Petersburg community moved to boycott the Snax Convenience Store. This 30-day protest evolved into a larger community movement due to the overwhelming support from residents and local Black-owned businesses. Interim Black Money Movement President Erin McFarley (second to right), next to Reno Moore, founder of the Black Money Movement at Snax the Stage. Image Courtesy of 1Love Magazine. In response to the boycott, activist Reno Moore founded the Black Money Movement — a political action organization focused on supporting community wealth and economic circulation in the South St. Petersburg area. The Black Money Movement introduced St. Pete to the “Cash Mob,” and its goal isn’t just awareness, but also action and continuous support for sustainable local businesses that hire locally, grow their operations, support their families, and reinvest in the community. The term “cash mobs” originated in 2011 and describes a group of people who assemble at a local business to make purchases. The purpose of these mobs is to support both local businesses and the community as a whole. Florida is no stranger to cash mob initiatives, which have spread across the state. One popular cash mob initiative in Jacksonville, the Melanin Collaborative Group's Buy Black Bus Blitz is a 6-hour bus tour with a curated lineup designed to support local Black-owned businesses. The bus tour directly brings a “cash mob” of shoppers to the businesses to boost visibility and sales. Locally, the Black Money Movement launched its Cash Mob-coordinated events in December of 2025. Through networking, collaboration, and discovery of local businesses, the Cash Mob events have strengthened community relationships between residents and neighborhood shops. BMM’s interim president, Erin McFarley, is spreading the Cash Mob advocacy, boosting revenue, and creating long-term opportunities within the South St. Petersburg community. Interim President of the Black Money Movement Erin McFarley. Image courtesy of Erin McFarley. McFarley is the founder of McFarley Capital Unlimited, where she helps individuals and entrepreneurs strengthen their financial foundation through tax strategy. In addition to her titular role, she’s also an entrepreneur, speaker, community advocate, and interim president for the Black Money Movement. “I am also actively involved in community empowerment efforts throughout the Tampa Bay area, with a focus on entrepreneurship, economic growth, collaboration, and creating opportunities that help underserved communities thrive,” said McFarley. “The Black Money Movement evolved into an organized effort focused on circulating dollars intentionally within the community and helping remove some of the negative economic statistics that continue to affect Black communities,” she explained. “Especially during a time when many Black-owned businesses struggle with visibility and resources, these events help create real momentum.” According to McFarley, since its inception, businesses involved in the events have reportedly seen an average revenue increase of approximately 40% to 50% during the events. Although revenue is an important aspect of coordinated events, the key initiative is to build morale, unity, visibility, and hope behind these local businesses. “The impact has been powerful. Businesses are gaining new customers, increased visibility, and stronger financial support from the community. Many business owners have expressed how meaningful it is to not only feel supported financially, but also appreciated and seen,” said McFarley. Beyond this event series, the Black Money Movement works to revitalize parts of South St. Petersburg by fostering positive energy, economic activity, and a sense of collective responsibility for community growth. The next upcoming Cash Mob is next Friday, May 22, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1811 Dr Martin Luther King Jr. St. S, St. Petersburg. Flyer for next Saturday’s Cash Mob event, “Hams R Us.” Image courtesy of Erin McFarley. McFarley hopes attendees leave with an understanding of how powerful intentional support is and walk away inspired to continue supporting local businesses beyond the event. “We encourage the community to come out, support, connect, and continue helping us ‘make each other rich on purpose.’ Every purchase, referral, social media share, and every person who shows up contributes to helping businesses grow and communities thrive,” said McFarley. In the meantime, Moore continues to expand the vision of the Black Money Movement, sharing about a new initiative – “The Black Church Challenge.” “We want to issue a NEW community challenge, one we like to call The Black Church Challenge. Which Black church can get the most of their respected congregation to attend these #CashMob events?” he asked, emphasizing, “It's our responsibility to make each other rich on purpose!” For updates on upcoming Cash Mob events and community initiatives, readers can follow the Black Money Movement page on Facebook for additional information and announcements. McFarley shared that “The Black Money Movement evolved into an organized effort focused on circulating dollars intentionally within the community and helping remove some of the negative economic statistics that continue to affect Black communities.” Image sourced from The Black Money Movement on 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

From left: David Thompson, director of government affairs and co-chair of St. Petersburg’s AI Task Force, City Councilmember Copley Gerdes, and Mayor Ken Welch. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg officials believe artificial intelligence can, potentially, revolutionize city operations, municipal service delivery, and workforce productivity. But first, they need more information on the rapidly evolving technology. ​Mayor Ken Welch’s administration has issued a formal request for information (RFI) from tech-focused vendors regarding the use of multiple forms of artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to “assess available technologies, implementation models, governance considerations, and cost structures,” which will inform future planning and a potential competitive procurement process, according to the announcement. ​The RFI, released on April 15, is purely exploratory - it is not a call for bids or proposals and does not guarantee that the city will enter into any contracts. It states that the gathered information will support efforts to assess feasibility, estimate future costs, identify potential risks, and establish a governance framework to inform decisions on future AI initiatives. ​“I just think at some point, every organization, every entity, is going to have to learn how to utilize AI or be left behind,” Welch told Power Broker Magazine. “So, that’s our approach at this point.” ​Welch declined to discuss details while the RFI is active. Interested vendors have until 3 p.m. to submit required documentation. ​The future of AI is “wide open,” said Welch, who was first introduced to the technology at mayor's conference in 2023 and continues familiarizing himself with the latest technological advancements. “There’s so much opportunity there.” A graphic highlighting the forecasted market size for artificial intelligence in government, and how global officials will allocate the funding. Image: market.us. ​David Thompson, director of government affairs, is overseeing the initiative. He also serves as co-chair of the city’s AI Task Force, and recently noted that the group is “making great progress.” ​Thompson said on Tuesday that the task force, following the mayor’s direction, is “very intentional about maintaining resident trust and thinking about efficiencies in operations.” The city will use the insight gathered from the RFI to create a database of possible AI solutions for local government. ​“Then we can go from there, assessing what departments make sense to start piloting AI usage,” Thompson added. “Then we’ll go through the process we’ve developed to make sure it’s responsible, and that our residents can feel good about it.” ​AI-involved procedures regarding auditability and compliance with Florida public records requirements will still have human oversight, according to the RFI’s question-and-answer section. An unnamed official said the goal is to enhance staff productivity rather than replace their decision-making. ​“To maintain public trust, the city expects AI-supported processes to include appropriate human-in-the-loop review, accountability, auditability, and traceability,” the reply states. ​Currently identified priority areas for AI integration include building permitting and review, resident safety and security, and public facility usage. The technology could also review policy and contract discrepancies, collect data, and schedule meetings, notes the RFI. ​Thompson said the city would engage the public once the submission window closes. He reiterated that Welch wants to “make sure we have resident trust and that they understand what we’re doing with AI. So, we’ll have that external process.” ​AI is not new to municipal government. New York, Boston, Seattle, Austin, Baltimore, and San Francisco are among the cities that have already embraced the technology. ​According to Smart Cities Dive, cities are largely adopting AI to address staffing shortages and increase capacity. A survey in 2025 found that local government utilization has nearly tripled, to 45%, since 2020. ​St. Petersburg, which continues working to modernize its technological systems, is also using AI, albeit in a limited capacity. The city’s current generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) “environment” consists of Microsoft Copilot and “limited ChatGPT licenses,” states the RFI. ​Welch’s administration requested information on AI, GenAI, and agentic AI solutions. The traditional version analyzes data to make predictions or classify information. ​GenAI creates new content, including text and pictures, based on user prompts. Agentic AI, the most advanced, acts autonomously to achieve complex goals by planning, using tools, and iterating over multiple steps. ​Officials are seeking “high-level, non-binding” cost estimates. They encourage vendors to provide pricing ranges or assumptions that incorporate licensing, implementation, integration, training, support, maintenance, usage fees, and potential future expansion. ​“The city considers the initial uptake of AI solutions as a pilot process that will require flexibility on implementation due to the nascent nature of many of these technologies,” notes the RFI. “As we train our workforce to engage with these platforms, we anticipate variability within departments in integration and adoption.” 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

Rooted in the founders’ Zimbabwean heritage and Shona background, EnnYe brings together print, color, and everyday wearability. Photo retrieved from @ennye_collection Black designers have long shaped the language of fashion, from the way trends move through communities to the way culture shows up in texture, color, silhouette, and storytelling. Still, their presence inside the broader fashion industry remains limited. Essence reported that only 7.3 percent of American fashion designers are Black, a number that points to the continued need for visibility, access, and recognition across the industry. In the Tampa Bay Area, a growing group of Black designers and creative entrepreneurs are building brands rooted in heritage, sustainability, personal style, and cultural memory. From handcrafted and painted wearable art to Ghanaian imports, Zimbabwean design, and futuristic upcycled pieces, these are the names to know and keep on your radar. “Resurrecting, never discarding fashion. Handmade slow fashion, natural fabrics,” is the tagline for Renae Kotarski’s (pictured) Anástasi Fashion. Photo sourced from Facebook, Anastasifashionbrand, courtesy of Fashion’s Finest Tampa Bay Renae Kotarski Founder and designer of Anástasi Fashion Renae Kotarski, founder and designer behind Anástasi Fashion, a Tampa-based brand focused on ethical and sustainable clothing. The brand uses organic and eco-friendly fabrics, with designs that are modern, minimalist, and feminine. The name Anástasi comes from a Greek word meaning resurrection. For Kotarski, that idea connects to building a wardrobe with pieces that can be worn, restyled, and brought into different parts of life. Her approach centers on clothing that feels clean, practical, and intentional without relying on excess. Anástasi Fashion began to take shape in spring 2019, when Kotarski started designing linen dresses under her “Modern Queen” line. As the brand grew, she expanded into pants and other pieces while keeping the same focus on simple structure, strong design, and everyday wearability. Info: Website, Facebook, Instagram Renae Kotarski’s Anástasi Fashion focuses on ethical and sustainable clothing and designs that are modern, minimalist, and feminine. Photo retrieved from https://anastasifashion.com. Pictured: Sisters Matipa and Mercy, founders of EnnYe, a Saint Petersburg brand centered on bold print and 100 percent cotton garments. Photo retrieved from @ennye_collection. Matipa and Mercy founders of EnnYe Founded by sisters Matipa and Mercy, EnnYe is a Saint Petersburg brand centered on bold print and 100 percent cotton garments. The shop carries clothing, jewelry, Shona stone sculptures, and home accents, but its apparel stands at the front of the brand’s work. Rooted in the founders’ Zimbabwean heritage and Shona background, EnnYe brings together print, color, and everyday wearability. The brand was created around the idea that style is not limited to one type of person or one way of dressing. Its garments are contemporary, easy to style, and made for people looking for pieces that feel distinct without losing function. At EnnYe, clothing also works alongside the store’s larger connection to art and heritage. The Saint Petersburg shop includes a Shona Art gallery, which pays homage to the founders’ culture and adds another layer to the brand’s point of view. Still, the clothing remains the first introduction for many customers, offering bold, cotton pieces that connect personal style with cultural influence. Info: Website, Instagram, Facebook EnnYe’s Saint Petersburg shop includes a Shona Art gallery, which pays homage to the founders’ culture and adds another layer to the brand’s point of view. Photo retrieved from https://ennyecollection.com Founded in 2021, by Jennifer Black (pictured) Akua Imports grew out of her travels to Ghana and her connection to West African craftsmanship. Photo courtesy of Black. Jennifer Black Akua Imports Founded by Jennifer Black in 2021, Akua Imports grew out of her travels to Ghana and her connection to West African craftsmanship. The brand carries handmade goods made in Ghana and across the Sahara, with pieces that reflect the color, skill, and cultural traditions of the communities they come from. Black has returned to Ghana several times to build relationships with artisans and source products directly from the people creating them. Akua Imports focuses on quality, trend-forward handicrafts while keeping community support at the center of the brand. Each purchase helps support children and families in villages in Ghana. For Black, the work is about sharing Ghana’s culture through products people can wear, use, and keep. The brand brings that heritage into Tampa Bay through pieces that connect design, craftsmanship, and a larger mission of supporting artisans and preserving cultural traditions. Info: Facebook, Instagram Akua carries handmade goods made in Ghana and across the Sahara, with pieces that reflect the color, skill, and cultural traditions of the communities they come from. Photography By Kaylen Ross; courtesy of A. Baker. Pictured: Sherida Jones (kneeling, center) the designer behind Sheri Amor Couture, brings together fashion, art, and the influence of classic R&B. Photo courtesy of S. Jones. Sherida Jones founder and designer of Sheri Amor Couture Sherida Jones, the designer behind Sheri Amor Couture, brings together fashion, art, and the influence of classic R&B. Her interest in design started early. She began drawing fashion illustrations at age 4 and later created fashion lookbooks and comic strip stories that became popular among classmates. Jones went on to graduate from the Art Institute of Tampa, moving from graphic design into teaching art. While teaching a lesson on Kandinsky, she saw a way to connect her art background with clothing. That moment led her to begin painting on garments and eventually build Sheri Amor Couture. Today, Jones creates hand-painted wearable art, digital art, styling work, and retro-inspired pieces shaped by the look and sound of ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s R&B. As a self-taught designer who has been sewing for more than two years, her work leans into color, nostalgia, and regal silhouettes while giving each piece a clear artistic point of view. Info: Instagram While teaching a lesson on Kandinsky to students, Jones said she saw a way to connect her art background with clothing. Image sourced from @sheri.amor.couture. Glenn Jones, pictured, is the creative mind behind GALVO, a brand that brings together techwear, upcycling, and hands-on design. Image sourced from @galvo_design. Glenn Jones Creative director and designer behind GALVO Glenn Jones is the creative mind behind GALVO, a brand that brings together techwear, upcycling, and hands-on design. His pieces use metalwork, plastic elements, and angular shapes to create clothing with a rugged, futuristic look. The brand pulls from geometric and origami-inspired design, giving each piece structure and visual detail. GALVO is made for people who want clothing that feels different, but still has function. Upcycling is also part of the brand’s work. Glenn takes older garments and reworks them into new pieces, giving them a second life through stronger construction and a sharper point of view. The result is clothing that feels practical, experimental, and made to stand out. Info: Instagram Glenn Jones uses metalwork, plastic elements, and angular shapes to create clothing with a rugged, futuristic look. Photo courtesy of G. Jones. Travis Ray is the founder and designer behind Dapper Bowtique, an online accessory brand known for handcrafted bow ties and accessories. Image sourced from @dapperbowtique. Travis Ray Founder and CEO of Dapper Bowtique Travis Ray is the founder and designer behind Dapper Bowtique, an online accessory brand known for handcrafted bow ties and accessories. Ray makes each bow tie with the dapper and chic individual in mind, blending classic style with bold color, cultural prints, and unique design. The brand was sparked by a vivid dream in which a kente cloth bow tie was placed in Ray’s hands. That moment pushed him to start the business the next day and later led him to research his ancestry, where he found West African roots tied to Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and Benin. Dapper Bowtique centers culture through pieces that feel polished, personal, and distinct. Handcrafted in the Sunshine State, Ray’s bow ties are designed as wearable art, giving customers a way to bring heritage, color, and individuality into a classic accessory. Info: Website, Facebook, Instagram Ray makes each bow tie with the dapper and chic individual in mind, blending classic style with bold color, cultural prints, and unique design.. Photo courtesy of Ray. 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

Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency Chair Naya Young (right) and fellow City Councilmember Lynn Hurtak announced on Tuesday that a new apartment complex will now offer workforce housing. Photo: City of Tampa. A recently completed apartment building in downtown Tampa will now offer workforce housing thanks to a $4 million investment from the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). ​The funding, announced on Tuesday, will support the conversion of 22 market-rate apartments within The Residences at 801 East Whiting into workforce housing. Tampa CRA officials said the development, within walking distance of the upscale Water Street District, will help bridge a critical gap for middle-income residents who want to live closer to where they work. ​Tampa-based BendinRoad Development, in partnership with Landings Real Estate Group, is behind the eight-story, 104-unit project at 801 East Whiting Street. The 22 apartments designated as workforce housing will serve households earning between 80% and 140% of the area median income (AMI). ​“Every affordable unit we can secure means one more teacher, one more service worker, one more nurse, first responder, or other working-class resident can live in the heart of our city, where they are closer to their jobs,” said CRA Board Chair Naya Young. “And where their families can enjoy all the amenities downtown Tampa has to offer.” The Residences at 801 East Whiting (left). Photo: BendinRoad Development. According to the announcement, the investment exemplifies the CRA’s mission to foster economic growth while ensuring the city’s evolution into a modern metropolis benefits residents of varying income levels. Officials also believe that creating more attainable housing downtown reduces commuting burdens and enhances the area’s livability. ​Apartments at The Residences at 801 East Whiting have compact floor plans ranging in size from 388 to 542 square feet. All subsidized units will feature an innovative furniture system, the Ori Cloud Bed. ​Designed to maximize space in urban living environments, the ceiling-mounted system integrates a sofa and a bed that retracts overhead at the push of a button or via voice control. That allows residents to convert sleeping space into a living area without the need for separate furniture. ​“This project represents an important step in expanding access to high-quality, attainable housing in a part of Tampa that has traditionally been out of reach for many working individuals and families,” said Craig Bazarsky, co-developer for BendinRoad. “We’re excited to be part of a solution that not only supports the city’s growth, but also ensures that the people who contribute to its success can live and thrive here.” ​The three one-bedroom and 19 subsidized studios may still be out of reach for many residents. Monthly rents start at $1,606 for households earning up to 80% of the AMI, which is $64,250 for one person. However, the cost represents an approximately $500 monthly discount on comparable market-rate units, according to the announcement. Income restrictions must remain in place for 50 years. The Ori Cloud Bed as a sleeping space. Photo: City of Tampa. The Ori Cloud Bed as a living space. Photo: City of 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

Graduates of the Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate for First Responders program at St. Petersburg College in 2025. Area stakeholders will celebrate this year’s cohort at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 18, at the Clearwater Campus. Photo: SPC. ​A unique collegiate program designed to help first responders cope with the emotional toll that results from years of experiencing humanity’s worst continues uplifting agencies and, in turn, communities throughout Tampa Bay. ​Suncoast Police Benevolent Association (SCPBA) leadership began developing the Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate for First Responders program with St. Petersburg College in 2023. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway embraced the initiative, local legislators provided seed funding, and the Pepin Family Foundation’s continued support covers tuition costs. ​The program, the first of its kind in Florida, will celebrate its third graduating class on May 18. Cpl. Carlos Brito, a digital analyst for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), is among the 44 participants who now have a new outlook on life. ​“It helped me work on myself,” Brito said of the program. “There are things we have to deal with on a daily basis that a person never has to deal with in their lifetime. You just create this baggage, this cumulative stress, that one day is going to show.” Cpl. Carlos Brito (left) a digital analyst with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department, and his family. Photo courtesy of Carlos Brito. ​Brito, who immigrated from Brazil over 20 years ago, has spent the past 13 years with the HCSO. He progressed from a patrol and community resource deputy to an undercover narcotics officer and corporal. ​However, a serious line-of-duty injury disrupted his life. Brito said he nearly died, and his job was in jeopardy after missing six months of work. ​Brito, after developing a “short fuse” with his wife and kids, decided to enroll in the free, nine-month program. The first five weeks with instructor Kim Molinaro felt like much-needed therapy, he said. ​“One of our colleagues committed suicide two years ago,” Brito explained. “I didn’t reach out to his widow - I didn’t know how to act. Taking this class, it opened my eyes that it’s not about those who are gone, but the families that were left behind.” ​Brito contacted his colleague’s widow after the first day of class. They discussed how he could help with her struggles, and she will highlight “the lack of support that families have after a loved one commits suicide” at a new, two-day training course in August, as part of his cohort’s capstone project. ​Research shows that one in three law enforcement officers experience post-traumatic stress symptoms, compared to 6% for the general population. Suicides continue outpacing line-of-duty deaths. ​Sgt. Corey Lenczden of the Clearwater Police Department has spent most of his 25-year career investigating sex crimes. He also lost a close friend and fellow officer to suicide before enrolling in the program, which provided a “better understanding of how to process what we experience in healthier ways, and how to help others do the same.” ​“We were taught to compartmentalize everything we saw,” Lenczden said in a prepared statement. “Over time, you realize that’s not a long-term solution. There are so many resources and techniques out there that I didn’t know about before.” St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway (second from left), was instrumental in establishing the program. Photo: SPC. ​This year’s class includes 14 graduates from the St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, and Bradenton Police Departments, and the HCSO. Participants receive the knowledge and skills needed to manage job-related stress, identify mental health concerns, and support colleagues and community members in crisis. ​The course also prepares first responders to serve as mental health liaisons within their agencies for at least three years. Joseph Smiley, dean of Human Services at SPC, noted that the program “not only strengthens individual well-being but also enhances the health and resilience of entire departments and communities.” ​Tina Pepin, executive director of the Pepin Family Foundation, similarly believes that investing in the mental health of first responders strengthens “families, agencies, and the communities they serve.” ​The program is the brainchild of SCPBA President Jonathan Vazquez and Executive Director Sasha Lohn, who have spent years helping officers navigate mental health challenges. Vazquez, an officer with the SPPD and a U.S. Army Veteran, believes the initiative is “helping reshape the culture within law enforcement.” ​“For too long, first responders have carried what they experience without the tools to process it,” he said. “That has to change, and this program is helping lead that change.” ​Lohn noted that participants receive “real access to support,” in addition to education. “We’re making sure officers have the resources and training they need now, not only when they’re already in crisis,” she said. ​Brito echoed those sentiments. He also believes first responders must facilitate the change they hope to see, and encourages others to enroll. ​“It’s definitely a great opportunity,” Brito said. “You’re going to learn a lot about yourself, and others as well. If I can help one first responder next month - or 10 years from now - it was definitely worth it for me.” From left: Jonathan Vazquez, president of the Suncoast Police Benevolent Association; Tina Pepin executive director of the Pepin Family Foundation; and Sasha Lohn, executive director and general counsel for the Suncoast Police Benevolent Association. Photo: SCPBA. 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

