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Members of four previously shortlisted development teams vying to reimagine the Historic Gas Plant District, currently home to Tropicana Field, field questions at The Coliseum on Thursday night. All photos by Mark Parker. Several hundred St. Petersburg residents are still very much engaged in the latest effort to redevelop 86 hallowed acres – the Historic Gas Plant District. ​While it may have felt like déjà vu, stakeholders filled most of the 500 seats at The Coliseum on Wednesday evening to meet the development teams vying to reimagine the Gas Plant, currently home to Tropicana Field, and offer their feedback. Another 102 watched from home, according to the city. ​A similar scene unfolded in January 2023; residents had an hour to discuss the generational project with shortlisted developers, who then pitched their plans for the site, which was once home to the largest enclave of Black residents in St. Petersburg. The open-house-style event concluded with an economic-impact-focused question-and-answer session. ​“I think folks were informed by the last process,” Mayor Ken Welch told Power Broker Magazine after the event. “I think from that past experience, folks were asking more definitive questions.” Mayor Ken Welch (front, left) discussed the redevelopment with a resident. ​ARK Ellison Horus, The Burg Bid, Foundation Vision Partners, and the Pinellas County Housing Authority each set up booths and handed out informational materials. The former two development teams offered custom hats and T-shirts. ​Each then had 20 minutes to present competitive pitches. The crowd was surprisingly raucous, as applause was encouraged. ​The city selected questions to read from over 100 submissions, and developers often struggled to answer within the allotted two minutes. Workforce development, a key unfilled promise to former Gas Plant residents, was a hot topic. ​Anddrikk Frazier, speaking on behalf of Foundation Vision Partners (FVP), reiterated that if selected, the city would uniquely retain ownership of the site. “One of the most inclusive processes you can find, from a legislative standpoint,” would then guide business procurement, he said. ​“So, it absolutely has to include small, local, and minority-owned businesses from a design, development, and construction standpoint,” Frazier added. “There’s not going to be a long process related to what needs to go into the actual development agreement. What that means is that we can start people to work here sooner than any of our competitors.” ​Representatives from The Burg Bid said they would build micro-retail spaces throughout the reimagined site, similar to what the group created at the St. Pete Pier. Businesses owned by women and people of color have secured $3.3 billion through the joint venture’s previous projects. ​“We’re working with our local partners that are going to have mentorship programs – that have existing programs – to ensure the local community is involved in the construction process,” said Thompson Whitney Blake, founder of Blake Investment Partners. ​ARK Ellison Horus has embedded accountability into its workforce development proposal. The development team has set a 40% participation goal for underserved business owners. ​They will also dedicate 15% of retail space to small businesses, including food trucks wanting to open a brick-and-mortar location. The developers expect to create 14,296 “higher wage” technology and research and development jobs. ​Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Development, said a council of local community leaders will help ensure the team fulfills those promises. A public dashboard will allow residents to see the number of jobs created and how many people have permanent roles, “from the time we start until 20 years from now.” ​“We’re really committed to making sure it sticks through the whole project,” Ellison said of job creation. “Tech’s not for everybody and blue collar is not for everybody, but … if you want an opportunity, you’ll be able to take advantage of it all.” The city estimates that over 500 people, either in-person or virtually, participated in the event. Another question focused on the amount of office space in each proposal that could foster six-figure salaries. The Burg Bid’s plan includes 1.4 million square feet. ​The developer will build a percentage of that square footage during each construction phase to accommodate large companies seeking a local office. Blake said his group will create “access to capital in a way that Tampa Bay has not seen before.” ​“We already have the capital in hand,” he added. “We are ready to go; ready to bring those jobs here.” ​Conroy said FVP’s master planning and infrastructure-first approach would incorporate “all the great ideas you’re hearing from the other competitors tonight.” He also believes that splitting the site into small parcels would “allow for more participation from our homegrown base.” ​Questions regarding workforce and economic development did not directly apply to the housing authority, which partnered