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Two of eight proposals to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District follow the same outline as a previous bid by the Tampa Bay Rays and Hines, which former team owner Stuart Sternberg walked away from in March 2025. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. Mayor Ken Welch is currently considering eight proposals to reimagine the Historic Gas Plant District, currently home to Tropicana Field. His decision will alter St. Petersburg’s socioeconomic fabric. ​The site, once a haven for the city’s African American community during segregation, is steeped in history and long-deferred promises. Hundreds of families and businesses were displaced in the name of economic progress; they received a baseball stadium and a sea of surface parking lots. ​St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor has sought to make amends since taking office in 2021, and arduously negotiated a failed $6.7 billion redevelopment deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, his priorities for the 86-acre site remain unchanged – jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities, affordable housing, and a new home for the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. ​ ​“This project is about people, history, and long-standing promises – not simply a stadium site or a real estate transaction,” Welch wrote in a recent memo to city council members, who must ultimately approve a redevelopment deal. ​Here are some key components of each proposal: Ark Ellison Horus proposed an elevated park with a “Community Arch” that connects the Historic Gas Plant District and South St. Petersburg neighborhoods. Rendering provided. Ark Ellison Horus ​Ark Investment Management, Ellison Development, and Horus Construction submitted an unsolicited proposal in October 2025, which led Welch to launch the land disposition process. The development team’s $6.8 billion pitch encompasses four phases and 95.5 acres. ​Ark Ellison Horus outlined a “restorative justice and reconciliation” plan with “community-first phasing.” If approved, the group will break ground on a new Woodson African American Museum of Florida, provide 446 affordable housing units with street-level retail space, enhance the 16th Street South corridor, launch a minority-focused business accelerator, and help reconnect neighborhoods within the first 1,000 days. ​The proposal includes a total of 3,701 new homes, with 863 designated for people who earn between 30% and 80% of the area median income. Ark Ellison Horus will also build 618 affordable units for seniors. ​The developers offered $202 million for the land, which includes $50 million in community benefits and demolition of the Trop. Ark Ellison Horus would also create a “Unity Arch” land bridge to Campbell Park, a 200,000-square-foot Innovation Hall, an 80,000-square-foot music venue, and expansive business incubation, academic, and research facilities before the project is completed in 2043. ​Ark Ellison Horus set a small, local, and minority-owned business participation goal of 40%. The developers expect the 20-year, $6.8 billion project to create 14,296 “higher wage” jobs and 5,442 temporary positions. ​Ground-penetrating radar has found 10 potential graves underneath the Trop’s parking lots. Ark Ellison Horus plans to create a “thoughtful memorial” to ensure those buried at the site are “acknowledged with dignity and respect, creating a lasting place of remembrance within the District.” ​“The Gas Plant District can become a magnet for venture capital, entrepreneurs and research talent, seeding the next wave of world-changing companies right here,” said Cathie Wood, founder of ARK Invest, in a prepared statement. ​“By embedding education, culture, and startup opportunities alongside housing and infrastructure, this vision can generate exponential long-term economic impact, create thousands of high-wage jobs, and ensure residents share directly in this prosperity.” To view the proposal, visit the website here. A new Woodson African American Museum of Florida will serve as the “crown jewel” of a “Museum Row” in The Burg Bid’s proposal. Rendering: Wannemacher Jensen Architects and Zyscovich (now Stratus). Blake Investment Partners / The Burg Bid LLC ​St. Petersburg native Thompson Whitney Blake, founder of Blake Investment Partners, has partnered with the Related Group, a Miami-based development firm, and several local organizations on his $8.1 billion proposal. A 13-acre central park and new Woodson Museum would anchor the reimagined district. ​A “museum row” would also feature a public art museum led by local artists Chad Mize and Mark Aeling. The proposal includes the “largest delivery of affordable and workforce housing units in city history” – over 3,600 on and off-site units. ​ St. Petersburg-based Blue Sky Communities will help build 1,800 income-restricted units in the Gas Plant and another 1,800 throughout the city over approximately 15 years. The proposal also features conference facilities, academic and research buildings, childcare space, cultural venues, and “significant contiguous green space featuring Booker Creek and the Pinellas Trail.” ​Community leaders representing over 20 organizations will serve on a permanent advisory committee, the Historic Gas Plant Visionary Panel. Participants will provide ongoing project guidance, feedback, and accountability. ​The developers would purchase 58 acres for $275 million. Additional highlights include a small business success center, “The Collaboratorium,” and space for a potential water and surf park. ​Studies on disparity and structural racism will inform efforts to provide “meaningful economic opportunities,” including jobs and business ownership, to historically underserved communities. A Community Investment Fund, a “wealth-generating special purpose vehicle,” will enable residents to have a financial stake in the generational project. ​The proposal prioritizes reconnecting bifurcated South St. Pete neighborhoods through a multimodal transportation network, continuous workforce development with apprenticeship and placement programs, environmental sustainability, and innovation through smart city technologies. ​“We’re weaving together housing, culture, and commerce, with meaningful community accountability to create everlasting value for the city,” Blake said in a prepared statement. “The Historic Gas Plant District holds deep meaning, and our vision represents a long-term commitment to the people of St. Petersburg.” To view the proposal, visit the website here. Foundation Vision Partners will prepare the site for “shovel-ready vertical development parcels” that the city would then sell, “block-by-block,” to local, regional, and national developers. Rendering provided. Foundation Vision Partners Former members of the Rays and Hines development team submitted a unique proposal that would allow St. Petersburg to retain ownership of the 86 acres surrounding Tropicana Field. Foundation Vision Partners (FVP) is led by Will Conroy, founder of St. Petersburg-based real estate investment firm Backstreets Capital; Alex Schapira, former regional partner for global developer Hines; and Anddrikk Frazier, CEO of Best Source Consulting. ​The group would take a master planning and infrastructure-first approach to transforming the area into a vibrant, mixed-use community. FVP’s announcement stated that the Gas Plant, “a site of profound cultural and historical significance,” remains undeveloped due to “all-or-nothing” models. FVP plans to co-create a master plan with the community before starting the project’s design, permitting, and essential infrastructure phase. That will prepare the area for “shovel-ready vertical development parcels” that the city would then sell, “block-by-block,” to local, regional, and national developers. ​Under the proposal, St. Petersburg would pay an estimated $67 million in upfront infrastructure costs to unlock $510 million in land sales – creating a self-funding mechanism throughout the project’s lifespan. “A generational project deserves to be responsive to multiple generations,” Frazier said in a prepared statement. ​“Our success will be measured by how effectively this district creates opportunity for residents and local businesses, and reflects the full fabric of St. Petersburg.” ​The city would pay a total of $239 million over four development phases. FVP believes its model would foster approximately 4,700 mixed-income housing units, 825,000 square feet of office and medical space, 450,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 350,000 square feet of civic, cultural, and entertainment space, and over 20 acres of park and open space. To view the proposal, visit the website here. ​Freedom Communities Company Sarellyn Hamatani, founder of Freedom Communities Company, submitted a six-page proposal encompassing 1 to 1.5 acres within the Gas Plant. The site would feature an affordable housing-focused mixed-use development, Sanctuary St. Pete ​ The project’s first phase would feature 80 affordable and 20 workforce housing units. FCC would also build ground-level commercial space for a grocer and community amenities. ​Future phases would include an unspecified number of apartments for seniors and additional workforce housing. The project, limited to one seven-story building, would offer a two-year rental-to-homeownership program. ​Hamatani estimated the project’s costs at roughly $300,000 per unit. FCC also hopes to partner with Habitat for Humanity. ​“This development is designed not only to house residents, but to restore opportunity, honor history, and build generational pathways to stability and ownership,” Hamatani wrote. To view the proposal, visit the website here. ​Logical Sites Inc. ​Seminole resident Thomas Rask submitted a vague proposal on behalf of Logical Sites, Inc. & Partners. He wrote that the group could “only provide an outline of its plan for the site” due to legal concerns with the city’s solicitation process. ​“In such an environment, putting exact plans, numbers, figures, and even the name of the development principal into the public record, at this point in time, would be extremely unwise,” Rask added. The proposal’s “starting point is 100% affordable housing.” Rask, his wife, Jennifer, and unnamed partners will also create homes for residents with intellectual and physical disabilities. ​Logical Sites believes its plan will allow the city to “exercise various options” that could include a Woodson Museum, a convention center, hotel rooms, and office, retail, and park space. However, those components would reduce the number of affordable housing units. ​“If we are not selected, we anticipate that there will be a future and legally sufficient invitation for new proposals, an invitation which we will be happy to respond to more fully,” Rask wrote. To view the proposal, visit the website here. The Pinellas County Housing Authority proposed a seven-story affordable senior housing facility. Rendering: City documents. Pinellas County Housing Authority The Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) submitted a proposal with Ascension Real Estate Partners and STORYN Studio for Architecture. It consists of a seven-story affordable senior housing facility at 1659 3rd Ave. S., a city-owned parcel used for overflow parking during Rays games. ​The project would provide 80 affordable housing units, with SPHA prioritizing applications from former residents of the Gas Plant. Apartments would average approximately 700 square feet and cater to “lower-income seniors, with an emphasis on very-low income.” ​The PCHA proposed a land conveyance fee of $1. The facility, designed by STORYN Studios, which was also part of the Rays and Hines development team, will feature ground-level and rooftop community spaces. It will also provide direct access to the Pinellas Trail. ​Ark Ellison Horus selected the PCHA to oversee its affordable housing component. The St. Petersburg Housing Authority has signed non-exclusive letters of intent to partner with both The Burg Bid and Ark Ellison Horus. To view the proposal, visit the website here. ​Reparations Land Trust and Development Authority ​The International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement submitted a proposal for the Reparations Land Trust and Development Authority (RLTADA). It does not include a redevelopment or site plan. ​Instead, the group plans to establish a quasi-governmental agency to secure reparations for displaced Black residents by seizing “large tracts of city-owned or corporate-owned land” in South St. Petersburg through eminent domain. The RLTADA would create a Community Empowerment Corridor between 1st Avenue and 54th Avenue South, from 49th Street to 3rd Street South. ​The agency would then own, buy, sell, and develop land within those boundaries. A Black Contractor Consortium would complete the work. Tampa Bay Boom’s proposal highlights new sports facilities, both inside and outside of the Gas Plant District. Rendering: City documents. ​Tampa Bay Boom ​Dr. R. Brian Ligon, a St. Petersburg-based dentist, proposed a mixed-use district with multiple sports-related projects. He plans to purchase the Gas Plant site for an unnamed amount. Ligon also wants to purchase the Tampa Bay Rays and renovate or replace the Trop. Potential development partners include national firms HOK, Populous, AECOM, JE Dunn, and JLL. ​The developers also hope to secure a new NBA franchise, the Tampa Bay Boom, a WNBA franchise dubbed the Tampa Bay Angels, and an NBA G League (developmental) team called the Tampa Bay Palms. Renderings include a 17,000-seat multipurpose arena adjacent to Al Lang Stadium along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. ​The proposal outlines an unknown number of affordable and workforce housing units. Ligon’s development model emphasizes “equitable public-private partnerships, minority and women-owned business participation, community-based workforce development, long-term ownership and stewardship, and financial sustainability with shared public benefit.” ​Minority-led Tampa Bay Boom “anticipates engagement” with national financial institutions Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan Chase to “strengthen financial capacity, enhance capital market credibility, and support disciplined execution consistent with the city’s expectations.” However, the proposal states that “no financial commitments are implied.” ​In addition to a “substantial affordable and workforce housing component,” the project would feature retail and small business spaces, cultural, arts, and heritage-focused programming, workforce training, education and innovation spaces, public open space, green infrastructure, and community gathering areas. ​“Our approach mirrors nationally recognized best practices for inclusive development, similar in structure and intent to precedent projects that integrate sports, housing, retail, culture, and workforce pathways into cohesive urban districts,” states the proposal. To view the proposal, 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 community health workshop at The Willa Carson Health & Wellness Center, founded in 1997 by Willa Livingston Carson. Carson worked as a registered nurse and sought to meet the needs of those uninsured in her community. She formed a free, not-for-profit clinic that continues to uphold her legacy almost 30 years later. Image courtesy of the Willa Carson Center. The Willa Carson Wellness and Health Center’s 13th Annual Run/Walk for Willa will be off to the races on March 28, 2026, at Coachman Park. Executive Director, Kimberly Nunn-Crawford is busy preparing for the non-profit’s clinic key event to take off at the end of the month. In her role, Nunn-Crawford oversees the financial operations, coordinates and writes grants, and manages compliance to ensure the clinic meets all regulatory standards. “My role also involves expanding our reach, boosting community awareness, networking, and pursuing new partnerships and resources for the wellness center,” said Nunn-Crawford. The Willa Carson Health & Wellness Center was founded in 1997 in North Greenwood, Clearwater, by Willa Livingston Carson. Carson worked as a registered nurse and sought to meet the needs of those uninsured in her community. She formed a free, not-for-profit clinic that continues to uphold her legacy almost 30 years later. After Carson’s passing in 2006, the “Walk for Willa” was established to honor her legacy. The first run/walk fundraiser started in 2007 as a community-driven event to celebrate her commitment to accessible health care and to raise both funds and awareness for the clinic. Runners from the annual Run/Walk for Willa. Image courtesy of Kimberly Nunn-Crawford. “Today, the Annual Run/Walk for Willa serves as a key fundraiser and a celebration, bringing together supporters from all backgrounds to advance the cause of accessible health and wellness in Pinellas County,” stated Nunn-Crawford. This no-cost medical center is an enormous help to those uninsured and is funded primarily through donations. Funding supports the salaries of nurse practitioners and medical assistants, and has enabled the clinic to expand its mental health services. The wellness center has received generous grants from BayCare, the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, the Pinellas Community Foundation, and Allegany Franciscan Foundation, to name a few. “We recently partnered with the Rotary Club of Belleair, which hosted a 50-50 raffle to benefit the clinic; the proceeds were used to purchase much-needed clinic supplies,” Nunn-Crawford said. The clinic operates part-time, three days a week, serving the community Tuesdays through Thursdays. Last year, they served approximately 237 individuals. A mural depicting community health, painted by renowned local artist Zulu Painter, adorns the Willa Carson Health and Wellness Center in North Greenwood, Clearwater.Image courtesy of Kimberly Nunn-Crawford. Last November, Nunn-Crawford attended the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (FAFCC) Annual Conference. A key takeaway that stayed with her was “the importance of prioritizing donor relationships.” “We are now implementing personal touches such as sending hand-written thank-you notes to our donors. This initiative aims to strengthen our connections and show genuine appreciation for their support, which is essential for sustaining our clinic’s mission,” explained Nunn-Crawford. The Willa Carson Health and Wellness Center has achieved several significant milestones to expand its impact on the community. At the start, the center prioritized providing essential medical care for uninsured individuals. As their understanding of “holistic health” evolved, the no-cost medical center broadened its services to address an individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being. It introduced mental health services to support emotional well-being, as well as dietary consultations to help patients make informed nutritional choices. “Recognizing the importance of addressing food insecurity, we recently partnered with Metropolitan Ministries to provide weekly congregate dining,” said Nunn-Crawford. Carson’s vision to bring free and accessible healthcare to the community is evident in the center’s sustained operation and expansion nearly three decades later. “By welcoming a new generation of residents, the clinic demonstrates its commitment to providing essential medical support and fostering wellness for all, regardless of financial barriers,” Nunn-Crawford affirmed. 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 Runners from the annual Run/Walk for Willa. Image courtesy of Kimberly Nunn-Crawford.