Will Conroy, founder and president of Backstreets Capital, called downtown St. Petersburg’s Mirror Lake neighborhood “one-of-one” due to its historic character and natural amenities. All photos by Mark Parker. Construction has commenced on The Cade, a boutique condo building that stakeholders believe honors St. Petersburg’s history while representing its ongoing evolution. ​St. Petersburg-based Backstreets Capital is behind the approximately $20 million redevelopment and renovation project at 749 Burlington Ave. N. The seven-story building overlooking Mirror Lake will sit behind the historically significant Cade Allen Home. ​Backstreets Capital is also restoring the 89-year-old home, built by pioneering builder Cade Allen. Mayor Ken Welch thanked the local development team and city staff for preserving “what’s special about St. Pete and making this project happen” at a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday. ​“I’m particularly excited about this development because it represents the best of what thoughtful growth in our city can look like,” Welch said. “It blends new development with the preservation of a historic stone home that has stood in this community for almost 90 years.” The Cade Allen home at 250 Mirror Lake Dr. The 15-unit, mid-rise tower’s design draws inspiration from its historic neighbor at 250 Mirror Lake Dr. Backstreets Capital demolished the home’s garage to accommodate the redevelopment. ​However, the firm is restoring the structure and incorporating salvaged materials, including the original stone, into The Cade’s lobby to create a permanent connection between the neighborhood’s past and present. Manny Leto, executive director of Preserve the ‘Burg, said after the ceremony that the project could “absolutely” serve as a model for other developments. ​“This is exactly the kind of project that we love to see,” Leto said of the local nonprofit. “It shows how new development and preservation can work hand-in-hand. And that you can create something that is really unique in the marketplace, that has a real identity and authenticity, while also building something new.” ​Backstreets Capital, one of four shortlisted firms vying to reimagine the Historic Gas Plant District, operated from the 4,000-square-foot home for nearly five years. The ranch-style residence was one of the few Allen built outside of the eponymous Allendale Terrace neighborhood. ​The home, previously used as an office building, is not listed on any local or national historic registers. Instead, the city classifies it as a contributing structure of the Downtown St. Petersburg Historic District. ​Will Conroy, founder and president of Backstreets Capital, noted his firm is bringing the structure “back to life” as a single-family home. He said The Cade will become “the only place in the United States where you have a lake in the foreground of your living room, you have a city skyline, and you have a saltwater bay in your view.” ​“So, we truly think Mirror Lake is one-of-one, not only for the charming character, but also for the natural amenities it offers,” Conroy added. “ Mirror Lake is also where my wife’s family settled more than 100 years ago, in 1919. My kids are now fifth-generation St. Petersburg residents, and it all started right here on Mirror Lake.” From left: City Councilmember Copley Gerdes; Mayor Ken Welch; Will Conroy, founder and president of Backstreets Capital; Jenny Miers, partner with PLACE Architecture; and Guy Gannaway, owner of GSA Contracting. ​Welch told attendees that he was proud of an “all-local team effort.” Participating firms include PLACE Architecture, GSA Contractors, Valin Construction, s.p.a.c.e., and The Wittner Wollman Group. ​“I always believe in keeping local dollars local,” Welch told Power Broker Magazine. “But it is also important when you’ve got a fourth-generation St. Petersburg resident - Will Conroy - leading this, who remembers what made St. Pete special.” ​Conroy said The Cade’s three-bedroom units were intentionally designed to accommodate current or future full-time residents by offering more space than traditional condominiums. Each floor will feature two or three homes to increase privacy. ​​Pricing starts at approximately $1.9 million. Welch noted that the project will benefit the local economy, boost the city’s property tax base, and, like all market-rate developments, did not receive any subsidies. ​“It’s a better use for property that was ripe for redevelopment,” Welch said of The Cade. “It is high-end, market-rate. But again, we need housing at all levels, and where our dollars go is to subsidize affordable and workforce (units).” ​Conroy could not provide a completion date but expects an expedited timeline due to the mid-rise building’s size. “At only seven stories, the constructability is more efficient and cleaner,” he said. A rendering of The Cade (left). Image: Backstreets Capital. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. 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The David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility will house the world’s largest Suspended Ion Exchange system at 7125 N. 30th St. in Tampa. Photo: Carollo Engineering. Tampa is proactively and decisively addressing what Mayor Jane Castor believes will soon become a pervasive global health issue, particularly within disadvantaged communities - a lack of clean drinking water. ​Plans to build the world’s largest Suspended Ion Exchange (SIX) water treatment system are now in the design phase. The innovative technology enhances water quality while slashing operational costs for taxpayers by nearly $2 million annually, and the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility (DLTWTF) will house the nation’s first full-scale operation. ​SIX systems provide a safe, cost-effective way to remove organic compounds and “forever chemicals,” or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which do not degrade naturally and pose significant health and environmental risks. Tampa’s primary water source is the pollution-challenged Hillsborough River. ​“When it comes to PFAS, we as water providers are passive receivers,” said Sarah Burns, water planning manager. “We didn’t generate it, we didn’t create it. But now it’s a problem that we have to spend money fixing for the public good.” ​Tampa completed a 10-month SIX system pilot study in 2021. The technology, which originated in the Netherlands, offers an alternative to traditional methods for removing organic matter from surface water. ​Decomposed vegetation typically produces naturally occurring organic material that affects water color and taste but is generally not harmful. However, current chemical disinfection processes can create toxic byproducts, and prolonged exposure to those increases health risks. ​Burns said the SIX system increases organic removal by 40% and decreases the need for chemical disinfectants, including sulfuric acid, by 60% to 80%. ​The DLTWTF currently produces an average of 80 million gallons of high-quality drinking water daily for over 733,000 residents. That number will increase threefold, to 140 million gallons, once officials complete the approximately $200 million project. ​“There’s about $80 million in capital cost savings that we would have to do to the rest of the plant, that we no longer have to do with SIX in place,” Burns said. “It’s a very sustainable process.” ​Forever Chemicals ​The city also realized that further reducing the presence of organic materials improved the efficacy of subsequent forever-chemical treatments. PFAS earned the nickname due to the uncanny ability to persist in the environment and human body for decades or even centuries. ​Manufacturers began using forever chemicals, which resist heat, water, oil, and stains, in the 1940s. Common sources include non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, waterproof clothing, food packaging, industrial waste, and pollution caused by stormwater runoff. ​Studies have shown that underserved communities, including people of color and low-income households, are disproportionately affected by PFAS. For example, a 2021 report found that 69% of state-identified disadvantaged neighborhoods in California have forever-chemical contamination in their water systems. A small-scale version of a Suspended Ion Exchange system used during a pilot project in 2021. Photo: City of Tampa. ​Experts note that industrial plants, landfills, and military sites that use PFAS-containing firefighting foams are often located near low-income areas and communities of color. Private wells can lead to exposure, and storm runoff can carry forever-chemicals into municipal drinking water sources. ​PFAS accumulate in the body and cause a wide range of health issues, including increased cancer risk (kidney, testicular), thyroid disease, immune system damage, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and childhood developmental delays. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency implemented the first PFAS regulations in 2024 and continues urging Congress to adopt more stringent legislation. ​Burns said the city “couldn’t see whether or not we were removing PFAS” during the initial pilot project that ended in 2021. However, officials did realize that downstream filters could eliminate some forever-chemicals, “if there are not too many organics in the way.” ​A second pilot concluded in December 2025, and they “also found that because of the way this ion exchange process works, we’re removing 30% of PFAS directly, through that process alone,” Burns explained. ​“So, that was great news,” she added. “We’ve been pretty thrilled with everything we found through this technology. Utilities don’t like new things; it can be hard to get a utility to do that, so I’m pretty impressed that the city made that decision.” ​Burns noted that no amount of forever-chemicals is safe. She, like Castor, believes Tampa has a head start in the race to mitigate PFAS, with cities like Miami facing an “uphill battle.” ​“With our small amount, we’re looking good with our Suspended Ion Exchange process,” Burns said. “But other utilities need to do a lot more, and even just find source water.” ​The city council approved the groundbreaking project in late March. Officials could have spent $280 million on upgrades to the DLTWTF without the SIX system, which should be fully operational by 2031, Burns 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

Marvin Ellison, the first Black CEO of Lowe’s, is doubling down on efforts to address the nation’s critical shortage of skilled trades workers. Photo: Lowe’s. While many corporations invest billions into artificial intelligence, home improvement behemoth Lowe’s is betting on blue-collar workers. ​CEO Marvin Ellison recently announced that Lowe’s is committing $250 million to help train and develop 250,000 tradespeople by 2035. The construction industry needs 349,000 new workers to meet demand this year, according to estimates from the Associated Builders and Contractors. ​Ellison subsequently told Fortune that Lowe’s “believes strongly” in the future of artificial intelligence (AI), which will increasingly impact administrative and analytical occupations. “We think the skilled trades initiative is going to be even more important here in the near future,” he added. ​“As powerful as AI will become, AI can’t climb a ladder to change the batteries in your smoke detector,” Ellison said. “It can’t change your furnace filter, it can’t clean your dryer vent, it can’t repair a hole on your roof.” ​In 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation announced a $50 million, five-year commitment to help train 50,000 skilled tradespeople. The company has since invested in 65 partner organizations and is on track to reach its initial goal by 2027, a year early. ​The foundation, through its Gable Grants initiative, is now expanding partnerships with nonprofits and community colleges nationwide to increase trade program capacity, reduce training barriers, and recruit new participants. Stakeholders will prioritize job placement, career advancement opportunities to bolster employee retention, and long-term sustainability, according to the announcement. ​“Three years ago, we set out to lead an ambitious workforce movement in a pivotal moment - and it’s taken off faster than we imagined,” Ellison said in a prepared statement. “American prosperity is at stake, and we are partnering to solve the workforce gap with a growing force of educators, employers, and policymakers who understand local needs.” ​The foundation is enhancing its CareerStart platform, a free service that directly connects job seekers with employment and educational opportunities. Reaching disengaged youth - young people ages 16 to 24 who are not currently in school or working - is a focus. ​“Building Back America’s Trades,” a three-part television series produced by the foundation that showcases aspiring skilled tradespeople and their mentors, recently debuted on HBO Max and Discovery +. Ellison believes people should choose a career path based on their natural interests and skill sets rather than outside pressure. ​Business leaders, including himself, “need to do a better job of presenting skilled trades as rewarding, viable careers - not just backup plans,” Ellison said. “This is going to be so critical to the future, not only of our company, but to our country.” For more information about the Lowe’s Foundation and its Gable Grants program, 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