with Ascension Real Estate Partners and STORYN Studio for Architecture on its proposal. The group wants to create a seven-story affordable senior housing facility with 80 affordable units on a .68-acre city-owned parcel used for overflow parking during Tampa Bay Rays games. ​Before the presentations, Ascension founder John Barkett said the project is “extremely needed now; it’s something that’s actionable now.” He noted that it will take a year before the city signs any development agreements, and seniors are currently choosing between paying their rent and purchasing medicine. ​“Down the road, we can fully integrate into whatever master plan is chosen,” Barkett said. “But we’ll be at a ribbon cutting before these other things are breaking ground. That’s the reality.” ​Barkett said monthly rents would start at $530, and affordable senior housing was a key priority for the Community Benefits Advisory Council during previous redevelopment negotiations with the Rays. Former owner Stuart Sternberg walked away from the deal in March 2025, leading the city to restart the process. ​Welch addressed previous attempts to redevelop the Gas Plant in his opening remarks. “It’s time to move forward to fulfill the decades-long promise of equitable and beneficial development of this site,” he said. ​“The community has told us, time and time again, what progress should look like on this site: Jobs, housing, inclusive economic opportunity, and honoring the promises that were made to the Gas Plant community,” Welch continued. “It’s time to finally act on those priorities through intentional and equitable action.” To view the presentations, visit the website here. To submit feedback, 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

A recent survey of Black voters in Florida’s Tampa Bay region shows significant differences in the opinions of men versus women when it comes to this year’s presidential election. A closer examination of age groups reveals stark differences in the predictions and candidate preferences of younger Black men, compared to their elders. The six-question survey was circulated among attendees at a panel discussion titled A Candid Conversation on Why Black Men Do & Don’t Vote, held on September 17 at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida and accessible via Zoom. Both the event and survey were by the Power of the Vote Collective (POTV Collective), “a non-partisan, non-endorsing get-out-the-vote campaign, collectively powered by community organizations toward the goal of maximizing Black voter participation in Pinellas County, Florida, for the 2024 general election.” Analysis of survey responses was done by Urban Market Analytics, a division of Power Broker Media Group. Below is a summary of findings, with notes on how results compare to two recent national polls – an August 2024 poll by Pew Research and a September 2024 poll of Black voters in battleground states by Howard University’s Initiative on Public Opinion. Men are less inclined to support Kamala Harris It was no surprise that the POTV survey revealed a Black gender gap in support for Kamala Harris for president, with women supporting Harris at a higher rate than men. Several national polls have spotlighted the trend. What stood out, however, was the size of the gap. Pew’s recent survey showed a 7-point Black gender gap (80% of men and 87% of women favored Harris), while Howard’s poll found a 2-point gap (81% of men and 83% of women favored Harris). The recent POTV survey shows a much wider gulf between the two groups, with an incredible 96% of Black women supporting Harris, compared with 79% of Black men (a 17-point gap). The unusually high rate of support from Black women likely reflects audience make-up on September 17. Harris’ sorority sisters and sister Greeks (i.e., members of the other Divine 9 sororities) were about one-third of the female attendees polled, which would tend to skew results in Harris’ favor as the Divine 9 appears to be backing Harris at a higher rate than African American as a whole. Nevertheless, recent events and data suggest that the local Black gender gap in Harris support may be about as large as national polls find. A survey of Black super voters in Florida in late June found that 87% of Black men and 93% of Black women favored Harris, a 6-point gap. When the September 17 all Black male panel was asked whether racism or sexism will play a role in Black men’s vote this year, several men acknowledged the influence of sexism as a factor in Black (and white) men’s reactions to Harris. See the segment here. On September 20, when three of the same panelists appeared on WMNF’s The Skinny, a caller named Bobby from Bradenton, Florida, shared his thoughts on why he and other young Black men are supporting Donald Trump: “They’ve seen the results of his policies from 2016 to 2020 and they’ve seen the policies of the Joe Biden, Kamala Harris administration for the last four years and Black men do not like what they see.” (To listen in at the link above, the show segment starts at minute marker 27:30, and Bobby’s