Alton Skyway will replace the former St. Petersburg College Allstate Center at 3200 34th St. S. All images: City documents. ​A 17.25-acre property in St. Petersburg’s rapidly evolving Skyway Marina District will soon feature an upscale, 619-unit apartment community, despite ardent opposition to the project. ​The city’s Development Review Commission approved a site plan for Alton Skyway on Wednesday in a 5-1 vote following a lengthy debate. Delray Beach-based developer Kolter Multifamily will build the garden-style complex at 3200 34th Street South, formerly home to St. Petersburg College’s Allstate Center. ​Kolter will demolish multiple existing educational buildings to make way for Alton Skyway. Concerns centered on the two-phased development’s lack of retail space. ​A local developer, district representatives, and commissioners agreed that the project diverges from design standards outlined in the Skyway Marina District Plan. However, attorney Elise Batsel of Stearns Weaver Miller, who represents Kolter, noted that the city never codified what amounts to a development guide. ​“Would I like to see it perhaps integrate more into the vision of the Marina plan? Sure,” said Commissioner Sarah Jane Vatelot. “But can we enforce it? No. And I think that it meets the requirements of the land development regulations as they stand today.” An overhead view of the 17.25-acre site (red). ​Once complete, the project will feature eight five-story buildings, a large stormwater pond with a trail, and 883 parking spaces, another point of contention. Additional amenities include two pools, a dog park, and a clubhouse. ​Kolter will complete the project in two phases, each with four buildings. The first will feature 342 units and 484 parking spaces on the southern half of the site. ​Alton Skyway’s second phase includes an additional 277 apartments and 399 parking spaces. Kolter dedicated a one-acre parcel on the property’s southwest corner for up to 5,000 square feet of commercial space, which the commission will review separately. ​Registered opponent Frank Guerra, founder of Altis Cardinal, believes the retail component is an afterthought that may never materialize. He said the district plan, adopted by the city council in 2014, called for more commercial development, increased walkability, and parking structures rather than sprawling surface lots. ​Guerra’s firm is building Sky Town, a 34.3-acre, $800 million development to the west of Alton Skyway. His project will feature 2,084 apartments, 69,000 square feet of retail space anchored by a recently opened Sprouts Farmers Market, and a 120,000 square-foot self-storage facility. ​The district’s plan “wouldn’t have been adopted by the city council and wouldn’t have been followed by all other developers” of market-rate multifamily projects if it were not applicable, Guerra argued. Alton Skyway will offer one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. ​Chris Isaacson, a Skyway Marina District board member, said there was “no meaningful engagement for this community.” His group met with Kolter’s team twice in the past two months and “clearly outlined our concerns.” ​“Once the plans came back, they were unchanged,” Isaacson added. “We’re seeing that as not really a good faith engagement.” ​One-story bike storage sheds will shield what one commissioner called a “sea of asphalt.” Alton Skyway will also feature an extensive sidewalk network that connects the ungated complex to the surrounding area. ​“There’s a lot I like about the project,” said Commissioner Tim Clemmons. “I think the building is really quite handsome, and there’s a lot of effort to create this sort of internal street that runs through the middle of the project. But I think all of that is to the detriment of 34th Street.” ​However, multiple commissioners said the district needs additional residents with disposable incomes to support the sought-after commercial development. “Today, there is over 47,000 square feet of vacant retail space seeking tenants,” Batsel said. ​The commission ultimately found that the site plan aligned with land-use regulations, with Commissioner Joseph Griner dissenting. Kolter is under contract to purchase the property from St. Petersburg College for $26 million and can now close on the deal. Alton Skyway’s site plan, with potential retail space in the upper left corner (grey). 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