Clyde Best (right), a pioneering soccer star in England and Tampa Bay, with actor Tony Head, discusses a new documentary that chronicles his journey after a special screening on Friday at the Palladium Theater. Photos by Mark Parker. A new documentary is providing a long-overdue look at how Clyde Best overcame incessant racial bigotry to become England’s first Black football superstar and a soccer legend in the United States. ​In 1968, a 17-year-old Best left his native Bermuda to play for West Ham United in the top-tier English Premier League’s First Division, where he quickly became known as a prolific scorer and trailblazer. After enduring eight years of blatant racism in London, he joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies and immediately won a championship in the burgeoning North American Soccer League (NASL). ​“Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story” is a meticulously detailed, full-length documentary that explores how a teen from Bermuda helped shape soccer’s global trajectory. Director Dan Egan screened the film, which features 43 interviews from some of the sport’s most respected voices, from Thursday through Saturday at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. ​Egan enlisted Tony Head, a prominent actor whose credits include HBO’s hit series “The Wire,” to narrate the documentary. They joined Best at a special screening on Friday afternoon to discuss the film’s creation and importance. ​“I don’t know another story like this,” Head explained. “I compare it to Jackie Robinson, favorably. Jackie was 28 when he was brought into Major League Baseball. He had a family. He was a very mature man, and he had the support of Branch Rickey, who was president of the Brooklyn Dodgers. They made a decision to let Blacks … into the major leagues. So, he had that support. ​“Clyde had none of this, and he was a teenager. And on top of that, he becomes an icon.” From left: Director Dan Egan, Tony Head, and Clyde Best. ​The film begins by highlighting the racial tensions that permeated life in the 1960s. Best, a soccer phenom in his native Bermuda, the first English colony to participate in the transatlantic slave trade, arrived in London alone and without a place to stay. ​By chance, a stranger introduced Best to Jessie Charles, a white woman and mother to fellow West Ham players John and Clive Charles. The teen lived with the family for six years. ​“If it wasn’t for the Charles family, God knows what would have happened to me,” Best said in the film. “She took me in and treated me just like one of her own children.” ​Best, known for his strength and athleticism, immediately excelled with West Ham. While he was not England’s first Black footballer, his predecessors were never afforded an opportunity to achieve the same level of prominence in the country’s top division. ​The striker scored 47 goals for West Ham between 1968 and 1976, a record that stood for 50 years. In 1970, the club was invited to play a series of exhibition matches in the U.S., an experience that allowed a young Best to compete against the world’s premier soccer players. ​Best faced off against Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, who was already widely regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history at the time. The up-and-coming star scored twice. ​“He came up to me and said, ‘Clyde, I’m the king. You’re now the prince,’” Best recalled of his post-match encounter with Pelé. “I will never forget that, because he was one of my heroes.” ​The film describes Best, typically the only Black face on the field or in stadiums throughout England, regularly enduring racist chants. Grounds crews often filled garbage bags with bananas that fans hurled onto the field. ​There were also written threats of violence, and Best said the only time he ever “lost it” was when a fan spat in his face. “If you let them know they can get in your head, they’re going to destroy you.” ​One interviewee noted that Best’s ability to meet adversity with excellence fostered opportunities for other Black players. The trailblazer said his dad would often remind him, “You’re not playing for yourself, you’re playing for the people coming after you.” Clyde Best (right) poses with a fan before a screening of his documentary. Best eventually became a fan favorite at Upton Park, his home field, and an inspiration to Black kids throughout England who saw someone who looked like them on television for the first time. However, racial tensions persisted, and he decided to pursue an opportunity in the NASL. ​His 88th-minute goal in his first year with the Rowdies secured a Soccer Bowl ‘75 victory in the team’s inaugural season. Best then led the club to an indoor title the following spring, and was named the tournament’s best player. ​Best’s presence helped attract other high-profile foreign athletes to the U.S., and he was instrumental in boosting the sport’s stateside popularity. The film ends by discussing lingering inequalities in professional sports and society. ​After the screening, Best said he hopes the documentary will help young people overcome negativity and challenges. He believes anyone can “make it to the top, if you put in the time and effort, pay attention, and do what you have to do.” ​“You have to be strong mentally,” Best said. “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something in life.” ​Portland, Oregon, is the next stop on a North American film tour that Egan plans to eventually include every FIFA World Cup host city. He is also working on a publishing deal with streaming services, and pledged that “Transforming the Beautiful Game” will soon be available online. ​For more information about the documentary, visit the website here. In June 2024, the Tampa Bay Rowdies honored Clyde Best for his contribution to the club’s inaugural 1975 championship team during a special halftime celebration at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg. Photo: Tampa Bay Rowdies. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. 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Muralist ZuluPainter stands with his work during the 2025 GBTB annual exhibit. Image courtesy of Green Book of Tampa Bay. Green Book of Tampa Bay (GBTB) and The Studio@620 will present the 6th Annual Art Opening Exhibit, Blooming in Black, on Saturday, May 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Studio@620. The exhibition commemorates Juneteenth through art, live performances, and conversation with artists whose work reflects identity, heritage, imagination, and possibility. Featuring Green Book-listed artists, Blooming in Black brings together a range of Black creative voices from the Tampa Bay area and places their work in a space built for community engagement. The show arrives as African and diaspora art continues to draw attention in a global art market still shaped by uneven representation. MoMAA’s African & Diaspora Art Market Outlook 2026 reported that the global art market declined 12 percent in 2024 to $57.5 billion, while African art showed signs of stability through sustained collector demand and comparatively strong sell-through rates. Dedicated Modern and Contemporary African Art sales at Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Bonhams, three of the world’s leading auction houses for fine art, antiques, and luxury collectibles, have generated more than $100 million since 2017, according to the report. Still, the market tells a more complicated story for Black American artists. The Outlook notes that Swann Galleries remains the only major auction house with a dedicated African American Art department. It also cites market share data showing that Black American women artists represent just 0.1 percent of total auction sales, while African American artists accounted for 1.2 percent of $14.6 billion spent at auction between 2008 and 2018. By 2023, that figure had moved closer to 2 percent. That context makes local platforms like Blooming in Black especially important. In Tampa Bay, the exhibition creates another path for Black artists to be seen, supported, and discussed within a cultural economy that has not always valued their work at the same level as their influence. Green Book of Tampa Bay was founded in 2019 and has long worked to uplift Black-owned businesses, artists, storytellers, and cultural spaces throughout the region. Pictured are GBTB co-founders Joshua Bean and Hillary Van Dyke. Image courtesy of J.A. Jones, photographer. For Green Book of Tampa Bay, the focus on arts and culture has become central to its mission. GBTB was founded in 2019 and has long worked to uplift Black-owned businesses, artists, storytellers, and cultural spaces throughout the region. Dr. Hillary Van Dyke, Co-Founder, Executive Director, and Board Vice President, shared that by 2021, the organization had already begun hosting art exhibitions and working with local artists, so the shift in mission to the current arts-centered direction builds on work that was already underway. Van Dyke said the shift was about making the organization’s work more focused and intentional. “At the end of the day, it was honestly about being able to have a more particular focus so we didn’t feel stretched thin, but could instead do one thing really well,” she noted. Van Dyke acknowledged that the organization’s new mission statement was revised to reflect the organization’s singular focus, but added, “I would say it’s too soon to answer about how it’s helping our business growth, but this is work we had already been doing.” Green Book's co-founder has, however, noticed some trends. “The main trend for us is that overall the interest in supporting our work has a lot of ebbs and flows,” she acknowledged, adding that over the last few years, “there’s definitely been a steady decline in the number of individuals and corporate interest in donating or sponsoring. So, we really had to hone in on our brand and be more intentional in trying to get grant dollars to supplement the shifting interest in donating.” Van Dyke, who is also a filmmaker, added that their art shows have always had steady attendance. “We’ve been able to help many emerging artists in the community experience being in their first art show. We have also welcomed back many repeat artists. Another component to our annual art show opening night is live performances and an artist panel, so the evening is just a love letter to Black artists in Tampa Bay.” The exhibit’s opening night includes a reception and artist panel. Image courtesy of Green Book of Tampa Bay. The opening reception will give guests a chance to view the exhibition, hear live performances, and speak with participating artists. Organizers describe the exhibition as a celebration of the beauty, resilience, and creative brilliance of Black artists in the community, with each piece offering a story rooted in culture, memory, and imagination. As Juneteenth approaches, Blooming in Black gives the community a place to gather around art that honors history while looking toward what is still growing. For Green Book of Tampa Bay, the exhibit is part of a larger effort to make sure Black artists, storytellers, and visionaries are visible in the region’s cultural record and supported in real time. Van Dyke also gave props to the event space, The Studio@620, noting, “We are incredibly grateful that the Studio has said yes to us for so many years to allow such a beautiful event to continue.” Tickets for the May 30th reception can be found at https://thestudioat620.org/events/blooming-in-black. 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 exhibit’s opening night also includes performances by local musicians. Image courtesy of Green Book of Tampa Bay. Van Dyke and Bean have founded a space for Black artists in Tampa Bay to shine their light. Image courtesy of Green Book of Tampa Bay.

The 2026 Fabulous Five Females, from left: Jounice Nealy-Brown, attorney and shareholder with Gunster; Jennifer Yeagely, CEO of the St. Pete Free Clinic; Kay Bronstein, chair of the education committee at the Dali Museum; Delquanda Turner Smith, senior program officer at Pinellas Community Foundation and chief operating officer at Inclusivity LLC; and Lisa Brody, chief operating officer and general counsel for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. All photos: Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg. ​For the 18th year, Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg has recognized and celebrated five women leaders for their commitment to uplifting the surrounding community. The admiration is mutual. ​Academy Prep, a tuition-free, private middle school dedicated to inspiring and empowering economically disadvantaged students, hosted its annual Five Fabulous Females luncheon on Thursday at the Tradewinds Island Grand resort. Proceeds from the event support Academy Prep’s Student Scholarship Program and teens who may not succeed in traditional classroom settings. ​The school annually spotlights women in business, philanthropy, and education whose leadership, character, and accomplishments set an inspirational example for students. Board member Kimberly Jackson said Academy Prep honors those who are “authentic and give because they want to, not because they have to.” ​“The women we honored this year know the true meaning of being servant leaders,” Jackson said. “Our community is better because of them.” Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg is at 2301 22nd Ave. S. ​The 2026 Five Fabulous Female honorees are: ​Lisa Brody, chief operating officer and general counsel for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. Kay Bronstein, a trustee and chair of the education committee at the Dali Museum. Jounice Nealy-Brown, an attorney and shareholder with the law firm Gunster. Delquanda Turner Smith, senior program officer at Pinellas Community Foundation and chief operating officer for the Inclusivity LLC. Jennifer Yeagely, CEO of the St. Pete Free Clinic. Brody said her journey was shaped by family, mentors, and the surrounding community. She also noted the boost teens receive when someone realizes “your potential before you see it in yourself, and Academy Prep does that every single day.” ​The school offers scholarships to students who qualify for reduced or free lunches. Academy Prep’s supportive environment, rigorous programming, and ongoing graduate support have led to 98% of enrollees graduating from high school on time and 85% going on to college or military service. ​Brody called the sold-out event “very inspiring,” as students served as hosts and hostesses, interviewed the honorees, and eloquently introduced them to a packed crowd of approximately 375 people. “Right now, in our world, it just gives me hope,” she said. ​“These are the future leaders,” Brody added. “They may not even realize it now, the world doesn’t even know their names yet, but these youngsters are the future.” ​Brody, like her colleagues, preferred to discuss the school’s impact rather than what led to her recognition. She expressed appreciation for inclusion in yet another “very distinguished class.” ​“I feel honored and humbled to now be a part of that group of women,” Brody said of past cohorts. “Every single one of them is giving back and serving and working within our community.” ​Nealy-Brown called the recognition “absolutely unexpected and a little bit overwhelming.” She also appreciated the opportunity to show students that “once people pour into you, then you pour into other people.” ​Nealy-Brown said it takes community support for someone to become a leader, who should then return the favor. She believes that Academy Prep provides the fertilizer youth need to blossom. ​She noted that students everywhere “come to school with their circumstances on their backs.” Teens at Academy Prep receive a “concentrated, focused energy to adjust their mindset for success” and realize that “no matter what you’ve gone through, you are expected to be a productive, respectful, attentive citizen,” Nealy-Brown said. ​“They will carry those lessons with them for the rest of their lives and, hopefully, inspire other young people.” ​Yeagley found the recognition “incredibly meaningful,” as it came from an organization with an “amazing impact.” She said that standing alongside other honorees, all “powerful community leaders,” was humbling. ​Before the luncheon, Academy Prep pairs honorees with students, who then have an immersive experience at the school. Yeagley believes those meaningful connections provide students and honorees with a fresh, mutually beneficial perspective. ​Smith said events like the luncheon remind stakeholders that leadership is more than just titles or accomplishments. She emphasized the importance of “impact, compassion, and lifting others as we climb.” Those efforts are “not always found in grand gestures,” Smith added. She said leadership means consistency and “showing up for people, even when no one is watching.” ​“It is found in choosing to care, listening, and showing empathy, again and again,” Smith concluded. Current and previous Five Fabulous Females at the 2026 ceremony. 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: City Councilmembers Corey Givens Jr., Brandi Gabbard, and Deborah Figgs-Sanders discuss St. Petersburg’s proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget on Thursday. Image: Screengrab. St. Petersburg is tightening its fiscal belt, as Mayor Ken Welch’s administration has tasked departmental leaders with submitting proposals for 3% and 5% budget reductions. ​Assistant City Administrator Tom Greene began an extensive city council workshop on Thursday by noting that the decreases have helped mitigate the gap between projected revenues and expenses. Residents will also see rates increase on everything from childcare services to stormwater bills in fiscal year 2027, which begins in October. ​The departmental cuts trimmed the preliminary general fund budget, which pays for all city services, from $444.54 million to $433.37 million. However, that is still 5.21% higher than what was adopted last year, and a $5 million funding gap remains. ​“We wanted to look for reductions that didn’t impact service delivery,” Greene said. “Although you might see some vacant positions eliminated, we believe it’s manageable.” A graphic highlighting that the fiscal year 2027 preliminary funding gap is significantly lower than at this point in 2025. All graphics: Screengrabs, city documents. ​The administration did not receive blowback for the personnel changes. Salaries and wages account for 69% of the city’s general fund budget. ​Officials plan to eliminate 19 vacant positions, Greene said, while adding 10 others. Councilmember Mike Harting called the impact negligible in a city with over 3,000 employees, and noted that “human capital” costs are still increasing by $24.5 million. ​“Everything is getting more expensive,” said Liz Makofske, budget director. “Just like in your everyday budget at home, to keep the same budget or the same services and things you have this year, it’s going to cost more next year.” ​Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. said municipal rate increases will affect residents citywide, “and the last thing we want to do is blindside people.” He emphasized the need for communication; the city will host public hearings in September before adopting the final budget. ​Givens also expressed concern over the amount of money spent on salaries. He believes administrators could identify additional positions for consolidation. ​“There are some roles where we have three people getting paid to do the same job,” Givens added. Property taxes support the general fund, and he also questioned what the city would do if the state, as long-discussed, passes legislation that could reduce or eliminate that revenue source this summer. A graphic highlighting various city expenditures. ​City Administrator Rob Gerdes said he is not aware of three people performing the same role, and would like to “take a closer look at that.” He also called the budget reductions a “good foreshadowing” of the city’s response to property tax reform. ​Gerdes said the city could have made additional cuts that officials will explore “if we get to a more significant situation.” That would likely include workforce reductions, due to the annual cost of salaries, benefits, and pensions. ​“The last thing I want to be communicated is that Councilmember Givens wants to take the chopping block to people’s jobs,” Givens added. “What I want to do is make sure we are being good fiscal stewards of taxpayer funds, and that includes making those managerial decisions that we have to make.” ​The administration has proposed increasing building permit costs by 25% and implementing a $15 technology fee. People would also pay an additional $1 to $3 to use three municipal golf courses. ​Makofske said residents at the city-owned Jamestown Apartments would see a “modest rental rate increase” that reflects market conditions and community upgrades when they renew their leases. A new service that allows residents to rent after-hours meeting rooms at the recently redeveloped Barack Obama Main Library for $110 or $120 per hour will help offset operating costs. ​The price to live aboard a vessel at the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina will increase by 10%, and rates for every department housed at the Municipal Services Center downtown will increase by 5%. Hourly parking rates along Central Avenue will increase by 50 cents. A list of services with proposed rate increases. Mike Jefferis, community enrichment administrator, said St. Petersburg hasn’t updated its childcare fees since 2022. He also noted that the city would continue subsidizing costs for families that qualify for free or reduced school lunches. ​For example, municipal after-school care for elementary-aged children would increase from $38 to $41 weekly. Those who receive free lunches would pay $14.35, and Jefferis pledged that his department will always work with families who cannot afford the cost. ​The city plans to continue offering free services for teens, Jefferis added, and subsidizes the cost for 78% of younger participants in afterschool and summer programs. “Prior to this mayor and council, there was a time when our department would take a 5% increase every year, and that made us very uncomfortable,” he said. ​“We take increases to childcare very seriously,” Jefferis continued. “We’re very intentional about those.” A proposed 6% cut to arts funding was a point of contention for several council members. Gerdes said each city administration had to explore reductions, and the mayor has yet to present his final proposed budget. ​Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders shared those concerns and advocated for the Arts Conservatory for Teens (ACT). She said the beneficial program impacts children that “not a lot of organizations can reach.” ​“It enhances their artistic skills, and it provides something out of the technology or AI or construction arena, so they can find a beneficial future,” Figgs-Sanders continued. “I can think of some other areas that we can possibly take the money from, that the city wouldn’t notice as much, but a lot of these do impact our youth.” ​​For more budget information, visit the website here. A graphic highlighting the amount of funding allocated to each city administration. 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