comments start at 51:22) Bobby also raised the issue of Harris’ prosecution of Black men – a topic that went viral following comedian DL Hughley’s televised apology to Harris at the Democratic National Convention for his own misperception about Harris’ prosecutorial record. Harris has far less support among younger Black men The POTV poll, like the Howard poll, found that older Black men support Kamala Harris at nearly the same rate as Black women as a whole. However, support for Harris falls off a cliff among younger Black men. The Howard poll had support for Harris at 88% among Black men 50 and older versus 72% for those under 50 (a 16-point gap). Though the Pew poll did not report results by gender, it surfaced a decided age gap: 92% of Black voters 50 or older favored Harris, compared to 75% of those under 50 (a 17-point gap). The recent POTV survey showed support for Harris rising with age. Harris had the support of 93% of Black men 65 and older; 79% of men 45 to 64; and 64% of men younger than 45. Little joy for Trump; third-party and write-ins more popular Despite the relatively light support for Harris among younger Black men, POTV survey results did not give the Trump camp cause for celebration. The survey showed only 5% of Black men inclined to support the former president, while 12% are supporting candidates other than Harris and Trump, and 5% chose not to answer the question, which may include some undecideds. This deviates from national polls, which consistently show sizable shares of Black men supporting Trump (17% in the Pew survey and 12% in the Howard poll). Does this mean that Trump’s support among younger Black men is weaker in this part of the country? Not necessarily. POTV survey responses may have been influenced by the palpable support for Harris at the September 17 event, possibly causing Trump supporters to hesitate about going on record in support of Trump (though the survey was anonymous) or influencing Trump leaners to change their minds. Another factor was the age composition of the September 17 audience, which skewed older. What little support Trump had in the POTV survey was in the 25-34 year old age group. Mixed predictions on Black male turnout; younger men more pessimistic The POTV survey asked event attendees to predict whether this year’s Black male turnout will be higher, lower or the same as in the 2020 election, based on what they are hearing and reading about Black men’s interest in the election. Similar ratios of Black men and women predicted higher Black male turnout in this year’s election (48% and 46% respectively). However, a significant portion of Black men predict that their peers’ turnout rate will be the same or lower than in 2020 (43%). A closer look at men’s responses reveals that younger men are decidedly more pessimistic about Black men’s interest in the election. Over one-third (36%) of men under age 45 forecast that the group’s turnout will be lower this year than in 2020, which was more than 5 times the share of men 65+ who predict the group’s turnout will fall. Optimism appears to increase by age. Among the oldest group below – Black men aged 65+ – nearly two-thirds (64%) say the group’s turnout will be higher this year which was 1.8 times the share of Black men under 45 who felt the same (36%). About the Power of the Vote Survey The Power of the Vote survey was a non-scientific poll open to the 130 individuals who attended a September 17, 2024 hybrid panel discussion titled A Candid Conversation on Why Black Men Do & Don’t Vote. Survey respondents were not screened or selected; nor was their voting history confirmed. Given the method by which invitations were extended (i.e., to the member databases of event host organizations), a lion’s share of survey respondents were likely voters. To watch the entire conversation, go to Power Broker media Group on YouTube. A majority of attendees live and/or work in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, the two largest of the eight counties that comprise Florida’s Tampa Bay region. Surveys were completed by 78 respondents. The Comparison Polls Pew Research Center, September 2024, “In Tied Presidential Race, Harris and Trump Have Contrasting Strengths, Weaknesses” (Based on registered voters, polled August 26-September 2, 2024) In Tied Presidential Race, Harris and Trump Have Contrasting Strengths, Weaknesses | Pew Research Center Howard Initiative on Public Opinion, September 2024, “Black American Battleground Voters Poll” (Based on likely voters, polled September 4-11, 2024) Black swing-state voters overwhelmingly back Harris — with key divides on age and gender, Howard poll shows (nbcnews.com) Power Broker Media Group/Urban Market Analytics, July 24, 2024, “New Poll: Black Floridians on Kamala Harrris and Whether the Nation is Ready to Elect a Black Woman as President” New Poll: Black Floridians on Kamala Harris and Whether Nation is Ready to Elect a Black Woman as President – Power Broker Magazine About Respondents to the Power of the Vote Survey Click here for demographic tables on survey respondents.