Students and young adults participate in a Powerful Young Adults Inc. program session in Clearwater’s North Greenwood community. The organization provides mentorship, job training, and career development opportunities for youth and transitioning adults across the Tampa Bay region. Since 2005, the program has helped hundreds of participants build skills and pursue meaningful career pathways. Image retrieved from PYA Inc website. In Clearwater’s North Greenwood community, opportunity is taking flight in a way few could have imagined two decades ago. Since 2005, Powerful Young Adults Inc. has worked to equip at-risk and underserved youth with mentorship, job training, and access to real career pathways. What began as a community-driven effort to support young adults has grown into a pipeline that has helped more than 800 participants across Clearwater and Tampa Bay step into meaningful careers. Today, its alumni include doctors, nurses, lawyers, fraud investigators, HR analysts, business owners, and community leaders who once sat in the same classrooms the organization now fills. Now, that mission is expanding skyward. Through its Skymaster Drone and Flight Program, Powerful Young Adults Inc. is combining artificial intelligence training, aviation fundamentals, and workforce development to prepare young people and transitioning adults for careers in emerging industries. Meeting at the North Greenwood Aquatic Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the program serves youth ages 14 to 25 and adults up to age 35, including military veterans from across the Tampa Bay region who are transitioning into civilian careers. This initiative is hands-on STEM education where participants train under a licensed pilot using DJI drones and professional-grade flight simulators. The program’s aviation and drone instruction is led by Earl Johnson, who works closely with students as they build both technical skills and confidence in real flight environments. Participants earn their FAA Recreational Drone Certificate and have the opportunity to prepare for and take the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam, allowing them to operate drones commercially. Katrina George, program director, says the decision to expand the Skymaster Program into aviation and artificial intelligence was shaped by her own experience growing up in Clearwater’s North Greenwood community. “I understood what it felt like to see opportunity but not have access,” George said. “Aviation, drone systems, and artificial intelligence offer career pathways that are scalable and not limited by geography. By introducing students to drone certification, flight simulation, aviation fundamentals, and AI literacy, we are preparing them not only for current workforce needs but for the next generation of aerospace innovation.” FAA Part 107 certification opens the door to industries that are rapidly growing and increasingly reliant on drone technology. Construction firms use drones for site mapping. Real estate professionals rely on aerial imaging. Agriculture, infrastructure maintenance, law enforcement, and public safety agencies are also expanding their use of unmanned aircraft systems. Entry-level aviation-related careers can range from 50,000 to 80,000 dollars annually, creating tangible economic mobility for participants. While last year’s STEM programming emphasized AI training and computer coding, Powerful Young Adults Inc. has consistently provided job readiness preparation, resume development, and direct employment connections through its Career Expo initiatives. Recently, the organization assisted four students with employment placement. Three secured positions with Publix, and one began working with Home Depot. George states the program is designed to ensure students leave with skills that translate into real opportunity. “Economic empowerment means that students leave the program with skills that translate into real opportunity and income potential,” George said. “Students gain hands-on drone flight experience using DJI equipment and learn how to use artificial intelligence responsibly for business planning, academic advancement, and technical research. These tools give them a competitive advantage in both school and entrepreneurship.” The next Youth Career Expo and Job Fair is scheduled for June 6, with the location to be announced. The event will offer resume writing support and connect youth and job seekers directly with Clearwater area employers. For many, programs like Skymaster offer access, and in North Greenwood, where generational opportunity gaps have shaped outcomes for decades, exposure to AI technology, aviation instruction, and FAA certification pathways proposes a new narrative. It signals that young people from this community can compete in advanced industries and build sustainable careers without leaving home. “Most importantly, I want students to understand that they have the opportunity to overcome any obstacle and become anything they choose to pursue,” George said. “In aviation, we often say the sky is the limit. In this program, we teach them that the sky is truly the beginning.” Enrollment for the current Skymaster session remains open through March 14. The next session will begin on August 29. (Maybe subject to change). Students and transitioning adults across Tampa Bay interested in drone certification, flight simulation training, AI literacy, and workforce development are encouraged to inquire while space remains available. For Powerful Young Adults Inc., the program reflects a continued commitment to ensuring young people in North Greenwood have access to the industries shaping tomorrow’s workforce. Through its Skymaster Drone and Flight Program, Powerful Young Adults Inc. is combining artificial intelligence training, aviation fundamentals, and workforce development to prepare young people and transitioning adults for careers in emerging industries. Instructor Earl Johnson guides a student through the fundamentals of drone flight during a Skymaster Program training session at the North Greenwood Aquatic Center in Clearwater. Participants receive hands-on instruction using industry-standard DJI drones while learning the principles of safe and responsible flight. The program introduces youth and transitioning adults to aviation concepts while preparing them for FAA drone certification and future career opportunities. Image retrieved from PYA Inc 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.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch speaks at a recent Black History Month celebration outside of City Hall. State legislation would ban such ceremonies. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. ​Municipal leaders from across Florida are warning residents and business owners about the unintended consequences of ambiguous legislation that bans any actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. ​For example, the entire Miami Beach City Commission recently signed a letter stating that the rapidly advancing companion bills could jeopardize cultural heritage celebrations, Jewish and Black film festivals, emergency alert translation services, and health initiatives – such as free mammograms. The proposed legislation would also require businesses that work with local governments to abstain from promoting diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI). ​St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Tallahassee Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox, Leon County Commissioner David O’Keefe, and Fernandina Beach Commissioner Genece Minshew participated in a virtual press conference on Wednesday to highlight the potential economic and social consequences of House Bill 1001 and Senate Bill 1134. They also noted that the legislation, if approved, will result in taxpayer-funded litigation. ​“It may sound ridiculous, because it is ridiculous,” Welch said of the bills. “Rather than address the real issues of housing affordability, insurance, and resilience – and maybe passing a budget on time – the legislature is wasting time and money on culture wars. ​“Florida can and must do better.” ​Trantalis explained that the legislation would outlaw any local ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, programs, or policies that merely reference historically protected classes, including race, color, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis at a Stonewall Pride Parade. Photo: City of Fort Lauderdale. ​HB 1001, which goes before the House for consideration on Thursday, prohibits municipal participation in and public funding for DEI-related events. Trantalis said an upcoming St. Patrick’s Day parade, along with intended impacts to people of color and the LGBTQ community, would “be a goner.” ​SB 1134, which the Senate subsequently passed on Wednesday, provides “allowances for Black history and federally-recognized patriotic observances,” Williams-Cox said. However, that is “not enough specificity.” ​The legislation enables residents to sue for perceived noncompliance. Williams-Cox noted that local governments cannot recover spent attorney fees, “even if we prevail.” ​Local elected officials also face removal from office for alleged violations. “This is a penalty typically reserved for the worst kinds of public corruption,” Trantalis said. ​“It’s almost getting to the point of absurdity, the extent to which these representatives in Tallahassee are taking their cultural agenda,” he added. “In reality, we’re just trying to run a city.” ​Shunning several demographics in a state that relies on tourism could cause an economic downturn, Trantalis said. Williams-Cox worries that the loss of local government contracts could bankrupt minority and women-owned businesses. ​​Welch called the legislation “dangerous and undemocratic.” The latest attempt to “demonize” DEI efforts also subverts Florida’s constitutional principle of home rule, he said. ​Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning DEI initiatives in public colleges and universities in May 2023. He is also a staunch supporter of the exponentially more vague and sweeping legislation advancing through the legislature. ​Welch believes the bills will impede the ability to address community needs, create operational uncertainty, and “weaken the public’s trust in government.” He said significant unintended consequences could impact programs supporting women and religious communities. ​Residents of the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) should also take notice, although Welch said it was created to reduce poverty rather than uplift a specific demographic. While he hopes the legislation will not affect a funding mechanism that keeps tax dollars in the community, the city has seen “attempts to preempt our use of CRA dollars in the past, as well.” ​“If we’re not able to continue to use small, minority, and women-owned businesses for CRA projects, then there will be an economic impact,” Williams-Cox added. Tallahassee Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox. Photo: City of Tallahassee. ​The legislation, if signed into law, would take effect in June 2027. Welch said he would look at every option, including litigation, to mitigate the impacts. ​He refuses to accept “this new version of DEI as being discriminatory and prejudiced.” Welch and Williams-Cox noted that their cities have conducted exhaustive structural racism studies that highlight the need for socioeconomic equity. ​“I don’t think anyone sent a legislator to Tallahassee to kill DEI – I just don’t believe that,” Williams-Cox said. “Now what I do blame residents for is not keeping up, because everybody’s busy living their life.” ​While time is running out, she encourages residents to “check your folk, and let them know what they’re doing is harming you.” Welch pledged that he would continue to “stand firmly in the defense of local self-governance and the right of our residents to shape our own futures.” 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 ​

Baseball fans entering Tropicana Field have likely walked over human remains. Photo by Mark Parker. St. Petersburg will excavate possible graves found underneath Tropicana Field’s parking lots. However, the next step in a long-overdue process must wait until the baseball season concludes in October. ​City council members unanimously approved a $380,000 architectural and engineering contract on Thursday with Stantec. The firm will provide archaeological ground truthing fieldwork, management services, and a subsequent report. ​Stantec delivered its initial, much-anticipated study to Mayor Ken Welch’s administration in November 2024 after using ground-penetrating radar to uncover 10 possible graves – some just three feet below ground – at the Trop. The findings remained hidden from the public until April 2025. ​While the firm also found 11 areas of interest and nine unidentified disturbances, confirming the results requires exhuming remains. Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz requested a brief update on Thursday after residents reached out with concerns. ​“Once anything as part of this exploratory analysis is identified, the first step is to stop work and contact the state (archaeological) officer,” said Brejesh Prayman, engineering and capital improvements director. “And then that’s a regulated process governed by Florida Statutes.” ​Planning Director Derek Kilborn noted that city research at the site began in early 2020. Ground penetrating radar first identified three likely graves beneath Lots 1 and 2 at the Trop in August 2021. ​The area was once home to Oaklawn Cemetery, established in 1907 between 3rd and 5th Avenues South, west of 16th Street. It predominantly served white residents. ​Evergreen Cemetery, platted in 1900 to serve the Black community, now sits under I-175. Both races were interred at Moffett (St. Petersburg) Cemetery, which opened in 1888 at the intersection of 16th Street and 5th Avenue South Ground penetrating radar first identified three possible graves between Lots 1 and 2 in August 2021. Photo by Mark Parker. ​The city condemned the contiguous burial grounds in 1926 and relocated bodies according to race. African Americans were moved to the embattled Lincoln Cemetery in Gulfport. Their Caucasian counterparts stayed closer to home at Royal Palm Cemetery. ​City research has focused on Oaklawn Cemetery, as it was “the site most ready for that type of work,” Kilborn said. “And it also was the most timely, because of the ongoing discussion at the time with the Tampa Bay Rays.” Kilborn said the previous report helped align potential graves with historical records. He also noted that the city lacks burial information for multiple anomalous areas, including two purchased by a Masonic Lodge. ​“These are some of the challenges we’ll have in working with individuals and individual families and descendants,” Kilborn added. “Sometimes we just won’t know.” ​St. Petersburg is home to several Masonic Lodges, and Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders asked if officials could identify a specific branch. “They may not know, and it would be great for them to have that information,” she said. ​Kilborn could not provide an answer. However, he will “certainly look into it” and share what he finds with the council. Stantec’s previous study area was limited due to roads and redevelopment negotiations. Image: Stantec. ​​Agenda documents state that Stantec will now conduct soft digging up to a maximum of 15 feet, sift material samples, and identify and catalogue any found remains or artifacts. Officials expect onsite ground truthing and excavations to take 10 business days. ​“This task will involve investigation of at least four operation areas through the property with the highest probability of cemetery features, as well as 10 possible graves,” states the agreement. “All 10 graves will be stripped to reveal the outline of the grave shaft, and their locations and dimensions will be mapped. “Of these graves, at least four will be excavated by hand down to the coffin, in order to confirm that human remains are present.” ​The agreement adds that Stantec will complete the work by the 2026 baseball season’s opening day. While the Rays will return to the Trop on April 6, that timeline has changed significantly. ​Stantec will now begin archaeological excavations in late October. “Hopefully, based on the timeline, this work won’t happen until after the conclusion of the World Series,” Kilborn said. ​“Stantec recommends that no ground-truthing or other archaeological work be conducted without first consulting with potential descendants and stakeholder groups connected to Oaklawn Cemetery,” states the previous report. ​“The goal of such work would be to confirm the presence of intact burials and gain a better understanding of the potential for disturbed human remains within the property – and of the distribution of burials and human remains across the property.” ​City officials did not discuss outreach efforts – or current proposals to redevelop the site – during the brief presentation on Thursday. More Photos An outline of possible grave sites. Image: Stantec A graphic highlighting the subject area’s evolution. Image: City documents. A graphic highlighting likely burials and areas of interest. Image: Stantec. A timeline of the city’s involvement. 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