Olusope Otuyelu poses in front of her selection of loose-leaf tea. Image courtesy of Olusope Otuyelu. Discover an elevated drinking experience when you shop at Ojà Wellness Foods. Through their wide selection of loose-leaf teas that offer health-based benefits, Tampa Bay residents can be sure to find a satisfying cup of tea with Ojà Wellness Foods. Olusope "Show-Pay" Otuyelu co-founded the tea shop along with her sister, Mobolaji. Through her role, Otuyelu is responsible for leading product development, tea formulation, US-based partnerships, community engagement, and education practices. Otuyelu cites that the idea of Ojà was born out of a personal need to reconnect with wellness in a practical way. Her upbringing in Nigeria taught her to leverage tea as a tool of healing. In her home country, the usage of herbal remedies and teas was a natural part of everyday life; there was a universal acknowledgment that if you felt sick, taking herbal concoctions could make you feel better. While living in the U.S., Otuyelu saw a disconnect between herbal remedies and wellness. Through Ojà’s accessible loose-leaf tea products and educational awareness information, Otuyelu invites a way to make herbal wellness simple, accessible, and part of daily routines. “With knowledge comes enlightenment and being able to share with people. There are natural options, and looking at it purely from the benefits, the science, the function, and how accessible all of these things are,” said Otuyelu. In Yoruba, “Ojà” means marketplace and is traditionally located at the crossroads of villages. Markets represent a space for exchange in the forms of goods, knowledge, and community. Otuyelu intentionally named the tea brand after its namesake to create a space where people can access simple, effective wellness through tea. Olusope Otuyelu (middle) with customers. Image courtesy of Olusope Otuyelu. Ojà’s digital storefront features popular blends, including Highland Chai, Berry Lemon, Lemon Mint, and Anti-Inflammation Blend. These best-selling brews offer more than a delicious flavor; they are skillfully crafted to support stress relief, improved digestion, anti-inflammatory benefits, immune support, heart health, and more, depending on the blend. “We use whole, loose-leaf ingredients like hibiscus, ginger, lemongrass, and peppermint — herbs that have been used for generations. Because the teas are minimally processed, you're getting more of the natural compounds, which makes a difference in both flavor and effectiveness,” explained Otuyelu. Ojà’s teas are designed to support everyday wellness in an easy-to-maintain way. By pairing a daily tea routine with whole foods, physical activity, adequate sleep, and any interventions deemed necessary by your medical provider, Otuyelu believes consumers can drastically improve their quality of life and health. Olusope Otuyelu pours an attendee a cup of tea at her tea-tasting workshop. Image courtesy of Isis Climes. While a physical store is part of the business’s long-term vision, customers can also purchase on their website and at local pop-ups and markets throughout the Tampa Bay area. Beyond personal wellness, Otuyelu is motivated to invest in sustainable agriculture. She primarily sources from family-owned and government-owned farms in Nigeria and other West African countries such as Togo & Benin Republic, as well as from local trusted suppliers in Florida and throughout the U.S. “The quality of what we consume starts with how it's grown. That's a big part of our mission as we believe that wellness starts at the soil level and extends into our communities,” explained Otuyelu, “This allows us to maintain quality while staying connected to the cultural and agricultural roots of the ingredients we use.” Beyond their online presence, customers can experience Ojà through their local pop-ups, workshops, and guided tea tastings. Ojà’s next upcoming event, "Tea-tails Night," premieres next Friday, May 15th, 2026, at 6 p.m., at 1753 Prescott St S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712. Flyer for next Friday’s event, “Tea-Tails Night”. Image courtesy from Olusope Otuyelu. “Tea-Tails Night” is a tea mocktail (non-alcoholic) experience made with Ojà’s herbal blends. Guests can expect a relaxed social environment, a curated menu of tea-based mocktails and desserts, and a light introduction to the benefits and versatility of tea. Tickets are priced at $35, and the last day to purchase is next Wednesday, May 13. Stay connected with Ojà by following their Instagram or visiting their website for upcoming events and new releases. “We're continuing to expand our presence in the Tampa Bay area through pop-ups, workshops, and guided tea tastings focused on making herbal wellness more accessible. We're also growing our product line and building partnerships with local businesses,” said Otuyelu. 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 Olusope Otuyelu showcases two of her popular blends: Roselle and Divine Balance. Image courtesy of Olusope Otuyelu.

Narja Campbell (left), owner of Campbell’s Catering and Son of a Brisket, recently returned from a trip to Germany. Photos courtesy of Narja Campbell. Narja Campbell never planned to open a food truck. Serendipity said otherwise, and he is now taking Son of a Brisket to Germany. ​The native Texan launched Tampa Bay-based Campbell’s Catering in 2019. However, something was missing: Authentic barbecue that would make his home state proud. ​An opportunity presented itself, Campbell explained, in the form of an aunt who had what he initially thought was a “little smoker on a trailer” for sale that could augment his catering menu. He purchased a full-fledged food truck instead, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. ​Campbell, undeterred, opened Son of a Brisket in late 2020. “It wasn’t something that was planned, but it was something that was in God’s plan,” he said of the food truck. ​Son of a Brisket subsequently exploded in popularity, but not before Campbell paid his dues by traveling to various apartment complexes throughout Tampa Bay and hawking barbecue.“That is how we got our name out in the community,” he said. ​The food truck soon became a fixture at the Saturday Shoppes and other area festivals and sporting events. Campbell’s family-owned business gained national exposure when the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg selected him to serve as the event’s sole barbecue vendor. ​“The community of St. Pete, if they support you, they go out and support you,” Campbell said. “St. Pete shows us love.” Narja Campbell also bottles his own sauces. ​Campbell hoped to parlay his experience with the Grand Prix into a spot at a prominent Oktoberfest in Germany. His brother-in-law owns three restaurants in the country and offered to help facilitate the food truck’s European debut. ​Those conversations soon evolved into an opportunity for a pop-up restaurant at one of his German brother-in-law’s establishments, Campbell said. A successful, month-long trial run that began in February sealed Son of a Brisket’s status as an international entity. ​“So, what we plan on doing is just a couple more pop-ups, then getting all the paperwork filled out, and then heading over to get an actual building,” Campbell said. “It feels good. It’s kind of surreal, all at the same time.” ​Campbell recalled an advisor welcoming him to the world of business ownership after securing his license in 2019. “And then seeing everything grow, the tears of joy, the tears of sadness, and flying across the pond to go and set up and do barbecue - it’s awesome. It’s a great feeling,” he said. ​A stateside brick-and-mortar location for Son of a Brisket is “definitely in the future,” Campbell said. “If I had my choice, I would open it up in St. Pete first.” A Son of a Brisket pop-up restaurant in Germany. ​Campbell, who also bottles his own sauce locally, credited his success to offering something not readily available in Tampa Bay. “I tell people all the time, being from Texas, it’s hard for me to find good barbecue out here,” he said. ​He also dispelled the myth that running a food truck is easy work. Campbell, who has 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry, noted that owners “wear every hat, from dishwasher to marketer.” ​When asked what he would say to others who hope to replicate his success, Campbell, who still operates his catering company, said: "Just don’t give up.” Most entrepreneurs will know if they made the right decision within the first year, and those who struggle should remember that most people “won’t even try.” ​“Once you figure out if it is going to be successful, then just attack it like you’ve never attacked anything else,” Campbell continued. “There’s going to be long nights, long days, sleepless nights, sleepless days, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.” Narja Campbell (right) at a business meeting in Germany. 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