ByIsis Climes April 29, 2026 Hicks (left) poses with a friend in front of one of the ten-piece circular works at her titled exhibit, “When the Lights Came On: Shared Memories and the Things We Keep.” The piece is titled “Corner Store List: Dill Pickle, Snuff, Pickled Pig’s Feet and Grandma Margaret’s House.” Image Courtesy of Latonya Hicks’ Instagram. St. Petersburg is home to the artist and educator Latonya S. Hicks, a savant in both fields of art and education. Through her leadership roles, Hicks hopes to create meaningful connections and opportunities for educators in her field, while simultaneously strengthening the art community through her executive positions. Past President of the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA) and current Secondary Director-Elect for the National Art Education Association (NAEA); High School Chair for the AP Art and Design Development Committee & Exam Leader for the AP Art and Design exam reading for The College Board; and the Secondary Visual Art Coordinator for Pinellas County Schools — Hicks is a multipotentialite whose titles intersect with her professional passion and creative pursuits. Having seen firsthand how transformative it is when teachers feel valued and supported, Hicks’ main goal is to create access, connection, and opportunity on all levels for her fellow educators. She actively works towards building systems that allow teachers to grow professionally, share their expertise, and have a communal space. In her new role as NAEA’s secondary director-elect, Hicks intends to use this position to create opportunities for educators in the art community. Among both her students and fellow educators, Hicks best described herself as a “Swiss Army knife.” “I am here to help them be their best selves, which might mean: curriculum support, organizing summer camps, field trips, coaching art teachers on classroom management, lesson plans, organization, best practices, professional development, etc.,” said Hicks. Hicks is showing off her new art apron at Pinellas County Schools; Image Courtesy of Latonya Hicks’ Instagram. Born in Georgia and raised in Florida, Hicks has always been in tune with her artistic self and stated that through art she was able to “make sense of the world.” During her formative years, art came to her as instinctual, but as she grew, it became more intentional and reflective. Though many role models played a significant part in Hicks’ artistic journey, she gives thanks to her Aunty Shug not only for fostering her creativity but also for creating a safe space that allowed Hicks to be her full self. “Over time, I’ve moved from making for expression alone to making with purpose — honoring where I come from, what I’ve lost, and what I want to preserve. My evolution has been about slowing down, trusting my voice, and understanding that my story has value,” described Hicks. Latonya Hicks; Image Courtesy of Latonya Hicks’ Instagram. Her inspiration stems from memory, home, and the “visual language” of her upbringing (e.g., patterns, color, objects, and the feeling of sanctuary). Hicks integrates her inspiration with education by creating space for students to take ownership of their ideas and learn about the art-making process. Instead of teaching students to follow her directions, she instructs them in proper techniques that help them learn about the art medium. “I encourage students to see their own lives as worthy of exploration. When they realize their experiences, their families, their cultures are valid sources of inspiration, their work becomes more authentic and meaningful,” said Hicks. Art is a process — the journey of an art piece is equally important to the finished product. Hicks doesn’t approach her artwork with a fixed outcome in mind, but allows the objects she uses in her collaborative pieces to speak to her and unfold into a new creation. Through her layered pieces, Hicks’ ultimate goal is to connect. As an art voyeur, Hick explained that watching individuals engage with her work is “one of the most meaningful parts of the process.” “There’s a quiet vulnerability in it — hearing how someone interprets something so personal. I feel a sense of gratitude and curiosity. Sometimes what they see aligns with my intention, sometimes it doesn’t — and that’s the beauty of it,” explained Hicks. Hicks presents three pieces from her art exhibit, “When the Lights Came On: Shared Memories and the Things We Keep.” Image Courtesy of Latonya Hicks’ Instagram. Past exhibits featuring Hicks’ works include the Tampa Museum of Art, Morean Art Center, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Alliance for the Arts, CF Webber Gallery, and Lighthouse Art Center Gallery. Her most recent exhibit was earlier in the month at the Carrollwood Cultural Center during the Black Art Matters Tampa Bay Collective show (view the entire show online here). When examining her work, “The Dust That Hides the Glow of a Rose,” one sees how she encapsulates the metaphorical dust that settles and accumulates over time on an individual. The title speaks to the invisible weight a person carries, “expectations, survival, inherited histories, the weight of what we’ve moved through.” Yet, through it all, the rose remains vulnerable and present, holding beauty even when layered and concealed from outside or internal forces. 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

Photo by JerJuan Green: Participants of St. Pete Strong Conference. Academic advisors act as human roadmaps for college students struggling to decide which courses and electives are right for their majors. JerJuan Green is no stranger to helping students, both in the classroom and in the community. As an academic advisor at St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School, Green diligently works to help students understand the importance of STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education and how to apply what they learn to everyday scenarios. Through their understanding, he believes students will have a better grasp of real-world scenarios that will help them thrive outside of school. “I hear students say all the time, ‘I’m not going to use that math,’” he acknowledged. For Green, “making it more relatable to them and seeing that math is something that you’re going to use on an everyday basis,” is vital. Green reminds students that not understanding math can hurt them as they navigate