Bryan Stern (front), founder of Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue, and his team have already rescued approximately 70 U.S. citizens from war-torn Israel. Photos provided. Over 30 members of two St. Petersburg churches are safely on their way home from Israel after spending three days dodging Iranian missile strikes. ​However, it was not the state or federal government that came to their aid. Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue pulled off the daring extraction on Tuesday, despite the Iranian conflict shuttering airspace throughout the Middle East. ​Members of the GT Church Assembly of God and Suncoast Church arrived in Israel on Feb. 24 for a tour of the Holy Land. Iran began launching hundreds of retaliatory missiles and drones at the country four days later. ​“We tried everything we knew to try to find a way to get out,” said Dr. Randy Helms, pastor at GT Church. “The airports were closed, and the roads were blocked. We couldn’t find any way. It seems like every time we’d come up with an idea, the sirens would sound and off we’d go to the bomb shelter again.” Dr. Randy Helms (left), pastor at GT Church, said government officials could not help his group. ​Helms said his group was at the Jordan River preparing for baptisms when air raid sirens first rang out. “We didn’t know what was going on, but our guide was aware, and we hunkered down.” ​The U.S. and Israel began conducting coordinated strikes in Iran on Feb. 28. Retaliation was swift, and Iran reportedly fired over 200 missiles at Israel in the war’s first three days. ​Helms and members of his congregation sheltered in place at their hotel as a regional war unfolded. He said they sought refuge in a basement bomb shelter nearly 20 times in the following three days due to incoming attacks. ​“It’s been tough, and the urgency is growing because we have elderly people – medication concerns,” Helms said in a video conference with Grey Bull Rescue. ​”We have children in our group, and the people back home are frantic. But, thanks be to God, we came across your organization. Now we have hope.” ​Grey Bull Rescue specializes in quickly reaching U.S. citizens trapped in conflict and disaster zones. Founder Bryan Stern, a special forces combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, noted that “all of our missions are dangerous – we don’t do rescues in Sweden.” ​Stern and his apolitical team of special forces and intelligence community veterans have rescued over 8,400 people in distress from 43 countries. Closed airspace throughout the Middle East, combined with continuous attacks, increased the latest mission’s difficulty, he said. ​“The demand signal is high, and the threat is very real,” Stern said. “I think this response that we’re seeing from Iran is a response, but not the response. I think the killing of the Ayatollah (Ali Khamenei) in the middle of Ramadan is like killing the Pope in the middle of Easter.” Grey Bull also rescued roughly 40 college students from Israel. ​Grey Bull successfully transported the church group and approximately 40 U.S. college students out of Israel on Tuesday. Stern, who could not provide an exact route or expected arrival time in Florida due to security concerns, described the process as a “ground pickup to a ground movement to a cross-border movement to another ground movement to an airplane.” ​Helms, now speaking from a bus as the group exited Israel, said he previously toured the country 14 times without incident. “It was always very, very smooth, and I had no idea this would happen.” ​The U.S. Department of State, local representatives, and the St. Petersburg Mayor’s Office were unable to help the group escape Israel. “Their response was to shelter in place,” Helms said. ​A tour member was familiar with Grey Bull and contacted the organization. Stern and his team immediately began formulating an extraction plan. ​“Rescues are not warzone Uber,” Stern said. “If you’re calling us, you’ve had a very bad day.” ​He expects the demand for exfiltrations to persist, and said Grey Bull is already operating in other areas throughout the Middle East. However, the nonprofit is “stretched pretty thin” in terms of manpower and, most importantly, funding. ​Stern said donor support for the current mission is relatively sparse. Grey Bull charters its buses and planes, and federal officials had yet to coordinate rescue efforts. ​U.S. citizens of “all shapes and sizes, from all manners of faiths and backgrounds, of all ages, and of all religions” have requested help, Stern said. He pledged to provide his expertise “until we wring out every last drop” of funding. ​​For more information on Grey Bull Rescue or to support its mission, visit the website here. Grey Bull rescue has received hundreds of requests for assistance from throughout the Middle East. However, funding remains an issue. 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 credit: Packs of Love Foundation Instagram; donating care bags to the youth Nearly three years after the Packs of Love Foundation became a nonprofit, Sapheria Emani Samuels wears many hats as the organization’s founder and executive director. As the leader of her nonprofit, Samuels oversees daily operations to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively. Samuels started Packs of Love in 2023 after witnessing firsthand how the foster care system failed to provide adequate care for young children while working as a social worker in 2020. Packs of Love focuses on tackling the decline in mental health, instilling confidence, helping youths reach their fullest potential, and providing the necessary resources to allow them to be successful outside of foster care. “We’re here to instill confidence within their capabilities, [and] show them some of the resources that they have to help them be successful in the future,” said Samuels. As a social worker, Samuels saw declining behavioral issues and fragile emotional stability among the youth who lived in the system. Instead of individualistic care and attention, she saw many kids “pushed through the system,” rather than being taken care of as a priority. “I said when I left social work, I wanted to start something of my own. Packs of Love serves an important role in the community because a lot of our kids are overlooked and marginalized,” said Samuels. This year, the non-profit spearheads a new pilot initiative, “The Moments that Matter Project,” to sponsor the Carlton Manor group home. Currently, they oversee nine young girls, including two graduating high school seniors whom the organization will sponsor to attend prom. Samuels understands that many kids in the foster care system do not have a sense of normalcy due to the precarious living situations of foster care. “A lot of our kids miss out on certain milestones because, one, they feel like what’s the point, two, they’re moved around, and depending on the group home, sometimes there’s limited resources,” explained Samuels. Packs of Love will sponsor a hair salon, a hair stylist, and nail tech for the seniors to “provide them that sense of normalcy.” The “Moments that Matter Project” falls under the organization’s Access to Normalcy Program. Partnerships with the foundation include Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and Ryan Nece Foundation, to name a few. The former partner collaborates with the nonprofit to build the organization’s capacity, while the latter works to raise supplies for care packages for schools in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Within the three years since its conception, Packs of Love has received three grants totaling $25,000 that have supported its goal and mission to empower and care for youths in the foster system. They received $10,000 from Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, $10,000 from Pinellas Community Foundation, and $5,000 from Allegany; the funds were split among providing mental wellness support for the board & staff, increasing the nonprofit’s internal capacity, and providing supplies for programs. The next upcoming event for the foundation is their second annual “Cheers to Change” on May 16 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Wrigley’s Pizza. “Packs of Love are here to stay. We are growing and thriving,” exclaimed 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 Credit by Packs of Love Foundation Instagram: Sapheria Samuels packing care bags for the youth

A national development firm is under contract to purchase part of the former Home Shopping Network (HSN) campus in St. Petersburg. Photo: CBRE. A proposed redevelopment could bring hundreds of jobs rather than housing units to the former Home Shopping Network (HSN) headquarters in north St. Petersburg. ​Greystar, a prominent national developer, plans to build three industrial warehouses totaling over 400,000 square feet on nearly 41 acres at 2501 118th Ave. N. The approximately 65-acre HSN campus is currently home to nine buildings with 487,021 square feet of office and industrial space. ​Charleston-based Greystar will demolish all existing structures, which were built between 1986 and 1994. The city’s Development Review Commission will consider the proposal, which has received staff approval, on Wednesday. ​City documents note that 48% of the site will remain open space. “The existing wetlands and preservation areas will not be impacted by the proposed redevelopment and will serve as natural buffers to surrounding properties,” states the staff report. ​Greystar is under contract to purchase the eastern 41-acre portion of the property. However, documents do not outline plans for the remaining 24 acres. ​While one of the nation’s most prolific multifamily housing-focused firms could still pitch a residential component on the expansive property, which is typical for most redevelopments in Pinellas County, the current proposal states that the “applicant is excited to bring this job-generating use to the city in an area targeted for manufacturing.” ​“The applicant is not proposing a residential use as part of the project.” An aerial rendering of the proposed redevelopment. Image: City documents. ​Qurate Retail Group (QVC), HSN’s parent company, announced plans to close the campus after 47 years and consolidate operations at its Pennsylvania headquarters in January 2025. At its peak, the facility employed 2,500 people. ​Global real estate services firm CBRE began marketing the property, zoned for industrial or multifamily uses, in March 2025. Later that month, HSN notified the state that it would cut 730 jobs by the end of the year. ​Greystar’s proposal does not outline how many jobs its redevelopment could foster. The developer plans to build three 45-foot-tall concrete warehouses with large windows facing a stormwater pond in one construction phase. ​ ​The industrial park will feature 610 parking spaces, an internal sidewalk system, and a new public sidewalk along 118th Avenue North. ​Greystar is not requesting a future land use change or rezoning for the property, which sits within a Target Employment Center overlay. Development review commissioners must approve the firm’s site plan due to the project’s size. A ground-level rendering of one proposed building. Image: City documents. ​City staff recommended approval with 12 special conditions. Those include incorporating a unified architectural style, screening loading docks with shade trees, submitting a tree removal plan, and restoring and maintaining a preservation area. ​The staff report states that the site is within an Archaeological Sensitivity Area, which requires developers to “be made aware of this fact and be strongly encouraged to have an archaeologist on site during any excavation work.” ​Greystar is completing a similar project in St. Petersburg’s Gateway Area. The firm is part of a joint venture that is redeveloping 93 acres formerly owned by Jabil Inc. ​The 61-acre Gateway Logistics Center development will feature a 622,270-square-foot industrial park at 2690 Gateway Centre Parkway – 2.3 miles south of the HSN campus. Greystar dedicated the remaining land to a 425-unit apartment complex. ​In April 2025, Greystar broke ground on The Henry at Whitney Village, a 325-unit mixed-use redevelopment of the Jim and Heather Gills YMCA property in the Grand Central District. The firm also developed the 36-story Ascent St. Pete residential tower in downtown St. Petersburg. An aerial view of the 65-acre site (blue). Image: CBRE. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

From left: St. Petersburg City Councilmembers Richie Floyd, Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Gina Driscoll, Copley Gerdes, Mayor Ken Welch, Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz, Mike Harting, Brandi Gabbard, Cory Givens Jr. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch sent a letter to state leaders on Thursday denouncing legislation that would effectively ban any actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also asked the city council to sign an identical missive. ​Welch said both were prompted by the “rapid advancement” of House Bill 1001 and Senate Bill 1134. His subsequent prepared statement notes that the legislation, as drafted, would “substantially preempt local authority, invalidate locally adopted policies and expand state power with the ability to discipline local elected officials.” ​While council members agree with that assessment, some bemoaned the timing of Welch’s request to unite in opposition. His memo, sent on Thursday morning, asked that they sign an accompanying letter by the end of the day. ​Multiple council members expressed their frustration during an already contentious discussion on what they perceived as an inadequate response to the state removal of five street murals in late August and early September. All who addressed Welch’s request on Thursday, including those who appreciated the opportunity, said they preferred to issue their own statement. ​“We have a very clear process,” said Councilmember Brandi Gabbard. “That process was not followed, and there was a missed opportunity for real unity to stand together against this type of legislation.” ​Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders was also caught off-guard by the memo, which she hadn’t read until the topic was broached at a Committee of the Whole meeting. Welch wrote that preempting local diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts would “impede our ability to respond to community needs, create operational uncertainty, and weaken public trust in government.” ​Figgs-Sanders said the accompanying letter included “a couple of words that I truly would not have used.” She noted that withholding her signature “doesn’t mean I don’t agree with it.” ​“I’m going to continue with my original plan to do something with the other (unnamed) organization,” Figgs-Sanders added. “But I appreciate it, and I’m glad that we as a city are sending this letter, because it is a bill that would be very detrimental to the culture …” ​HB 1001 and SB 1134 were filed on Jan. 5. Lawmakers have amended both several times, and Assistant City Attorney Ben James said the language could continue to evolve. ​If passed, the legislation would prohibit municipalities from funding or promoting, whether directly or indirectly, any action related to DEI initiatives. The bill would also void current ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, programs, and policies. ​The legislation allows residents to “bring an action in court” against local governments for non-compliance, James said. Councilmember Richie Floyd called the bills an attack on “literally every community.” Floyd said the legislation’s vagueness would make him wary of supporting “any cultural, ethnic, religious event at all, for fear of being removed from office.” ​“I think the letter is fine,” said Floyd, who has already issued his own statement. “It’s not what I think is the most effective message, but I understand that’s been the administration’s messaging, so it’s fine.” ​Welch’s letter – and the one with space for city council signatures – was addressed to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Senate President Ben Albritton, and House Speaker Daniel Perez. It states that the bill provisions “represent an unprecedented intrusion into municipal governance and a direct challenge to Florida’s constitutional principle of home rule.” ​“St. Petersburg’s inclusive policies are not symbolic gestures; they are practical tools of governance,” Welch wrote. “They strengthen public health outcomes, improve workforce recruitment and retention, enhance public safety, and ensure equitable access to city services.” ​Gabbard, who has said she will run against Welch in the upcoming mayoral election, believes the city’s legislative committee should have discussed his letter last week. The full council could have voted on a resolution later that day. ​“I will not be signing on to this letter, and it is not because I do not support opposition to these bills,” Gabbard continued. “I very clearly believe these bills are harmful to local governments and the people we serve.” ​If signed into law in June, the legislation would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Councilmember Gina Driscoll said responses to the erased street art, which included “Black History Matters” and Progressive Pride Flag murals, will likely lack staying power. ​Driscoll advocated for improving communication and closely tracking the legislation as it moves through the House and Senate. Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. believes the city can identify ways to express unity that will not draw the state’s ire. ​He also noted that “time is of the essence.” After the meeting, HB 1001 cleared another state committee. SB 1134 is rapidly approaching a floor vote; DeSantis has lauded the companion bill and would sign it into law if it reaches his desk. In his letter, Welch said he recognized the Legislature’s authority to set statewide standards. However, the bills go “far beyond uniformity.” ​The legislation would “restrict local problem-solving, chill lawful civic engagement, and weaken democratic accountability by shifting power away from voters and toward centralized state control,” Welch wrote. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube ​