Ken Babby (left), CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ken Atwater, President of Hillsborough College, field questions from the Tampa City Council on Tuesday night. Image: Screengrab. While details remain scarce, city officials and residents had their first opportunity to discuss a $2.3 billion stadium deal with the Tampa Bay Rays at a nearly four-hour-long workshop on Tuesday. ​Questions from Tampa’s City Council largely mirrored those recently posed at a Hillsborough County Commission meeting, and concrete answers were just as elusive. The negotiating parties still lack an agreed-upon memorandum of understanding (MOU), with less than a month until the team’s June 1 deadline to approve final agreements. ​A key difference between the two workshops was a public comment period that began at 7 p.m., two hours into the meeting, and ended at nearly 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Social media posts from the Rays urged fans, who heeded the call en masse, to attend and express their support for a deal that, so far, relies heavily on promises. ​Supporters, many donning Rays gear, vastly outnumbered those opposed to contributing $951 million in public funding - $750 million from the county and $251 million from the city - to a new ballpark. Local sports pundit J.P. Peterson said other cities eager to land a Major League Baseball team would happily pay a $2.5 billion expansion fee before even considering stadium costs. ​“We were gifted that; we have the Rays here, and people love them,” Peterson said. “And you are the stewards who are going to send this team to Orlando?” An aerial rendering of the stadium and surrounding $8 billion mixed-use district. Image: Tampa Bay Rays. ​Tampa resident Laura Lawson was among several people who said they “love the Rays” yet oppose the vague stadium financing structure. The team will contribute $1.235 billion and privately fund the surrounding mixed-use district. ​“You know where I love them? Over in St. Pete, where they can afford them,” Lawson said of the Rays. “I heard a lot of talk about ‘do no harm’ today, but … I think this is going to do significant harm to our budget.” ​Joe Robinson, chair of the West Tampa Community Advisory Committee, took a measured approach while expressing concern over the lack of details. He also noted that the Rays must adhere to the city’s community benefits ordinance. ​“I think the Rays have been genuine,” said Robinson, who remains undecided. “We’re not there yet. We might get there.” ​Rays CEO Ken Babby had 30 minutes to pitch his proposal to the council. Tampa Chief of Staff John Bennet provided a brief presentation followed by comments from project stakeholders, including the tax collector’s office, the firefighters and police unions, and the Florida Department of Transportation. ​Council members then had 30 minutes to submit questions or comments. Babby began by pledging that the project, according to independent studies, would generate an economic impact of $55-70 billion, support 11,900 new jobs, and attract 10 million annual visitors. ​He said “pillars” of a forthcoming community benefits agreement (CBA) would include a reimagined Hillsborough College campus, “real jobs with a pipeline of students,” new educational programs and apprenticeship opportunities, an unknown number of affordable housing units, and widened streets to accommodate an influx of traffic. ​“We’re committing tonight to invest in more than 25 parks for baseball and other sports,” Babby added. “We want to be great community partners in the way that we give back and engage.” ​Councilmember Naya Young asked if businesses owned by women and people of color would participate in the project as sub and prime contractors amid Florida’s war on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The college has requested $50 million in state funds to rebuild its campus. ​President Ken Atwater pledged that HC would continue doing “business with everybody” and follow current procurement processes, “which have been very successful in the past.” Babby said the Rays serve the entire Tampa Bay community and look forward to working with “businesses of all colors, all types, all walks of life.” ​“Hold us accountable; hold us responsible in our agreements,” Babby told the council. “When we sign them, they will have contractual commitments that we do what we say we’re going to do, but you’ve got to believe in the vision.” City Councilmember Naya Young questioned business participation goals, which the Tampa Bay Rays have yet to announce. Image: Screengrab. Gov. Ron DeSantis has long advocated for eliminating or reducing property taxes, which fund municipal projects, agencies, and services. State leadership will discuss those changes this summer, a prospect that loomed over the meeting. ​Councilmember Lynn Hurtak noted that the city would also use property taxes and the Community Investment Tax (CIT), a half-cent sales surcharge, to finance its contribution. “If the economy goes down, and our CIT does not make it above 3%, how are you going to pay for that?” she asked Babby. ​“We will get into the details of the financial agreement in the memorandum of understanding,” Babby replied. ​While negotiations are ongoing, Babby said the surrounding district would be “fully taxable.” The county would own the stadium, exempting it from property taxes. He pledged that city funding would only support infrastructure upgrades. ​Jennifer Castro, chief deputy tax collector, expressed concern over the team’s plan to demolish the agency's busiest office rather than include it in the surrounding district. She said the massive facility serves one million people annually, and replacing it would cost taxpayers $15-20 million. ​“If property tax reform eliminates or reduces our revenue … we may simply not have the budget to replace this building,” Castro said. “And there’s no state funding waiting to fill that gap.” ​The local police and fire unions generally support the deal, provided it includes guardrails that prevent any impacts to public safety funding. Councilmember Charlie Miranda offered the sharpest criticism. ​Miranda said Tampa achieved the nation’s second-highest credit rating due to its reserve funding, which the city could put toward its stadium contribution. He also noted it holds $2.8 billion in debt. ​Miranda questioned the team’s financial capacity to cover 54% of the stadium’s price tag, build a roughly $5 billion mixed-use district, and pay for all cost overruns. “When you buy a team for $1.7 billion, you should have the assets to do other things with it,” he said. A rendering of the surrounding district, which the team believes will attract 10 million annual visitors. 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

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of uplifting neighborhoods during her State of the City address on Tuesday. All photos: City of Tampa. Mayor Jane Castor chose a unique venue for her seventh, and likely last, State of the City address - a sparkling new community center in underserved East Tampa. ​Castor told attendees who packed the Fair Oaks Community Center on Tuesday that the centerpiece of a $34.7 million project completed in December represented the city’s ongoing efforts to invest in its residents. She called the 33,055-square-foot facility “a promise delivered.” ​The event’s theme was “Built to Last,” and Castor, whose second and final term ends on May 1, 2027, highlighted the progress she has made toward achieving that goal. She credited investments in infrastructure, housing, and, perhaps most importantly, people, for the city’s success. ​“What we are building is not temporary,” Castor said. “It is built to last, built for our residents, built for our neighborhoods, built for the future of this city, because the story of Tampa has always been a story of people who believe in this city and work together to make it stronger.” ​The center, part of the new 10.25-acre East Tampa Recreation Complex, in the heart of a community redevelopment area, featured prominently at the event. Students from nearby Potter Elementary School recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Students from Potter Elementary School in East Tampa. ​Castor noted that East Tampa is rich with history, culture, and talent, yet municipal officials overlooked the area for far too long. She said the new complex, a “regional jewel in our park system,” embodies a commitment to “investing in the people and places that built this city.” ​“When cities invest in neighborhoods, something powerful happens,” Castor continued. “Families want to live nearby, businesses want to open up, neighborhood pride grows, and opportunity follows.” ​After assuming office in 2019, the former police chief set an ambitious goal to create 10,000 affordable housing units. Over 8,300 have been completed or are underway. ​A “beautiful mixed-income community” in East Tampa, a reimagined Robles Park, will soon provide 2,000 additional homes. Castor said the city has dedicated $100 million to affordable developments and housing assistance since 2019, as the region’s population and living costs spiked. ​Tampa has approved nearly $22 billion in construction permits since Castor took office, including 23,000 new market-rate housing units. However, she is particularly proud of investing in programs that offer East Tampa residents housing rehabilitation and down payment assistance, and foster homeownership opportunities. ​Castor said Tampa’s growth “isn’t just about buildings.” The goal is to ensure residents can stay, work, and improve their lives in the city. ​“Tampa’s strength has always come from the people who take a chance; who open up a business, create something new, and invest in our community,” Castor said. “That’s especially true for our small businesses. They create jobs, they support families, they bring life to our neighborhoods.” Jane Castor (center) will complete her second term as mayor on May 1, 2027. ​Port Tampa Bay now generates a $34.6 billion annual economic impact and supports over 192,000 jobs. Tampa International Airport is undergoing a “world-class expansion” and boasts more non-stop flights than ever before, Castor added. ​Building a city to last starts with the basics, Castor said, and water mains were breaking almost daily when she assumed office. The city has since spent over $3 billion replacing functionally obsolete pipes in “one of the largest investments in Tampa’s history.” ​The city has also replaced 78 miles of aging water lines and rehabilitated 210 miles of wastewater piping, all while ensuring utility rates remain among the region’s lowest, Castor said. “These upgrades have prevented leaks, reduced sink holes, conserved water, improved reliability, and protected against costly failures.” ​Castor noted that Tampa is building the world’s largest Suspended Ion Exchange water treatment facility to remove “forever chemicals.” In addition to improving water quality, the technology will save taxpayers over $2 million annually by reducing the need for chemical treatments, she said. ​The city is moving forward with the final piece of its South Tampa stormwater system, along South Howard Avenue, Castor announced. While it would be “far easier to shelve that project for years of additional studies and delays,” she said, flooding does not “wait for a consensus.” ​Tampa has paved 310 miles of streets, repaired 100 miles of sidewalks, and added 56 miles of bike lanes since 2019, Castor said. The city is also expanding its free TECO Streetcar service, now a “vital transportation option” connecting downtown, the Channel District, and Ybor City. ​Castor also expressed excitement for the new Tampa Bay Ferry. She said regional stakeholders have committed to making the service, which will offer lower fares and exponentially more trips than its predecessor, a “real option for commuters in the Bay Area.” ​“We are going to keep investing, keep building, keep moving forward, because this isn’t about one moment,” Castor concluded. “We are honoring our past, we are embracing our future, and together, we are building the greatest Tampa yet.” City officials and project stakeholders cut a ceremonial ribbon for the $34.7 million East Tampa Recreation Complex following Mayor Jane Castor’s address. 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 launched the St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) Plan in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. How to fund the program remains an issue. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg residents must decide how they prefer to pay for critical upgrades to storm, waste, and drinking water systems amid increasing environmental threats. ​A bond issuance, funded by a new property tax, could finance up to $600 million in St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) projects. However, that requires voters to approve a ballot referendum in November. If approved, property owners would pay an additional $96 annually for every $100,000 of taxable value. ​The alternative is to charge the average utility customer an additional $486.12 annually. Administrators outlined the more cost-effective bond proposal, which would provide immediate funding to accelerate projects that increase resiliency, to city council members at a committee meeting on April 23. While there is a consensus on the benefits of a bond issuance, Mayor Ken Welch’s administration is still determining which projects are feasible and deserve prioritization. Some council members expressed concern with that process, the referendum’s language, and the city’s potentially confusing messaging to voters. ​“The constituent that is going to vote on this – that is ultimately going to be responsible financially for this – doesn’t interpret everything it has taken the last hour for us to even understand,” said Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders. “I just want to be mindful of the terminology we use.” ​City officials will discuss a communication plan on May 14, and the full council must approve the ballot question at a later date. The draft version currently states: ​“Shall the city finance storm resilience improvements, including but not limited to, floodwater protection, stormwater pump stations, drainage infrastructure, as well as wastewater collection and treatment facilities, drinking water distribution and supply facilities, by issuing general obligation bonds in one ore series, not exceeding $600,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding maximum legal rates, maturing not more than 30 years from each issuance date, pledging the city’s full faith, credit, and unlimited ad valorem taxing power?” The city could install flood gates to help prevent extremely high tides from inundating flood-prone neighborhoods. Photo: City documents. ​Stormwater and wastewater infrastructure would each receive 42% of the funding. The remaining 16% would go toward drinking water infrastructure, although those proportions are subject to change. ​Public Works Administrator Claude Tankersley noted that the city has already completed some SPAR projects. Those include installing flood barriers at the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility and a sewage lift station, and drainage improvements along 9th Avenue and 37th Street North. ​Multiple other SPAR initiatives, such as a citywide private lateral rebate program and a $35 million effort to enhance infrastructure reliability at the low-lying Northeast Water Reclamation Facility, are underway. Tankersley said the bond issuance would allow the city to “undertake large-scale resiliency upgrades now, rather than delay projects to pay as you go through utility rates.” ​“While pay as you go avoids interest payments, it does carry a high risk of inflation, construction delays, and in many cases, higher total costs due to rising material and labor prices,” Tankersley explained. ​He also noted that not all property owners are city utility customers. Tankersley said using a combination of those fees and property taxes to fund a total of $2.7 billion in proposed SPAR projects through 2050 would ensure the cost is distributed equitably. ​Potential drainage investments include upsizing pipes and culverts, widening ditches, and creating new bypass routes. The administration is also considering expanding capacity in canals, creeks, and ditches and installing new stormwater pump stations. ​Tankersley said the city is exploring flood gate systems that use structural barriers to prevent extremely high tides from inundating flood-prone neighborhoods like Clam Bayou and Shore Acres. He called those the “most ambitious” potential SPAR projects. ​To reduce drinking water disruptions during severe weather events, the city could replace aging storage tanks, elevate critical treatment equipment, and install permanent generators to protect against power outages. Tankersley also highlighted several upgrades that could reduce sewer backups and overflows. ​“I think it would be helpful to be clear and use examples of things we’re already doing, and get away from talking about what we might do,” said Councilmember Gina Driscoll. “So, the story that we tell about what this is going to be for, the more prescriptive it can be, the more restrictive it can be. The more accountability we show that will be there, the better the chances of getting this passed.” ​Driscoll and several of her colleagues also took issue with a map in the presentation that pinpointed locations of SPAR projects. Councilmember Brandi Gabbard noted that 95% of her district is within a Coastal High Hazard Area, yet accounts for just 8% of the proposed initiatives. ​Administrators explained that many projects would benefit multiple districts downstream. Councilmember Richie Floyd said wastewater upgrades will have a nearly citywide impact, which maps should reflect. ​“I care what the radius is, what the area is of our residents who are going to be helped by this,” Driscoll said. “That is the story that needs to be told over and over and over again.” A map highlighting near-term St. Pete Agile Resiliency (SPAR) projects. Red stars denote those funded by general obligation (GO) bonds and federal disaster relief funding, and purple stars indicate those funded through utility fees. 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