their finances, whether from the simple task of adding the total cost of groceries to understanding numbers in a legally binding contract. “If you don’t use math, you’re going to end up paying somebody to use that math,” warns Green. Green insists that STEAM is the future and sees AI (Artificial Intelligence) playing a crucial role in our society. He believes that AI is a tool that can benefit students if they learn to take control of, rather than be controlled by, its seemingly unlimited capabilities. “I look at AI the same way I would look at a hammer; it’s a tool. The hammer itself is not going to do the job, but it is going to assist you in getting the job done,” said Green. He also wants students to understand the shortcomings of AI, and believes educating them for the future of AI means helping them “learn how to be the person that repairs them, or the person that programs them,” said Green. Preparing them for the future includes ensuring that they know how “to pivot – and be able to make yourself invaluable to that workforce.” No stranger to mentorship and youth guidance, beyond his educational career, Green has committed to serving his local community through volunteering. Green served 13 years as the director of Virginia M. Leonard’s Community Education Center (VMLCEC). In his role at the non-profit community hub, Green supported the local community through the Educational Support Developmental Services (ESDS). Green also served on the board of the Barbershop Book Club, started by business owner Antonio Brown (now the Competitive Readers Coalition), and has helped Deonte Thompson’s Dreamfaith Foundation organize the annual St. Pete Strong Conference, a college prep experience for middle and high school students, intended to expose them to the college experience. Green is still active in helping put together a team for this summer’s St. Pete Brain Bowl, an annual event that trains and prepares students to test their knowledge and win prizes such as college scholarships. A fierce advocate of creating pathways for students to succeed in an ever-demanding technological future, Green remains excited for what this year brings as he continues to explore new ways to help students flourish and evolve in the STEAM field. 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. More Photos Photo by JerJuan Green: Participants of St. Pete Strong Conference. 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. Photo by JerJuan Green: Green (center, second row) and team, winners of the annual Brain Bowl event.

The Power of the Vote Collective sponsored “A Candid Conversation on Why Black Men Do & Don’t Vote,” discussion at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida on Tuesday, September 17. A full house of about 70 community members attended in person at the Woodson African American Museum; and virtually, and about 60 tuned in via Zoom to hear the panel of activists, educators, officials, and media entrepreneurs converse. Rev. Kenny Irby of Historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, who serves as faith and community justice liaison for the City of St. Petersburg, moderated the discussion. Panelists included John Bailey, founder of Life from Inside Out; State Senator Darryl Rouson; City Councilmember John Muhammad; owner of Get Zot Media Anthony Williams; Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, founder of Green Phoenix Solutions; Marcus Brooks, executive director of the Center for Health Equity; and Jamison Carnegie, outreach coordinator for U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Irby began by recalling the meaning of the vote for all Americans, emphasizing the fundamental importance of voting as civic participation vital to our country’s identity. SPPD’s former director of community intervention and juvenile outreach also said he considered himself a patriot who was proud to be an American and began by asking participants to share a fact about their own relationship to voting. Among the responses, both Williams and Green-Calisch gave credit to ancestors, with Williams calling out the spirit of long-time St. Pete community activist Theresa “Mama Tee” Lassiter and Green-Calisch crediting his activism to the legacy of James Baldwin. Brooks said he felt responsible to make sure the next generation would have what they needed to be successful, as he was “a product of a generation that did a whole lot for me to be sitting on the stage today.” With upbringings ranging from St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Bradenton, Florida, to New Orleans, Greensville, NC, and Mobile, Alabama, the panelists’ voting status ran the gamut — from never having voted (Bailey) to Wiliams being a first-time voter in 2016 after completing the steps necessary to regain his right to vote. Irby’s question on recent articles discussing Black male “invisibility” and the lack of attention to Black male voters by political candidates got an immediate response from Bailey – who said disenfranchisement is one way former-felons have long been ignored. At 77, Bailey is founder of a nonprofit dedicated to helping returning citizens with housing, employment, and health services; he is also currently working with the St. Petersburg League of Women Voters to help returning citizens restore their voting rights. He shared that getting caught up in the system as a youth kept him from voting, and that today, on probation, he is still unable to vote. “I feel pretty much disenfranchised; that the system has always worked against us,” he noted, adding gerrymandering and voter suppression among ongoing ways disenfranchisement occurs for many. Anthony Williams responded from his role as a media expert. “Every week I do a lot of research to get prepared for my show,” shared the host of 99.1 FM Jamz “The Voice of the People” radio program. “I don’t think Democrats or Republicans have any language that speaks directly to Black men, period. You’ll see campaigns and they’ll look right past us and look to our women.” Williams added that a large number of returning citizens may be uncertain about their voting status; he noted that men who are confronted with their record on numerous job applications are already turned off and aren’t “even trying to vote – so that’s another issue that we have to address.” Senator Rouson noted that Black people, not just Black men, have a historic mistrust of voting; Carnegie agreed, also