Pinellas County School Board Chair Caprice Edmond is also president of the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards. Photo: Facebook. Pinellas County school district officials continue grappling with declining enrollment, rising operational costs, funding changes, necessary closures, and political headwinds. ​School Board Chair Caprice Edmond shared her thoughts on the district’s challenges and successes in a recent wide-ranging interview. She and her colleagues approved plans to close and consolidate multiple facilities on Feb. 24. ​Edmond, also president of the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards, noted that districts receive funding for each student. “If the enrollment declines, it’s just a logical conclusion that there’s going to be a financial challenge to maintain and manage the amount of property that we have – as well as pay the bills,” she said. ​“We have to be aware of what we’re facing,” Edmond added. “The times have changed quite drastically.” ​According to Pinellas County Schools (PCS) data, the number of enrolled students decreased by approximately 30,000 – from roughly 110,000 to 80,000 – between 2006 and 2024. Edmond offered several reasons for the decline. ​Those include an expansion of charter school vouchers, which incentivize parents to pull students from public institutions, and the soaring cost of living in Pinellas. “Gentrification is happening, and people are being priced out,” Edmond said. ​She also attributed shrinking enrollment to plunging birthrates and political issues. Edmond said some families “may be more fearful” of sending their children to school due to recent immigration enforcement efforts, although the district does not verify student citizenship. A graphic highlighting school enrollment in Pinellas County. Image: PCS. Florida’s board of education voted to expand the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law in 2023, which prohibits classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation. “We had some families fear their child wouldn’t be supported, and decided to move out of state,” Edmond said. ​She noted that a bill expanding upon Florida’s “harmful to minors” law is advancing through the Legislature and will “most likely impact school board policy.” Supporters believe the legislation would remove perceived obscene materials from libraries; opponents believe it will unnecessarily ban books with literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. ​Edmond does not support the legislation and said political interference creates additional challenges for school districts. “Parental rights aren’t, in my opinion, parental rights for all,” she said. ​“However, there are lots of great things happening in our schools,” Edmond continued, while mentioning Black History Month celebrations and recent state recognition. “There’s a lot of positivity outside of the political madness.” ​PCS will close Pinellas Park’s Cross Bayou Elementary and Gulfport’s Disston Academy after the academic year ends in late May. The changes are part of the district’s multi-year Planning for Progress initiative. ​Cross Bayou Elementary has received a “C” grade from the state since 2014, and needs over $5.1 million in capital improvements. PCS will reassign students to nearby schools, which, like the district, have earned “A” grades and recently received comprehensive renovations. ​Disston Academy offers an Educational Alternative Services program that serves 52 on-campus students in grades six through 12. PCS will relocate students to alternative school sites in St. Petersburg, Largo, and Clearwater. ​“You have to make these financial decisions that are both logical and student-focused,” Edmond said. “Students and teachers will have other opportunities at other schools.” ​PCS will consolidate Bay Point Elementary and Bay Point Middle into a K-8 school on the latter institution’s South St. Petersburg campus in the fall of 2027. The district will also expand Oldsmar Elementary into a K-8 school beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Lakewood High in South St. Petersburg is one of several local schools that have recently shown improvement. Photo: Facebook. ​Edmond, whose District 7 encompasses South St. Petersburg, stressed that “all students deserve a high-quality education, regardless of their zip code, socioeconomic status, and race.” In August, Lakewood High School earned its first “B” grade in a decade. ​The district as a whole received its second consecutive “A” grade, despite never reaching that benchmark until 2024. “We still have a long way to go, in my opinion,” Edmond said of closing persistent achievement gaps. “However, there are steps in place.” ​She urges parents and guardians to share both positive and negative feedback with district officials. Edmond also noted that leading the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards “provides an opportunity to amplify the advocacy that we’re doing legislatively for our district.” ​The consortium represents 12 districts and 52% of Florida students. Edmond became the organization’s first African American president in 2024, and it has since approved a federal legislative program, established task forces for artificial intelligence and natural disasters, and implemented a youth committee. ​“I had no idea this is what I would be doing when I ran for school board – no idea, couldn’t even imagine it,” said Edmond, who is up for reelection in November. “Now more than ever, it is important to have somebody who is going to advocate. Someone who is getting in the weeds and standing up for what’s right.” 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 free community event is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Enoch D. Davis Center. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg tenants and homeowners can access a smorgasbord of resources at a Housing and Apartment Fair tonight, Wednesday, March 4, from 5-7 p.m. ​The city and Bay Area Apartment Association partnered to host the free community event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Enoch D. Davis Center. According to its website, the Housing and Apartment Fair supports an ongoing commitment to expand housing opportunities, improve neighborhoods, and “promote healthy homes throughout St. Petersburg.” ​Tenants and homeowners can speak directly with rental housing providers and city staff at the event. The website notes that bringing those groups and resources together under one roof, at 1111 18th Ave. S. in South St. Petersburg, will help ensure residents have safe and affordable homes. ​“This event is about access,” said Avery Slyker, director of housing and community development for the city, in a prepared statement. “Whether you are looking for an apartment or seeking assistance to repair your home, we are bringing resources directly to residents in one convenient location.” ​The city encourages residents to bring any relevant documentation that may assist staff when answering program-specific questions. Here is what attendees can expect at the event: ​Renters ​Apartment complexes from across Tampa Bay will send representatives to help prospective tenants explore currently available units, learn about pricing and eligibility options, and discover housing options that fit their budget. ​Homeowners ​City staff will provide personalized, one-on-one guidance to homeowners on available grants and loan programs. Attendees could receive assistance for lead paint testing and remediation, a rapid roof replacement, housing rehabilitation, and exterior facade improvements. ​Homeowners can also receive help understanding eligibility and application requirements. The website states that the Healthy Homes initiative, funded by the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), “improves safety, health, and property value.” For more information, visit the website here. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

The Center for Coastal Resilience would replace an underutilized parking lot, which is temporarily housing a yacht, at Port St. Petersburg. USF’s College of Marine Science (background) has advocated for the facility. Photos by Mark Parker. Long-discussed plans to expand on the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub’s success have received the first of three critical approvals. St. Petersburg voters will likely have the final word. ​A city council committee enthusiastically agreed to ballot referendum language on Thursday that would allow 25-year leases at Port St. Petersburg. The city-owned facility’s underutilized surface parking lot, adjacent to the hub, could eventually house a Center for Coastal Resilience. ​Previously known as Hub 2.0, the center would provide critical waterfront space for resiliency, research, and technology-focused government agencies, businesses, and academic institutions in St. Petersburg’s Innovation District, which would operate both facilities. The approximately $30 million project would not require city subsidies. ​However, the city only permits 10-year leases at the port. Alison Barlow, CEO of the Innovation District, and vice president Jason Mathis, CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, previously requested a 50-year term. ​A longer lease would help the two secure federal funding and raise private capital. Mathis said he and Barlow were “very supportive” of cutting their request in half. ​“I don’t know anyone in the room that doesn’t like the 25-year idea,” Mathis added. “So, we’re very happy with that.” The city-owned Maritime and Defense Technology Hub is at 450 8th Ave. SE in St. Petersburg’s Innovation District. ​Voters, following the full city council’s approval, will ultimately decide if the hub’s long-awaited sister facility comes to fruition. Public and private stakeholders agree that the 50,000-square-foot Center for Coastal Resilience would be a boon to St. Petersburg’s marine-based economy. ​The Innovation District already boasts 1,900 marine science employees and an annual local economic contribution of $540 million. USF’s College of Marine Science anchors an industry cluster with over 30 private companies, research organizations, academic entities, and government agencies. ​Barlow found immediate success when she opened the hub in January 2022. The 32,000-square-foot, at-capacity facility houses 20 tenants and supports 87 full-time and 132 secondary jobs. ​On average, full-time employees at the hub earn $91,500 annually, Barlow said. In addition to attracting new businesses and organizations, the Center for Coastal Resilience would enable current tenants, including Saildrone and the state-sponsored Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation, to expand operations. ​Mathis noted that an independent consulting firm completed a feasibility study. The summation, he said, was that “there is indeed a great need for this.” The study was a requirement to receive an estimated $16 million to $18 million in federal funding. Mathis also believes the Florida Ports Council, with the city’s sponsorship A rendering of the 50,000-square-foot Center for Coastal Resilience, which would connect to the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub (left). Image: City documents. Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program will likely offer $2 million or $3 million, Mathis said. “There should be very significant public sector support to help build this facility.” ​“The facility will be successful,” Mathis pledged. “We believe it will be fully occupied, based on the experience of the existing Maritime and Defense Technology Hub and current office vacancies in downtown St. Pete.” Barlow said the center would provide collaborative workspaces and a rooftop meeting area that could generate additional revenue and feature solar panels. She called waterfront access within a secure port the center’s “unique differentiator.” ​​The city council will now schedule two public hearings on an ordinance amendment that will facilitate a 25-year lease. If approved, the referendum would appear on ballots in November. ​“It’s really exciting to me that we are at this point and moving forward with something that is going to really boost our profile in marine science and resilience,” said Councilmember Gina Driscoll, a longtime proponent. “And create a lot of jobs in the process.” 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 Renting rooftop space could generate additional revenue. Image: City documents. The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub and Center for Coastal Resilience would share a new parking garage with Albert Whitted Airport (right). Image: City documents. Alison Barlow, CEO of the St. Petersburg Innovation District, said the new facility could feature a sphere created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that uses “high-tech cameras” to display educational programming. Image: City documents. An example of collaborative work spaces. Image: City documents. ​