Stakeholders from Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Hubbard’s Marina, the Tampa Bay Ferry’s operator, joined Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority leadership on Monday to outline the new service’s benefits. Photo: PSTA. A revamped, year-round ferry service connecting downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg will feature two vessels, $10 fares, and traverse the bay seven days a week. ​Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) leadership unveiled a much-anticipated vision for the new Tampa Bay Ferry at a press conference on Monday. The service, expected to launch by the end of the year, represents a significant upgrade over its privately-owned predecessor, the Cross Bay Ferry, which shuttered in May 2025. ​Stakeholders from Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Hubbard’s Marina, the Tampa Bay Ferry’s operator, joined PSTA on Monday to outline the new service’s benefits. The agency’s board will vote on a plan to purchase and renovate two vessels using a $4.8 million federal grant on Wednesday. ​“The ferry service will most definitely strengthen the connection between the City of St. Petersburg, Tampa, and the broader Tampa Bay region,” said PSTA Board Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders. “We’ve been mindful that we wanted to not only make it accessible, but we also wanted to make it affordable.” From left: St. Petersburg City Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders, chair of PSTA’s governing board; Vice Chair Tom Reid; and CEO Brad Miller at the Tampa Convention Center dock site on Monday. Photo: Facebook. ​Operated by Boston-based HMS Ferries, the Cross Bay began offering seasonal waterborne transportation between downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg in 2016. In March 2025, the embattled company announced plans to replace its catamaran-style vessel with one that cruises at about half the speed. ​Hillsborough County terminated its operating agreement with HMS Ferries the following month. The Cross Bay subsequently ended before the long-awaited start of year-round service, and PSTA is now leading the development of a new service. ​In December 2025, PSTA’s board unanimously selected Hubbard’s Marina, acting as Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, to operate a new and improved ferry service. The family-owned company’s name has been synonymous with local waterborne activities for nearly a century. ​PSTA now believes it can acquire and refurbish two suitable vessels, once an uncertainty, with the federal grant. That will ensure more frequent trips than the Cross Bay, which relied on one boat. ​“This is historic, because up until now, the vessels that we have been using for the Cross Bay Ferry service were from out of town,” said CEO Brad Miller. “They were from Boston, and they were on loan here only during the winter season.” ​PSTA’s board has already approved the purchase of a 250-person vessel, dubbed the Bay Breeze, from the San Francisco Ferry service. The total cost to acquire and refurbish the ship, which holds 101 more passengers than the Cross Bay, is $2.5 million. The previously approved Bay Breeze, which can cruise at 28 knots (32.2 mph). Photo: PSTA. Hubbard’s Marina and PSTA staff have also identified the Seattle-based San Juan Clipper ($2 million) and the Candy Stripe ($2.3 million), docked in Morgan City, Louisiana, as potential additions to the Tampa Bay Ferry’s fleet. Stakeholders will rename the selected vessel at a formal ceremony.​PSTA is targeting a $10 one-way ticket price, $2 cheaper than the Cross Bay’s fares. Seniors will receive a 50% discount. ​Both vessels will feature a bar with snacks, kid-friendly drinks, and adult beverages. The boats will dock at the east end of the Tampa Convention Center, the site of Monday’s press conference. ​The Tampa Bay Ferry will utilize a temporary dock along the Vinoy Yacht Basin in downtown St. Petersburg. A permanent home for multiple vessels at the St. Peter Pier is currently in the design and engineering phase. ​“When you look around, we’re surrounded by water,” said Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin. “It is a no-brainer that we should be using these waterways as transit options. To have two vessels being able to go between our downtown business cores – it is going to be an amazing step forward in how we move people.” ​Figgs-Sanders said the more reliable service will also enhance workforce mobility by offering residents a convenient commuting option to job centers across the bay. Tampa Councilmember Lynn Hurtak said the region is at its best when the Cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg work together to achieve a common goal. ​The two anchor cities will each contribute $350,000 annually to the Tampa Bay Ferry service. “Long-term, this entire region needs more transportation options,” Hurtak said. ​“We’re working hard on rail; we’re working hard on getting things going,” she added. “But this will happen immediately, and that is really critical and crucial.” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said he preferred the San Juan Clipper, which can hold up to 149 people and requires less retrofitting than the Candy Stripe. 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.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Empath Health quietly restructured its “access and engagement” operations, leading to an outpouring of community concerns. All photos: Empath Health. Empath Health, which has long touted its inclusive culture and emphasis on engaging underserved communities, just gutted the team responsible for both – without notice. ​The organization quietly restructured its “access and engagement” operations, formerly housed under its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) umbrella, with severance agreements and fear of reprisals preventing those affected from commenting publicly. ​Word of the departures and changes spread on April 18, after representatives of Clearwater-based Empath atypically skipped the annual African American Health Forum, held that morning. Esther Sanni, president of the St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP, confirmed the rumors that day and noted that most of the casualties were “trusted and culturally connected leaders within our Black community” in a subsequent social media post. ​“The key things that really hit me are the loss of local voices and community-rooted leadership,” Sanni told Power Broker Magazine. “I really feel like, because of that, there is a true loss of the cultural piece.” ​The layoffs extend from the top down. For example, Empath has disconnected the office number for Karen Davis-Pritchett, vice president of engagement and access, who received the National Council for Negro Women (NCNW) – St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section’s 2026 Humanitarian Award for her work in the community. Seven affected employees described a “very cold method” of restructuring and a toxic culture, Sanni said. Some were released, and others transitioned from full-time to a contractual basis, leaving them in a state of ambiguity. Most were either people of color or women. One was a veteran. Sanni questioned why the nonprofit’s leadership did not delay the transition until after last Saturday’s vital forum on health disparities or notify the organizers of their planned absence. ​“I think it speaks to the fact that the majority of these individuals are not from our community, and so they’re not aware of what’s taking place and what’s important,” Sanni added. “I think it also raises bigger issues. In particular, it touches on transparency, intentionality, and equity.” ​Empath, which recently merged with West Palm Beach-based Trustbridge Hospice to form Florida’s largest not-for-profit post-acute care provider, did not respond to multiple requests for an interview. ​​The integration with Trustbridge has been two years in the making. Empath could have previously considered how the restructuring would impact employees and the community it has pledged to serve, Sanni said. ​The overhaul coincides with the state’s ongoing efforts to prohibit DEI efforts, which could impact Empath’s licensing and funding streams if it were found to violate state laws. When asked if she thought that influenced the layoffs, Sanni said, “You can connect the dots.” ​“I’m curious if funding was being affected or being threatened, or did they just make a decision to quietly adjust to avoid any level of negative fallout,” she continued. ​Sanni believes the ongoing losses and changes have affected morale, which will cause patient care to suffer. She also wonders “who is at the table now, who is not at the table, and what connection do they have to St. Petersburg?” ​Empath’s response ​In a social media reply to the NAACP, Empath acknowledged that those who left were “trusted partners within your community.” The organization also understands the impact caused by their absence, “especially without proactive communication.” The NAACP wrote that while transitions happen, the lack of communication has impacted families, churches, and community partners who “rely on these relationships for guidance, trust, and support.” ​Sanni separately noted that “trust is already fragile” between marginalized communities and healthcare providers. Empath acknowledges that reality on its website, which states that “community-rooted healthcare takes decades to build,” yet has eroded that progress, she said. ​Empath CEO Jonathan Fleece addressed the still-evolving situation in a letter to employees, obtained by Power Broker Magazine, on Wednesday. He said the organization made difficult decisions to restructure “some of our support services as part of a broader set of deliberate actions to improve how we serve our communities, operate, focus resources, and ensure long-term sustainability.” ​Fleece, who frequently attended events supported by the access and engagement team, said Empath is consolidating functions, leaving some roles unfulfilled, and “eliminating a limited number of positions where necessary.” The organization will integrate community engagement into “more roles across the organization,” he wrote. ​“This is not a reflection of the dedication, talent, or impact of the individuals affected in this or other departments,” Fleece added. “We are deeply grateful for their contributions.” ​He also directly addressed the NAACP. Fleece said he takes the organization’s concerns regarding community representation and inclusion seriously, and “will be addressing them in a way that is true to Empath’s mission, vision, and values.” ​Sanni said now is the time for all stakeholders to “speak up and speak truth” about their experiences with Empath. She also encourages former staff to stay connected with one another and remain grounded, aware, and proactive rather than reactive. In a letter to employees, Empath Health CEO Jonathan Fleece said the organization made difficult decisions to restructure support services “as part of a broader set of deliberate actions to improve how we serve our communities.” All photos: Empath Health What’s next? Advocacy groups are reviewing an influx of community feedback to determine next steps. “We’ll show up when needed,” Sanni said. In a subsequent statement to the Power Broker, Tim Trodden, chief people officer for Empath, expressed a commitment to “listening and working together in service to our community.” He said the organization welcomes the opportunity for an in-person conversation with the NAACP. Kelly Garrett, who has served as a community partner specialist at Empath for several years, is leading the organization’s transition. “She will be reaching out to partners directly,” Trodden said. “Across our 11 local boards, we’ve made strides toward representation that better matches our communities, and are doing the same at the parent board level,” Trodden added. “Any community leader, elected official, clergy member, or partner who wants to speak with Empath is welcome to reach out to us directly.” For questions, comments, or to share your perspective, contact community@empathhealth.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

LaShante Keys (center), founder and CEO of CommunityEFX, organized the inaugural event in 2025. Photos: CommunityEFX. ​A free, high-impact event rooted in the belief that men deserve to be celebrated and supported – rather than simply tolerated – is returning to St. Petersburg. ​The Cookout: A Celebration of Brotherhood, will take over the University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s waterfront campus on Saturday, May 2, from 2 p.m until 6 p.m. Men of all ages can expect to find a safe, supportive space dedicated to their wellness and growth. ​LaShante Keys, founder and CEO of CommunityEFX, organized the inaugural event in 2025 due to the lack of opportunities for men to “just relax and enjoy ourselves.” The Cookout will feature complimentary food and refreshments, live entertainment and music, chair massages and wellness services, health screenings, haircuts, golf simulators and interactive games, a kids zone, and a relaxing lounge experience on Bayboro Harbor. ​“It’s four hours of just some type of peace of mind where we’re not responsible for anything,” Keys said. “We’re not responsible for being anybody; we’re not responsible for taking care of anybody. Just four hours of getting pampered, in a sense.” The 2025 event was held outside the Mahaffey Theater. ​CommunityEFX is a nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful, culturally-rooted experiences that strengthen connections. The Cookout embodies that mission. ​While all are welcome to attend the event, complimentary services and activations are only for men. Keys believes the rare opportunity to “just really be happy” in a public space provides a boost to mental health. ​He noted that men are typically only celebrated on Father’s Day, and having a date to circle on the calendar can make life’s stressors easier to manage. “If I know I’m getting poured into in a positive way, then I’ll feel good about moving forward,” Keys explained. ​“If the negative stuff that goes on in your life can feed you, the positive stuff can feed you as well, and just give you that balance.” ​Keys pledged that The Cookout would offer something for everyone, from babies to the elderly. The event features childcare services, as “people forget that there are fathers who are taking care of their kids.” Additional games include an inflatable ax-throwing arena. Pinellas Technical College is hosting a barber and grooming station. Massages are among the many complimentary services offered at The Cookout. ​An aromatherapy area is a new offering for the second-annual event, and attendees can play card games in the waterfront lounge. A complimentary food hall will feature culinary delights from Ameenah’s Catering and Twisted Indian. ​Keys said a DJ will play “really positive music” for men. For example, “No Scrubs” by TLC is not on the playlist. ​The venue selection is also intentional. Keys said the goal is to “expose people to different spaces that they may not have ever discovered or been to before.” The Mahaffey Theater hosted the previous event. ​The Cookout was initially geared towards African American and Hispanic males. However, Keys said he wanted to expand the event to welcome fathers of all ethnicities. ​“Fathers are just as invisible as anybody else,” Keys continued. “We just want to make sure that everybody feels great about themselves.” ​Over 200 men attended the 2025 event. Keys said he also eagerly anticipates an opportunity to relax and reset at The Cookout. “We deserve this,” Keys said. “We deserve to find some peace somewhere, and that’s what we’re here for.” ​He noted that most of the event’s volunteers are women, who understand its focus. “Ladies, we love you, we appreciate you, but this is a day for the guys.” ​The Cookout will also feature intentional spaces for relationship-building, community dialogue, and shared learning. Sponsors include the City of St. Petersburg and Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. ​Event partners include USF St. Petersburg and 101.5 The Vibe. “We just want people to come out and really enjoy themselves, and just relax a little bit,” Keys said. ​To register for the free event, visit the website here. Mayor Ken Welch (right) speaks with volunteers at the inaugural event. Share Your News With Us To share news with the Power Broker, email us at reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube. More Photos Some attendees prefer to simply relax at The Cookout. The Cookout’s organizers will select unique venues to expose attendees to new spaces. Most of the event’s volunteers are women, who can attend The Cookout but not receive complimentary services or participate in activations.