pointing to the unbalanced and negative messaging regarding Harris that was impacting voter trust, and the need for voter education that was unbiased and truthful. During the evening, both Green-Calisch and Brooks spoke to the need to acknowledge that Black men have individual identities which need to be considered when speaking to the Black male voter bloc. Green-Calisch pointed to the importance of the church as a place to connect to voters, while Brooks mentioned the vital conversations that have historically happened within community barbershops. Green-Calisch said the diverse perspectives on the panel showed, “Black men are not a monolith. All of us have our own intersections, and we exist in our everyday lives in those intersections.” Councilman Muhammad also addressed the tendency to be suspicious of leaders who might be considered “disconnected from the rest of the community because you’re not embracing the struggle.” Referring to the “you’re not like us” or “you’re not a Black man” perspective that can drive a wedge within the community, Muhammad decried the attitude that says, “if I have a nice car, or if I live in a better neighborhood, in some way, it feels like I’m not being sincere in my service to our community.” Senator Rouson echoed these thoughts with the comment that “the Black community is not a monolith, but a mosaic of speech, of feeling, of behavior.” Irby also questioned the panel on whether race or gender would influence the Black male vote, and whether VP Harris would have to battle sexism among men and “Black men in particular.” Carnegie acknowledged that sexism would undoubtedly play a role in Black males questioning Harris’ ability, and his frustration with that sexism was evident. As the youngest member of the panel, the 26-year-old former director of Mt. Zion Human Services and current U.S. Congressional staffer was clearly aggravated at the ongoing challenges to Harris’s reputation, record, and ability. He scoffed at the question, “’She sits across from leaders — is she going to be strong enough?’ She’s done it already. Like this story is old, it’s tired.” The excitement accompanying the conversation was proof that the community needs more opportunities to uncover the fresh, bold, and brutally honest perspectives within Tampa Bay’s Black male demographic. Brooks affirmed this, saying panels offering such a wide diversity of socialization and backgrounds as those sitting on the stage that day were rare. “These experiences are too few far and in-between…these engagements are necessary. There is a requirement that we have, to come together collectively.” A survey of attendees revealed stark differences in opinion on the upcoming election. See the results here. To watch the entire conversation, go to Power Broker media Group on YouTube.

Cobb, far right, FLOWERS Youth participants, and Daniel Arango, USF Civil Engineering student, far left. Image courtesy of Dominique Cobb. When clean water becomes harder to protect, communities cannot afford to wait until a crisis reaches their front door. Families need to know where their water comes from, how to care for it, how to test it, and how to teach the next generation to see water as a source of life, health, and responsibility. That urgency is guiding the first Water Consciousness Community Gathering, taking place Saturday, May 2, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at WADA ArtsXchange, located at 515 22nd Street S. in St. Petersburg. The Water Consciousness Community Gathering will feature a conversation with Dominique Cobb, project manager for FLOWERS – Future Leaders of Water, Engineering, Research, and Science – a program through the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association (THJCA) The gathering is part of the 4th Tampa Bay Chalk Festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 22nd Street between 7th Avenue S. and 9th Avenue S. This year’s festival theme is “Our Watery Futures,” bringing sidewalk art, community learning, and environmental awareness into one public space. The Water Consciousness Community Gathering will feature a conversation with Dominique Cobb, project manager for FLOWERS – Future Leaders of Water, Engineering, Research, and Science – a program through the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association (THJCA). In East Tampa, Cobb directs the program’s youth-centered work around water, STEM, and environmental stewardship. Through FLOWERS, Cobb introduces students to water science, engineering, research, public health, and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning and community partnerships. The program began with a focus on East Tampa and has already reached students from more than 17 schools across three counties. Image courtesy of Dominique Cobb. The event will also feature Leah Biery, director of education for Tampa Bay Watch, and Captain Miranda Douglas. Community members can expect a tea ceremony hosted by Dionne Seevers, a community art mural, and images from Dr. Masaru Emoto’s water experiments. For Cobb, the conversation is directly tied to the work she has been building with youth and families in East Tampa. FLOWERS introduces students to water science, engineering, research, public health, and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning and community partnerships. The program began with a focus on East Tampa and has already reached students from more than 17 schools across three counties. In her role, Cobb develops programming that helps students understand water, the environment, and the power they have to advocate for their communities. “What I do in that role is create different programs where we are focused on water, environment, and being environmental stewards,” Cobb said. “I connect with not only the community, but I look at the temperature of what’s going on politically and make sure our children are involved.” Cobb’s work with FLOWERS grew out of what she learned in the 2025 Pinellas County Water Steward Program, which helped her better understand fresh water sources, water systems, conservation, and the organizations connected to water access. “The things that I learned there, I’m like, how could I take this to not only my community, but be that liaison with my community and implement some of that knowledge and some of those resources,” Cobb said. That idea helped shape FLOWERS; Cobb wanted to take water education that