Photo Credit Isis Climes: Black English Bookstore lobby area Hillsborough County connects local readers to a curated literary treasure in Tampa Heights. Late Tampa City Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson created Black English Bookstore with the vision to “amplify voices” and pay tribute to “the ancestors who were unable to read and write.” Her daughter, Ariel Amirah, continues her legacy today as the owner of the Black-owned bookstore. Black English Bookstore opened in December of 2023 in a 732 sq. ft. storefront with 2,000 books. As of now, the store holds more than 3,000 works, including curated selections from independently published authors. Although the store was founded by Henderson, both mother and daughter co-owned it. Since her mother’s passing, Amirah has carried the torch by giving the gift of book ownership to the local community. “Luckily, I didn’t have to step in suddenly — my involvement in the bookstore was integral to our success from the very beginning. That continuity has made carrying our mission forward feel natural,” said Amirah. Photo Credit Isis Climes: Black English Bookstore Founder Gwendolyn Henderson Title sections range from “Black English: Talk & Testify,” “Set the Table Cookbooks,” and “Mind Ya Business: Health – SelfCare – Career – Finances.” The literary selections offer genres from sci-fi to romance, poetry to essays, memoirsto politics, and more. “Our collection is intentionally curated and centered on Black authors, guided by a selection criterion created by my mother that we still adhere to today,” stated Amirah. Photo Credit Isis Climes: Black English Bookstore reading selections This woman-owned bookstore has added Tampa to the 8% of independently Black-owned bookstores nationwide. Amirah has seen steady sales growth since the shop’s opening two years ago. She notes one of the reasons for the rising sales: the intentionality put behind their selections. “We’ve experienced steady year-over-year growth in book sales, with noticeable spikes tied to community events, curated bundles, and key cultural moments. When representation is authentic, Black books sell consistently across all genres, not just during designated moments,” said the literacy lover. Readers like Leynoree Nelson travel from all over to visit the shop. Nelson was stuck between Charles B. Francher’s Red Clay and The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christorpher Murray – she chose the latter. “I live in Plant City and drive all the way over here for the bookstore,” exclaimed Nelson. Photo Credit Isis Climes: Readers looking at books; Leynoree Nelson (left) Beyond the books, Amirah engages with her community through pop-up events at her store. Most recently, the bookshop held a Valentine-themed event, “Love in Tote-Tality,” a tote-filled bundle that included a shirt, candle, affirmation card deck, and self-love workbook, among other treats. In addition to hosting events, she also strategizes networking to incorporate future partnerships and connections for the local shop. The bookstore owner attended the American Booksellers Association’s 21st Annual Winter Institute this past month. “Attending the American Booksellers Association’s Winter Institute allowed me to connect with other Black booksellers, discuss the state of Black bookstores on a national level, and sharpen best practices within the industry,” Amirah said. Black English Bookstore is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday, 1 PM to 5 PM. If you’re a local self-published author interested in partnering with the store, check out their website for criteria and guidelines to have your book sold in their store! 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 Photo Credit Isis Climes: Patrons walking around the bookstore. Photo Credit Isis Climes: Table showcasing reading selections. Photo Credit Isis Climes: Bookshelf filled with a variety of titles.

Alex Palou (right) won the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in dominating fashion. Christian Lundgaard (center) finished third. Photos by Mark Parker. Nikita Johnson climbed another rung up IndyCar’s developmental ladder in thrilling fashion on Sunday by claiming a victory at his hometown Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. ​The St. Petersburg native, 17, took the checkered flag by .69 of a second to secure his first win in the INDY NXT circuit. Max Taylor, 18, finished second. ​Johnson, racing for Cape Motorsports, overtook Taylor on the first turn of the first lap and never relinquished his lead. Sunday morning’s victory was Johson’s third on the streets of St. Petersburg – the Gulfport resident previously won USF2000 (2023) and USF Pro 2000 (2024) at the Grand Prix, and is now another step closer to joining the NTT IndyCar Series ​“I can’t thank the boys from Cape Motorsports enough and everyone from ECR who has been helping us,” Johnson said. “It’s a pretty amazing feeling to get my first win in Indy NXT and Cape’s first win in Indy NXT. I can’t wait to see all my friends and family.” Nikita Johnson at a Grand Prix preview event in February. ​Kim Green, CEO of Grand Prix organizer Green-Savoree Racing Promotions, noted in February that the four-day festival is “more than a race these days.” In 2025, an estimated 165,000 people attended the Sunday finale. ​“It’s amazing to see all the race fans on the weekend and all the tourists come into town, and just watch one of the greatest races on the calendar,” Johnson said at the event in February. ​While Green-Savoree doesn’t release official attendance numbers, the 2026 Grand Prix may have set a new record. For the first time in its history, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series battled on a street course between the IndyCar action on Saturday. ​Mayor Ken Welch has called the Grand Prix a postcard for St. Petersburg. Fox, now in its second year of covering the IndyCar Series, broadcast the event to over 200 countries. NASCAR trucks took to the streets of St. Petersburg for the first time on Saturday. Those who attended the event were treated to sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s. They also watched as Alex Palou continued dominating IndyCar. ​Palou picked up his second consecutive win in St. Petersburg on Sunday and his 20th overall in just 99 starts. The Spaniard’s 12.49-second victory for Chip Ganassi Racing set a new Grand Prix record. ​Scott McLaughlin, who secured pole position on Saturday for Team Penske, finished second in the IndyCar series opener. Palou, who started fourth, noted that he “had an amazing car today.” ​“This team keeps on improving, keeps on making new changes, and they just keep on raising the bar,” Palou said. “It’s pretty impressive. It’s a long season in front of us, but what a great way to start the season.” A temporary yacht club between the Mahaffey Theater and Dali Museum. The city and local organizations were also winners. A previous Visit St. Pete-Clearwater study found that the Grand Prix generates an economic impact of over $60 million and more than 15,000 overnight stays. Coming into race week, an annual 5k run on the track, held on Thursday evening, has raised $423,265 for the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg since 2017. Fox’s inaugural broadcast of the 2025 Grand Prix delivered 1.42 million viewers, a 45% spike over the previous year. ​Those who tuned into the 2026 race caught views of the downtown waterfront, a temporary yacht club, and local institutions, including the Dali Museum. Welch, at the track-build event in early February, called the exposure “invaluable, in terms of marketing.” More Photos Fox broadcasted the race to over 200 countries. Pit crews push an IndyCar into the Mahaffey Theater’s parking garage. Fox also broadcasted the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Saturday. Packed viewing areas at the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of 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

Brian Peret, AI Salon St. Pete/ Tampa and Codeboxx Academy Director speaking to attendees at one of the AI Salon gatherings. Photo taken by Aron Bryce, courtesy of Ai salon Facebook Group AI Salon St. Petersburg is a local chapter of a global AI community focused on conversations around how artificial intelligence is shaping work and business. The chapter is led by Nicolas Genest, CEO and founder of CodeBoxx, and Brian Peret, Director of CodeBoxx Academy, with support from CodeBoxx and the Tampa Bay Innovation Center. The goal is to create a consistent space where Tampa Bay leaders can share how AI is being used across industries. While AI Salon highlights how local leaders are coming together around emerging technology, the conversation around artificial intelligence in Tampa Bay extends far beyond a single event, touching workplaces, classrooms, and Tampa Bay’s broader economic trajectory. A Brookings Institution analysis ranks the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater area as 36th overall in AI readiness, and places it in the “Emerging Centers” cluster. The Tampa Bay Area is one of 14 nationwide regions seeing strong growth in AI job postings and innovation, with an 88 percent increase in AI job postings. Brookings also places Tampa Bay in the top 25 percent of metros for AI talent and AI adoption, with innovation capacity in the middle tier nationally. That momentum is reflected in the area’s growing tech economy. Tampa Bay is expected to add more than 3,700 tech jobs by 2027, about 14 percent growth, according to data from Chmura JobsEQ and the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. The number of IT-related businesses in the area increased from nearly 13,400 in 2017 to almost 17,000 by 2021. For Peret, AI Salon is designed to move people beyond theory and into application. “We act as a vital access point for the curious to take tangible next steps in their professional careers with artificial intelligence,” he said. “We’re helping our community sort real value from hype and build sustainable businesses locally, instead of watching this market develop elsewhere.” He said those conversations are already changing how companies move. “In just a few meetings, AI Salon has become the place where founders stress-test their ideas,” Peret said. “That kind of friction saves time, capital, and helps create a more competitive local market.” Genest said the urgency around AI adoption is tied to how quickly the technology is reshaping work. “AI is transforming our lives and our workforce faster than ever,” he said. “It’s important that people here have a voice in that global conversation, so they can benefit from these tools rather than fall behind.” With AI increasingly shaping how organizations operate, Genest said the technology presents an opportunity to strengthen the workforce already in place. “AI makes workers more capable and productive,” he said. “When busy work is automated, people have more bandwidth to innovate and improve the quality of what they deliver.” As AI becomes more integrated across industries, Tampa Bay’s expanding role in the AI economy points to new opportunities for businesses and workers alike. What comes next will depend on how intentionally the region builds the skills, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to keep pace with a rapidly changing tech landscape. 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. Brian Peret (center) with guest speakers Nithesh Gudipuri, Associate Director of Technology- Raymond James (left) and John Adams, SVP of AI Architecture-Video Amp, (right) at the February 4 meet up. Photo taken by Aron Bryce, courtesy of Ai salon Facebook Group Nicolas Genest speaking to AI salon attendees. Photo taken by Aron Bryce, courtesy of Ai salon Facebook Group

Photo Credit: Celeste Roberts; Youths at the Skills Center A youth center in Hillsborough County is changing the way after-school programs function with its state-of-the-art sports facility. Co-founder and CEO of The Skills Center, Celeste Roberts, is helping pave the way for students to successfully navigate the workforce through youth development programs. “We are a sports-based youth organization that uses the power of sports to create change around education, health, and the workforce,” stated Roberts. The Skills Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating academic and leadership skills through the power of sports. Founded in 2006 by Roberts, Chris Ward, and John Arroyo, the nonprofit operated without a dedicated center until June 2024, when they opened the now fully functional state of the art facility. In her position, Roberts provides strategic leadership and vision for the organization. The youth center project was originally slated for $13 million, but with inflation and rising costs, it totaled to $25.5 million by the end of production. The Skills Center hosts a combination of educational and sports-related venues, including a basketball court, a culinary kitchen, a college career center, and multiple classrooms. Photo Credit: The Skills Center’s Facebook; youths in a culinary class. The physical center was strategically planned to combine areas for physical activity while providing spaces for educational opportunities, such as college prep. The collaborative space provides a way to connect youth development to the workforce. Its services differ from traditional aftercare in that their programs are offered throughout the day rather than scheduled for the afternoon. The Skills Center is open to students during the day, after school, in the evening, and additionally allows students to schedule workshops that fit their calendars (e.g., ACT/SAT Prep classes). Roberts’ vision was to create a place where multiple organizations could collaborate, expand programming to leverage knowledge and resources, and have a greater impact on youth. “It’s really about helping our kids get on a pathway. Whether they’re going to college, pursuing vocational training, entering full-time employment, or joining the military, kids come in for youth development. Our intention is for them to be able to create a path to lifelong success,” Roberts said. Accessibility to the youth’s sports center was a top priority. The location was purposely built in the middle of Hillsborough’s Area Regional Transit (HART) bus routes. The HART bus line runs from South County to North Tampa, providing students near and far with operational transportation. Through their partnership with Hillsborough County Schools, the location has secured a bus stop in front of the building. In addition to the transit system, the facility secured three passenger vehicles (one 25-passenger and two 15-passenger vehicles). “A part of our work is how we think strategically to eliminate barriers that prevent kids from accessing things, and transportation is just one of those things. Not only for our kids, but for our city,” Roberts said. Photo Credit: The Skills Center’s Facebook; youths stretching. The Skills Center’s department served a total of 3,400 youth through programs and events in 2024. Since its opening, they’ve tripled in staff and more than doubled in contractors and vendors since 2024. The non-profit has also secured two grants ($1.4 million and $1.5 million) through The Collab, a five-core partnership of organizations that contribute to the overall mission of the youth center. The Collab includes Men of Vision, Girls Mentally Empowered for Success (GEMS), G3 Life Applications, and the CDC of Tampa (Corporation to Develop Communities) “We wanted to be creative and strategic and figure out a way to bring in the money that we need to make sure that our kids get the services they need,” said Roberts. Roberts is eager to celebrate their 20th anniversary next year. Beginning January 2027, the Skills Center will host small celebratory events leading up to their annual SNKR Ball in March to celebrate their anniversary. Photo Credit: The Skills Center’s Facebook; youths visit the Lee Chira Family Heisman Plaza. 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