“All Power to the People: Arts & Letters Cultural Experience” event flyer. Image Courtesy of St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. With the midterm election season fast approaching, voter registration is a vital issue, and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) events are starting to pick up steam. The St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (SPAC) is working to raise awareness and engagement on the topic through their event, “All Power to the People: Arts & Letters Cultural Experience.” This free event will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM at ARK Innovation Center, 1104 4th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL. A midterm election is an election held halfway through a president’s four-year term and conducted statewide. The ballot for the 2026 U.S. Congress is composed of all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Citizens have two opportunities to vote during the midterm elections: the primary and the general. In a primary election, a party selects a candidate for the general election, and citizenscan vote for a candidate on the ballot. During a general election, citizens vote for the federal, state, and local officials. Each state's election dates vary - you can check Florida's election schedule here and those running for candidacy on the ballot here. The St. Petersburg Deltas are a local non-profit devoted to promoting academic excellence and community uplift through their Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: education, economics, physical and mental health, international engagement, and social action. Delta members of the St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter actively work to spread knowledge and information to their local community, while simultaneously addressing social issues through various community events. The “All Power to the People: Arts & Letters Cultural Experience” opens the door to conversation and observation on the country's political landscape. This event mobilizes young voters through an innovative cultural experience featuring art, music, storytelling, and dialogue to inspire the next generation to exercise their right to vote. St. Pete Delta member Deborah Sheppard-Brooks serves as the chair for the Arts & Letters Committee. Her responsibilities include coordinating local events and planning community highlights of African Americans’ contributions to the Arts, including past and present contributions to the creative humanities, with an emphasis on African American women. Sheppard-Brooks encourages young people to attend next Friday's event. She believes it is crucial that the younger generation understand the full scope of their voting rights and invites them to an open dialogue on the power they hold to change the country. “We hope those who attend leave feeling proud, informed, and encouraged. We want young people to know their voices matter, their vote has power, and they have a role to play in shaping what happens next in their community,” said Sheppard-Brooks. Every U.S. citizen will be affected by the decisions and results of elections: jobs, public safety, health care, housing, and more. Therefore, Sheppard-Brooks hosts this event to remind the community that every vote and voice matters. “It is also important because this event brings people together in a way that feels welcoming and meaningful. Through art, music, history, and conversation, we can help people feel connected, informed, and ready to take action,” said Sheppard-Brooks. The Arts and Letters Committee spreads awareness and community engagement by utilizing culture to open doors to important conversations. Through music, art, and cultural performances, SPAC's committee uniquely crafted storytelling that connects history and community issues in intimate, personal ways. “It is a chance to celebrate our culture, honor the Civil Rights Movement, and remind our young people that they have a voice and a place in the future of this community. Young people, elders, artists, and community members can share space, learn from one another, and leave with a stronger sense of pride, connection, and responsibility,” explained Sheppard-Brooks. The event will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the ARK Innovation Center, 1104 4th St. S., St. Petersburg. Come ready to listen, learn, and immerse yourself in a cultural experience —leave feeling encouraged and involved in your 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

From back left: Hillsborough County Commissioners Harry Cohen and Gwen Myers, former Judge E.J. Salcines, and his wife, Elsa, celebrate the reopening of Salcines Park on April 28. The park was named in honor of Salcines’ father, Emiliano. All photos: City of Tampa. Salcines Park, named after a Hispanic civic leader and once considered the gateway to West Tampa, has a new lease on life after falling into disrepair. ​The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently completed a $1.4 million revitalization project at Salcines Park. Local officials and stakeholders celebrated the 6,000-square-foot urban amenity’s transformation at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 28. ​Dedicated in 1991, the park honors West Tampa icon Emiliano Salcines, who immigrated to the area from Cuba in 1918 and opened a department store on the site that subsequently became a cultural and political hub for immigrants. The city began a full redesign of the popular gathering space in April 2025 to ensure it remains vibrant and safe. ​“Salcines Park, an important part of our history, has been beautifully renovated and is now ready for present and future generations to enjoy,” said CRA Chair Luis Viera. “The CRA continues to make life better, neighborhood by neighborhood.” The entrance to a reimagined Salcines Park. The project overhauled the park’s configuration while integrating new infrastructure to support daily use. Crews installed new steel pergolas to provide shade over tables and swinging benches, and improved fencing that matches the historic district’s character. ​New lighting will also improve safety and visibility, while cafe-style tables and benches provide a welcoming atmosphere for community gatherings. Visitors will also see fresh landscaping, concrete, and pavers. The blue-and-white “Faces of West Tampa” mural remains a prominent feature. ​Additional upgrades include interactive game tables and fountains atop the red-brick columned entrance at 1705 N. Howard Ave. The city gutted the area before launching the renovation project. Attendees pose in front of the “Faces of West Tampa” mural, painted by Michelle Sawyer and Tony Kroll in 2018. ​The restoration is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the area. City officials unveiled a revamped Herman Massey Park, another CRA-funded project, a week before reopening Salcines Park. ​Born in Spain in 1900, Emiliano Salcines moved to Cuba at 14 to work in a dry goods store run by his brothers. He arrived in Tampa following World War I despite not speaking English. ​Salcines opened the West Tampa Department Store in 1941, which flourished and became a neighborhood landmark. He and his wife, Juanita, sold the business and retired in 1964. ​Known as the “Mayor of West Tampa,” Salcines died in 1990. Tampa dedicated the park on his birthday, Feb. 9, 1991, at the site where his department store stood until the early 1970s. His son, former Judge E.J Salcines, noted that his father also organized the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Optimist Club. ​“My parents, who are up here, are looking down very proud that West Tampa has not forgotten them,” said Salcines, pointing to the heavens. Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency Chair Luis Rivera (right) helps former Judge E.J. Salcines to the podium. 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 A marker denoting the site’s history as a political and cultural hub for immigrants. City officials and stakeholders cut a ceremonial ribbon for Salcines Park.

Pinellas County Commissioner Renee Flowers chairs the Human Rights Board and is a staunch supporter of the office it governs. Photo by Mark Parker. ​Pinellas County is no longer considering dismantling the department responsible for protecting residents from several forms of discrimination after an independent report highlighted its value. ​Commissioner Chris Scherer recommended eliminating the Office of Human Rights in August 2025, amid Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) audits and efforts to lower property taxes. The department ensures fair access to local employment, housing, government assistance, and public accommodations, works to recover wage theft, and offers anti-harassment training. ​Scherer thought that state and federal agencies could fill the void left by eliminating the office and transferring employees, saving the county $1.5 million annually. He expressed a change of heart at a commission workshop on Thursday. ​“They do a lot of great work,” Scherer said of the office. “And I learned that myself.” Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Schere proposed abolishing the Office of Human Rights in August 2025. Image: Screengrab. Pinellas was required to establish its Office of Human Rights in 1977 following threats of a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice over discriminatory hiring practices. A federal court order in 2014 released the county from that mandate. ​In 2016, commissioners passed an ordinance that restructured the department and established a governing Human Rights Board. Commissioner Renee Flowers is the chairperson. After Thursday’s workshop, Flowers said the partnership between the office, Pinellas County Government, 27 municipalities, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a “prime example of what it means to be accessible and available to serve and improve the quality of life for residents.” “The task is to ensure that an avenue exists for residents to seek a solution to an unimaginable concern,” Flowers told Power Broker Magazine. “I could not be more proud to serve as its chairman, and will continue to advocate for an office comprised of people who desire to see to the needs of people.” ​Scherer’s formal recommendation to restructure the office received little support from his colleagues on the commission in August, despite state leadership also advocating for similar departmental cuts and property tax reductions. However, the commission agreed to further discuss the office’s future at another workshop. ​“Last year, you asked us to look at the Office of Human Rights and what they did, and whether the program was needed, either in part or in whole,” County Administrator Barry Burton said Thursday. “As we began looking at this, it got really complicated really quickly, because they do a lot of things …” ​For example, Burton said the office helps secure grants and works closely with the transportation department. He hired an independent firm, Local Government Solutions (LGS), to compile data and present a report. ​Alan Rosen, CEO of LGS, explained that the Office of Human Rights has a decentralized governance structure. In addition to Flowers and Burton, its governing board includes the county’s clerk of the circuit court, supervisor of elections, tax collector, property appraiser, and multiple other local officials. ​Flowers said several board members expressed support for the office before the workshop. She also noted that the county’s Council for Persons with Disabilities operates under the Office of Human Rights umbrella, and her appointee, St. Petersburg Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders, attended the meeting in a show of solidarity. Rosen noted that the office’s budget will decrease by $89,000 in fiscal year 2027. He said revenues, which depend on federal reimbursement timelines, are extremely volatile. ​Limited recommendations included increasing cost-recovery efforts, whether through government funding or businesses found liable for wage theft. “The main point here is what happens to your customers if you decide you don’t want to do these programs,” Rosen said. A graphic highlighting that the county could save $120,000 annually by eliminating a program that ensures compliance with disability laws, but risks losing approximately $160 million in federal funding. Image: County documents. Some local, state, and national initiatives, including fair access to housing and employment, overlap. Rosen said the primary difference is that the county works with small organizations, unlike the federal government, to find resolutions. ​In addition, the office offers a significantly faster response time. “As you know, if you’ve worked in housing or homelessness, every day counts when you’re in that situation,” Rosen said. ​The state does not offer a wage theft program, and the federal government will only address businesses with over $500,000 in annual revenue. The only recourse for affected residents would then be a civil suit, and most attorneys will not take their case as the “threshold for them making any money is so low.” ​“You’re balancing cost savings against access and timelines and local control of services,” he said of the office’s potential dissolution. ​Flowers said that prospect was “very concerning” for the department’s staff. They “stayed on board and have continued to do their jobs with a level of excellence that goes above and beyond,” despite the resulting angst. ​Commissioner Chris Latvala said he “certainly would not support getting rid of those services.” Scherer expressed the importance of periodically evaluating departments. ​“When I originally looked at the department, I saw a lot of overlapping jurisdictions and expenses; I still do,” Scherer added. “But if nobody has any interest in eliminating the duplicative efforts … then that will be that.” A graphic highlighting that the county could save $90,000 annually by eliminating a program that ensures compliance with civil rights requirements, but risks losing approximately $160 million in federal funding. 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 More Photos A graphic highlighting that eliminating the local wage theft program would save roughly $173,000 annually but also increase barriers for affected residents. Image: County documents. A graphic highlighting that eliminating the fair employment program would save the county up to $270,128 annually but leave affected residents employed by a small business with no recourse. Image: County documents. A graphic highlighting that eliminating the Council for Persons with Disabilities could save the county $30,024 annually, which does not represent a full-time position.