often lives in formal programs, government meetings, or professional circles and place it directly in the hands of students and families. The program uses hands-on lessons to help young people understand the role water plays in daily life and future careers. Students learn through water testing, environmental activities, field experiences, and real-world problem solving. Cobb said the goal is to make science feel close, practical, and possible. The work is already growing. Cobb said FLOWERS recently completed its first cohort after sessions that moved from a public library to a middle school, a community pond, and the Hillsborough County Water Treatment Center. Students continued showing up, and families have asked when the next session will begin. Cobb wanted to take water education that often lives in formal programs, government meetings, or professional circles and place it directly in the hands of students and families. Image courtesy of Dominique Cobb. That response speaks to a larger need. “Water is life. Water is essential,” Cobb said. “And if we don’t know how essential water is, we could lose it.” At Saturday’s gathering, Cobb plans to speak about the importance of water in everyday life, including drinking, cooking, cleaning, and caring for the body. She also wants people to understand water scarcity, conservation, and how families can identify clean water sources during emergencies. “I wanted to bring community and culture together and talk to the community about how important water is,” Cobb said. “Water is necessary in everything, whether we drink, cook, or use it to cleanse our body.” Cobb said many students and parents she has worked with did not know how limited clean drinking water can be or what steps they could take if they needed to find or test safe water. That is why she believes education has to reach people in familiar places and at times when families can actually attend. Water education is also becoming a pathway into future careers. Through FLOWERS, students are being introduced to science, marine work, environmental research, public health, and infrastructure in ways that connect directly to their own neighborhoods. “I want our community to be able to be in nature and know that they belong there, especially our children,” Cobb said. “If I have the knowledge and the access, I’m going to make sure we are in the space and in the place, and we’re going to learn, and we’re going to take it back, because this is our birthright.” At the Water Consciousness Community Gathering, residents, families, and youth will have a chance to connect those lessons to the future of Tampa Bay’s waterways and the communities that depend on them. “I hope that through my work in the community, or what we will be doing this weekend as well, we can put the emphasis on how important water is at the level of conserving and also researching it,” Cobb said. For those who want to support this work beyond Saturday, FLOWERS is continuing to build summer programming and partnerships for students. Community members, organizations, and supporters interested in helping expand access to water education, youth learning, and environmental stewardship can connect with East Tampa FLOWERS through the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, https://www.thjca.org/contact; by phone at 813-468-3608, or email admin@thjca.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

Due to changes in the law, all Florida voters who vote by mail must submit a NEW mail ballot request to their county Supervisor of Elections. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is 5pm, 10 days before the election. Photo image courtesy of League of Women Voters If you’re a Florida voter, here’s something you need to know: the state legislature is considering a bill that could make voting way more complicated. The proposed Election Integrity Act (HB 991/SB 1334) would require all voters in Florida—new and existing—to re-verify their citizenship just to keep voting. Here’s how it could affect you: Your voting record would be checked against a government database. If your info doesn’t match—maybe your last name changed after marriage or divorce—you’d need to provide extra proof of citizenship. That could mean digging up a birth certificate or even getting a passport. Why this matters: Over 8 million Floridians don’t have a passport. Over 4.7 million women in Florida don’t have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name. Florida has already been passing laws that make voting harder, like changing polling places or tightening ID requirements—especially impacting students and seniors. Sound familiar? That’s because Florida’s bill is modeled after the national Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which is currently in the U.S. Senate. Supporters say it’s about preventing illegal voting, but the reality is that voter fraud in Florida is extremely rare, and illegal voters face serious penalties anyway. In short: this bill could add unnecessary barriers for millions of legal voters—at a time when the cost of living (and passports) is high. What You Can Do You don’t have to sit this out. Here’s how to stay ready to vote: Spread the word. Share this info with friends, family, and classmates. Check your documents. Find your birth certificate and make sure your ID is current. Get a passport if you can. Even if you mostly vote in person, it’s better to be prepared. Check your voter registration. Use VOTE411.org. Register to vote if you haven’t yet. Don’t wait—do it now. Request a mail ballot. Even if you plan to vote in person, this is a backup that lets you study issues at home. You can drop it off at your local Supervisor of Elections office (Hillsborough: votehillsborough.gov, Pinellas: votepinellas.gov, Pasco: pascovotes.gov). Consider early voting if you plan to vote in person. Civil rights icon John Lewis once said, “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to change our world.” Make sure your voice is heard—your vote matters. Take action: Contact your Florida House and Senate reps today: Florida House: flhouse.gov Florida Senate: flsenate.gov Tell them to vote against HB 991/SB 1334 and make voting easier, not harder. Tanya Landry President, League of Women Voters of North Pinellas County Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy www.lwvnorthpinellas.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.