Professor Judith A.M. Scully has taught at Stetson Law since 2009 and has built her career around racial equity, criminal justice reform, and preparing students to lead with purpose. The Truth Tellers Scholarship Fund was established in her name to continue that work and support future attorneys committed to justice. Photo courtesy of Judith Scully and Steston Law School. Stetson University College of Law has established the Professor Judith Scully Truth Tellers Scholarship Fund, a new initiative recognizing decades of leadership in legal education and advocacy. The scholarship honors Judith Scully’s sustained work advancing racial equity, challenging wrongful incarceration, and promoting human rights, while investing in students prepared to continue that legacy. Inspired by civil rights leader Ida B. Wells, the scholarship was created to introduce students to her life and fearless commitment to truth, while helping close financial gaps that can limit access to legal education for low- and middle-income students. Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862–1931) was an investigative journalist, educator, and early civil rights leader born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, who later became a co-founder of the NAACP. The Truth Tellers Scholarship Fund draws inspiration from her fearless reporting on racial injustice and her lifelong commitment to truth and equality. Image retrieved from usmint.gov Professor Judith A.M. Scully joined Stetson Law in 2009 and teaches criminal law, criminal procedure, trial advocacy, and courses examining race and the legal system. A law professor since 1996, she previously represented civil rights plaintiffs and criminal defendants in private practice. At Stetson, she founded and co-directs the Social Justice Advocacy Certificate of Concentration, has led the Stetson Law Innocence Initiative, and serves as President of the St. Pete Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Center. Prof. Scully with TRHT students and members after a civil rights presentation by Dr. Sybil Hampton. Photo courtesy of Judith Scully. “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them,” Scully said, quoting Ida B. Wells. She said that focus on truth guides her work in legal reform, community engagement, and the training of students who are prepared to challenge injustice both inside and outside the courtroom. Scully traces her commitment to justice back to her time in law school, where she encountered attorneys from the National Conference of Black Lawyers whose work in civil rights and human rights advocacy shaped her understanding of what legal responsibility demands. Through that work, she became involved in international human rights efforts, including advocacy connected to South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. Those experiences, she said, reinforced her belief that law must be used to confront inequity, not reinforce it, and that students must be prepared to recognize the difference. “My goal is to do my part to dismantle policies, practices, and procedures that embed inequity in our lives and to make sure that my students understand that they too have the power and skills to do the same,” Scully said. Professor Scully at Fannie Lou Hamer statute in Ruleville, Mississippi, with law students Zenea Johnson and Shantanice Vaxter. Photo courtesy of Judith Scully. That philosophy, centered on courage and accountability, is what ultimately shaped the vision for the Truth Tellers Scholarship Fund. That philosophy resonated with Stetson Law alumnus Diriki T. Geuka ’17, who created and funded the scholarship in Professor Scully’s name. Geuka said his decision was influenced both by her impact on his legal education and by recent federal changes limiting how much students can borrow to finance graduate and professional school. “My focus is on supporting fearless attorneys of all disciplines,” Geuka said. “When the weight of the government or an opposing party comes down on you or a loved one, the only friend you truly have is your attorney, and you don’t want that attorney to be hesitant to do what it takes to defend you.” Stetson Law alumnus Diriki T. Geuka ’17 created the Truth Tellers Scholarship Fund to support students pursuing justice-focused legal careers. Image courtesy of Gueka. Geuka credits scholarship support with making law school possible for him and sees this fund as a way to create that same opportunity for future students. “I want to pay it forward and make law school more affordable for current and future students,” he said. “Stetson Law produces the best oral advocates in the world, and this is an effort to keep that world-class education attainable for students who embody the fearlessness of Ida B. Wells-Barnett.” Professor Scully agreed with that focus on access. “Diriki and I are hoping that this scholarship will help low- and middle-income students complete their education,” Scully said. “It is our hope that this scholarship will help close that gap for at least a few students.” Students applying for the scholarship are required to submit an essay identifying a legal practitioner or organization that carries forward Wells-Barnett’s legacy of fearless truth telling. Open to all current Stetson Law students, the award is designed to prompt serious reflection on how the law can be practiced in ways that advance equity rather than reinforce imbalance. To contribute to the Professor Judith Scully Truth Tellers Scholarship Fund, visit the Stetson Law giving page and select “other designation,” entering the scholarship name in the text field. Donate here: https://hubs.ly/Q044fJt50 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 Dr. Scully officiating wedding of two students. Photo courtesy of Judith Scully. Dr. Scully with civil rights class at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.

The last project to trigger St. Petersburg’s community benefits process was the Historic Gas Plant District’s redevelopment. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. Proposed revisions to St. Petersburg’s community benefits process, created to foster more equitable growth, have elicited concerns from city council members. ​Standing members of the city’s Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) suggested the changes after the previous two projects they reviewed failed to materialize. The discussion also precedes the Historic Gas Plant District’s impending redevelopment, which Mayor Ken Welch has said will again trigger the process. ​Administrators presented several recommended changes to the CBA ordinance at a city council Economic and Workforce Development Committee meeting on Thursday, including changes to the way CBAC members are appointed, the number of CBAC members, the location and background of members, how projects are qualified as subject to the CBA ordinance, and developer reporting procedures. ​“Some of the benefit changes that you’re proposing – I’m just not there,” said Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders. “Because it’s taking away, for me, a lot of the community input.” ​The history ​St. Petersburg established its Community Benefits Program in 2021, under former Mayor Rick Kriseman’s administration, which collaborated with leaders of the New Deal, One Community Plan, Raise the Bar and other community groups to craft an ordinance unanimously approved by city council. Its overarching goal is to ensure that new developments receiving city subsidies provide positive socioeconomic impacts. ​A project requesting public assistance – typically land – equal to 15% or more of the total construction cost, would trigger application of the ordinance. The Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) helps determine what developers should provide to receive city approval. ​Suggested developer requirements include contracting with small and minority-owned businesses, hiring apprentices and disadvantaged workers, providing affordable or workforce housing, promoting environmental resiliency and sustainability, and supporting public art, health, education, and technology initiatives. ​The process has applied to just two projects. In 2022, Atlanta-based developer TPA Group offered $5 million for the 800 block in downtown St. Petersburg to build a 30-story residential tower with 350 market-rate apartments, a 14-story hotel, and a 75,000-square-foot Moffitt Cancer Center. ​​TPA planned to build 35 affordable and 35 workforce housing units in exchange for a $19 million discount on the land. The CBAC advanced the project. Welch, following unsuccessful negotiations with the developer to increase those numbers, nixed the deal. A second, more monumental community benefits process ensued when the Tampa Bay Rays sought to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District and build a new stadium to replace Tropicana Field. The CBAC signed off on that package, as well; however, former team owner Stuart Sternberg walked away from the generational project in March 2025. ​“It’s not that the benefits agreement process did not work,” said Councilmember Brandi Gabbard. “It is that other circumstances called those deals not to go through. I just want to be very clear about that – and that is what gives me a lot of pause – because I’m not sold on what’s broken.” A graphic highlighting key proposed changes to the appointment process. Image: City documents. ​The changes ​If the proposed ordinance changes are approved, the number of standing CBAC members would increase from four to six, with the mayor and city council each appointing three; and the number of project-specific community members would be reduced from four to two. The new process would encourage but not require appointees representing all eight districts to have related professional expertise. Figgs-Sanders said the benefits program was meant to align community advocates and professionals. She believes the city should prioritize residents who are “impacted the most” rather than those with experience in the housing, environmental resiliency, art, health, education, or technology industries. “I kind of see an unintentional removal of some of our community advocates in this process,” Figgs-Sanders said. “If there’s something going on in South St. Pete, I think the majority of the feedback needs to come from South St. Pete.” ​Another proposed ordinance change would allow the CBAC and community engagement to begin earlier in the process, once the city “reasonably anticipates” that the project will be subject to the CBA ordinance. Some advocates believe that will come at an unacceptable cost, as the administration also proposed eliminating a Community Impact Report. Developers must currently submit a Community Impact Report summarizing their inclusion strategies and goals, which triggers the CBAC review process. Figgs-Sanders pushed back against the report’s elimination. She also noted that the current program is “50% of what we asked for” in 2021, and the changes would further dilute the process. City staff clarified that eliminating the report would not weaken accountability. “We’re not removing any of the opportunities for public input,” said Andrea Falvey, economic and workforce development manager. City Development Administrator James Corbett stressed that the changes were “simply” recommendations. He also explained that quashing the report would accelerate CBAC participation, and stakeholders would still receive proposed benefit information early in the process. Councilmember Corey Givens, Jr. agreed with Figgs-Sanders. “If there’s a development that impacts South St. Pete, I don’t think we need more influence from neighborhoods outside of South St. Pete,” he said. Givens also sought to ensure the “most impacted” areas have a seat at the CBAC table. He asked if the ordinance could legally enforce equal representation. A city attorney said the council would ultimately decide the board’s makeup, and could request alternative ordinance language. “That is exactly what I’m looking for,” said Givens, who also supported increasing the number of standing CBAC members from four to six. ​​Gabbard noted she had “way too many concerns” to address in the abbreviated meeting. She said administrators “certainly haven’t answered” whether the revisions would foster additional opportunities for “more voices, or is it even more watered down?” Members of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee agreed that the proposal warranted additional discussion. They voted to include the full city council at a Committee of the Whole meeting on March 12. ​Councilmember Gina Driscoll credited standing CBAC members for providing the recommendations. “They know from doing the work what speed bumps they’ve encountered, and what could be made better,” she said. ​“So, I do take these recommendations very seriously,” Driscoll added. “And although we may not ultimately adopt all the recommendations, we’re certainly going to give them the respect that they deserve.” 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 Haynes Heroes Scholarship was created to honor the life and work of Reverend Watson Haynes, II, and to support students across Pinellas County as they prepare for their next step after high school. Presented by the Pinellas County Urban League, the scholarship reflects Rev. Haynes’ long-standing commitment to education, access, and community growth across Pinellas County. Rev. Haynes served as President and CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League until his passing in 2022. Throughout his leadership, he pushed for stronger educational pathways, support systems for youth, and community-driven solutions to long-standing inequities. Those values continue through the Haynes Heroes Scholarship, which centers students who have demonstrated leadership, service, and follow-through in their schools and communities. Valerie Haynes, wife of the late Rev. Watson Haynes, II, reflected on how the scholarship has become a living extension of her husband’s work in the community. “My husband dedicated his life to service, uplifting others, opening doors of opportunity, and reminding people, especially young people, that their circumstances did not define their destiny,” she shared. As she continues to see students recognized through the Haynes Heroes Scholarship, she described the experience as both personal and affirming. “It brings me comfort and pride to know that his life’s work still breathes through the lives of these young scholars. His legacy is not just remembered, it is active, transformative, and growing.” Each year, graduating seniors in Pinellas County are selected as “Haynes Heroes” and awarded a minimum of $1,500 to support their next step after high school. The selection process looks beyond grades alone, centering students who have shown consistency in the classroom and made an impact in their schools and or communities. Recipients go on to continue their education at colleges, universities, and vocational or technical programs across the country. Xavier Terrell, a 2025 Haynes Heroes Scholarship recipient, reflected on receiving the award at a moment of transition from high school into college. “Receiving the Haynes Heroes Scholarship at this point in my life meant more than financial support. It was reassurance. It showed me that the hard work I put into school, sports, and serving my community was seen and valued,” Terrell shared. He added that the support not only eased financial pressure but also reinforced his confidence as he stepped into a new chapter. He has since gone on to attend Claflin University as a first-year student in the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, where he is studying cybersecurity and staying active through baseball, Rising Kings, and the National Society of Black Engineers. Applicants for the Haynes Heroes Scholarship must be high school seniors residing in Pinellas County with a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5. Students are asked to submit an essay reflecting on how they plan to show up for their communities while carrying forward Rev. Haynes’ values, along with academic records and documentation of involvement and service. Finalists may be invited to interview as part of the selection process. To be considered, students must submit all application materials by Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11:45 PM. Incomplete applications, or submissions received after the deadline, will not be reviewed. All awardees will be notified on or before April 16, 2026, and scholarship recipients will be publicly announced by May 1, 2026. Through the Haynes Heroes Scholarship, Rev. Watson Haynes’ legacy continues through students who carry forward his belief in education, service, and giving back to the communities that helped shape them. For students and families interested in learning more about the Haynes Heroes Scholarship or preparing to apply, additional details are available here. Full program information and the application can be accessed directly 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 2024 Haynes Heroes Scholarship recipient Shani Grant Jones poses with Tammie Roberson following the scholarship presentation at the Pinellas County Urban League.Image courtesy of Pinellas County Urban League.