Three weeks ago, I wrongly reported in a memo to local community leaders that Black voter registration in Pinellas stood at an all-time low, and that changes in Florida laws had led to a sharp drop in the number of African Americans who are registered. I’ve since learned that this is false. Though my numbers came directly from the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections reports (the same reports I’ve relied on for many years), I’ve since learned that the Supervisor recently changed its reporting protocols in response to new Florida laws. The Supervisor no longer reports ALL eligible voters (i.e., those registered and able to cast a vote on election date). This first came to my attention when I received an email alert from Phillip Jerez, Executive Director of the Florida Democratic Party calling out what he characterized as deceptive and “misleading” reports on voter registrations. Jerez wrote, “Over the past few years, Republicans have passed new elections laws, two specifically that changed ‘list maintenance’ processes. As a result, almost one million Democratic voters have been labeled “inactive voters” and wiped from the total reported to the public…” This led me in search of a comprehensive count and list of all eligible voters in Pinellas, which I finally secured last Thursday (after multiple requests to the Supervisor’s office). So here are the numbers for African Americans. Pinellas County has 16,895 Black voters now classified as Inactive, and who are not included in public reports by the Supervisor, but who are still eligible to vote in the 2024 election! This number, combined with the 46,827 who show up on the Supervisor’s public reports equates to about 63,722 Black voters who can cast a ballot on election day. So instead of African Americans being at an all-time low registration rate and count, we may be at an all-time high number of eligible Black voters in Pinellas. Here is a corrected version of the data graphic I released last month. I’m writing a separate memo to community leaders and local officials on why the new Florida laws are damaging to voter education and get-out-the-vote efforts. For now, though, here are a few things you should know about this so-called “Inactive” voter group. Why some people are coded Inactive A person is coded Inactive because either: A. They did not respond within 30 days to a mailer from the Supervisor of Elections, requesting that they verify or update their address; OR B. A mailer from the Supervisor to confirm their address was returned as undeliverable. Please note – The reason they were sent the address confirmation mailer in the first place is an issue we should return to post-election. Nevertheless, so-called Inactive voters CAN vote Even if a registered voter is coded Inactive, they can still cast a ballot in the upcoming 2024 general election. The Supervisor’s website notes, “Inactive voters remain in the voter file for two general elections [after being placed on the Inactive list] and are still eligible to vote.” How to find out if someone is Inactive It takes 30 seconds to check whether you or a family member is labeled as Inactive by the Supervisor. Go to Check My Voter Registration Status (votepinellas.gov) and plug in your name and date of birth and hit submit. If you are coded as Active, you’ll see a message like this: If you are coded as Inactive, you’ll see a message like this: What to do if you are Inactive Though you can still vote, it’s best to take a minute to update your address with the Supervisor’s office. The easiest and quickest way to do that is to email Election@VotePinellas.gov OR simply call 727-464- VOTE (8683) with the following information: Your name Date of birth Driver’s License number/FL ID number Last 4 digits of Social security number Your correct and current address (specifying whether this is your residential address or mailing address or both) That’s it. Please note, even if you don’t update your address, you can still vote in the upcoming election! 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