A group of bicyclists on the 22nd Street South corridor. Over 150 project recommendations will improve connectivity throughout South St. Petersburg. Photo by Mark Parker. ​Once implemented, a new study’s recommendations will create more connected, accessible, and vibrant communities within the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) officials are now concluding the Connecting South St. Pete CRA study’s final phase. Nicole Dufva, director of planning, provided the agency’s governing board with an update on the initiative on Wednesday. ​PSTA, the City of St. Petersburg, and residents worked collaboratively to identify over 150 projects that would improve walking, biking, and transit access in Pinellas County’s largest and densest CRA. The study focused on six commercial corridors and, through community feedback and data, pinpointed areas with persistent mobility issues. ​“We know that all transit riders are also pedestrians, and they are bicyclists,” Dufva said. “So we know that improving mobility, regardless of mode, is a really important part of increasing transit ridership.” Community feedback was critical to the study’s success. Photo: PSTA. ​PSTA received an Areas of Persistent Poverty grant from the Federal Transit Administration in 2023 to fund the study. The city, through CRA tax dollars, and the Florida Department of Transportation provided matching contributions. ​Over 35% of CRA residents met federal poverty criteria in 2023, according to PSTA documents. Nearly 50% of households had one or no vehicle. ​Dufva explained that PSTA incorporated the South St. Pete commercial corridors program, which launched in 2022 to fund infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives, into the study. She said stakeholders can now leverage new funding to “actually implement” previously recommended projects. ​The study began on a “foundation of robust community engagement,” Dufva said. “We knew it was crucial to listen to our residents and business owners.” ​PSTA and the city reached over 300 people during the initial engagement phase, which included listening sessions where stakeholders shared their concerns and challenges. The second phase included several workshops, where participants provided suggestions for improvements to bus stops, shelters, crosswalks, sidewalks, and safety features. ​“We also hosted a slew of mobile tours – a bus tour, a bike tour, and a walking tour – so we could see on the ground what people were talking about and experiencing,” she added. A map highlighting the study area. Image: PSTA. ​Dufva said “robust participation” in a “critical” survey allowed PSTA to pinpoint problem areas. Compiled data, two additional workshops, and another survey helped inform and prioritize a recommended project list in the third phase. PSTA also integrated previously planned, unfunded projects. Dufva noted that including those in the study ensures eligibility for CRA and commercial corridor funding. ​The commercial corridors studied include 49th Street North and South, 5th Avenue South, 22nd Street South, 16th Street South, 18th Avenue South, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South. Dufva called the latter two “very critical areas where we saw a lot of comments and concerns.” ​“A piece of the last part of this study was to conduct and provide up to 10% of the design and engineering plans for a handful of concepts,” she said. “That way, they could be ready to hand over to the city, to really kick start that funding to get to construction.” ​Cheryl Stacks, parking and transportation manager for St. Petersburg, said the city has $750,000 in the upcoming budget to implement priority projects. The first priority highlighted at the initiative update on Wednesday features curb, crosswalk, and bus shelter improvements around the intersection of 18th Avenue and 21st Street South. ​The second priority project includes a proposed mid-block crosswalk with a “pedestrian refuge,” and new bus stops and boarding platforms along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South, between Jasmine Terrace and 9th Avenue. ​Stacks said the city is awaiting final documents from a consultancy firm, and then “working toward a potential staff referral to one of the city council committees.” Support from council members will help administrators align projects with various funding sources and “make progress toward implementation.” ​“There’s a fair amount of recommendations that we’ll work through our other funding mechanisms in order to get those accomplished,” Stacks added. “We really appreciate the partnership of PSTA … This was a wonderful experience for me, personally and professionally.” More Photos A graphic showing the number of crashes around bus stops (gold) and areas with the most community comments (purple to green). Image: PSTA. 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

Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that the state could provide additional land for a Tampa Bay Rays stadium during a press conference at Hillsborough College earlier this month. Image: Screengrab. ​Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida cabinet approved giving Hillsborough College 22 acres of additional land to accommodate a Tampa Bay Rays stadium on Tuesday. ​The Rays hope to build a reported $2.3 billion ballpark at the college’s 113-acre Dale Mabry campus in Tampa to anchor a massive mixed-use redevelopment. DeSantis believes the 22 acres of state-owned, nonconservation land surrounding the current site lack commercial value outside of the proposed project. ​Hillsborough College (HC), which stands to gain new and renovated buildings from the deal, signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Rays in January. The institution would retain ownership of the land and lease everything outside of the site’s southwest corner to the team for at least 99 years. ​“I think this is appropriate to empower them to be able to negotiate a deal that’s going to allow them to have a reinvigorated and reimagined campus,” DeSantis said. ​Rays CEO Ken Babby expressed gratitude to the state in a subsequent prepared statement. He also reiterated the team’s plan to open a “live, work, play, and learn district” in time for the 2029 baseball season. ​Babby said support from the governor and his cabinet underscores “our belief in this generational project, and the many lasting benefits it will deliver.” He credited the team’s “real and growing” momentum to a “remarkable spirit of community and statewide partnership that our ownership group has been privileged to experience from the start.” ​“This is undoubtedly a big moment for Tampa Bay, and the Rays are fully in this moment to bring this vision to life and serve our region for generations to come,” Babby added. An aerial rendering of a reimagined Dale Mabry campus, anchored by a new ballpark. Image: Tampa Bay Rays. ​The state could rescind the land transfer if HC and the Rays fail to meet construction milestones within five years. DeSantis, who visited the site in early February, said the area has potential but remains underutilized. ​He believes the redevelopment will revitalize an area that is also home to Raymond James Stadium and Steinbrenner Field, a New York Yankees spring training and minor league ballpark. “I think it’s also something that would ensure that baseball remains in Tampa Bay,” DeSantis said. ​​Attorney General James Uthmeier said the proposed redevelopment would transform what is “largely just a bunch of parking lots” into something that provides a “significant economic benefit” for the state. He is also a “big fan of keeping the Rays in Florida,” and is “happy we’ll be able to keep them in Tampa.” “Honestly, I don’t know that it’s worth very much outside of this proposal,” DeSantis said of the 22 acres. “A homebuilder would not put a subdivision there. People wouldn’t do commercial buildings right there now.” ​The Rays became one of Major League Baseball’s most winningest teams after former owner Stuart Stenberg purchased the team in 2008. However, DeSantis said the franchise hasn’t been “super successful, because there’s an economics to this.” ​County Commission Chair Ken Hagan has pegged the project’s price tag at $8 billion to $10 billion. The redevelopment’s 30-year economic impact is an estimated $34 billion, according to real estate consultancy firm RCLCO. ​HC could receive final binding agreements with the Rays by mid-April, according to its legal counsel. President Ken Atwater said in a prepared statement that the partnership “represents a transformational opportunity” for the college and its students. ​“A project of this scale and vision creates new pathways for learning, workforce development, internships, and career-connected education,” he said. While state leaders agree, how the Rays will pay for a new stadium remains a mystery. ​The team has pledged to contribute half of the estimated $2.3 billion cost. That would leave Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa to make up the difference. A rendering of new Hillsborough College facilities. 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 ​

Dr. Raquel Hairston is St. Petersburg College’s new dean of dual enrollment. Photos: SPC. St. Petersburg College has named a lifelong K-12 educator and administrator as its new dean of dual enrollment, which enables high school students to earn college credits. ​Dr. Raquel Hairston, the former principal of SPC’s collegiate high school, will now shape its dual enrollment strategy and partnerships. Expanding regional access to early college opportunities is her overarching mission. ​Hairston noted that taking college courses in high school reduces financial burdens and prepares students for success after graduation. She said an abundance of research proves that “this model works.” ​“For me, it’s about bridging systems,” Hairston said of her new role. “I understand both sides of that partnership.” ​That understanding stems from over 26 years of experience. Hairston’s teaching career began in her home state of Alabama; she joined Pinellas County Schools in 1999. ​She taught reading, English, and language arts before becoming an administrator. Hairston served as assistant principal of Morgan Fitzgerald Middle, acting assistant principal at Northeast High, and principal at Meadowlawn and Tarpon Springs Middle Schools. ​In 2019, Hairston became principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School at SPC’s Gibbs campus. She was appointed principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) High School at the Downtown Center in 2022. ​SPC’s announcement states that Hairston “launched initiatives to optimize productivity, elevate leadership performance, and foster continuous improvement across programs and teams.” ​Hairston said her K-12 experience will “really allow me the opportunity to scale what I’ve been doing at the school level.” She added that opening the STEM high school “afforded me the opportunity to really examine things from a systems perspective.” ​In her new role, Hairston plans to align academic systems, remove barriers, and create “coherent pathways for early college success” for students across the region. She called dual enrollment a free “on-ramp to the bachelor’s degree program.” ​“And it’s not just the tuition,” Hairston continued. “It is the textbooks, it is the lab coat, it is the calculators – it is everything we provide, in addition to the academic support. This model provides students with the support they need – and the rigor – to be able to perform at high levels in a post-secondary environment.” She believes educators should begin preparing students for dual enrollment in middle school. Hairston said kids are “accelerating much earlier,” and wants to coordinate with principals to ensure they have a “clear understanding” of college opportunities. ​“We want to make sure students understand that there are options,” she said. “You don’t have to transfer on to a four-year university. You could go directly into the workforce.” ​Hairston also stressed the importance of understanding each student’s unique needs rather than applying a solution without a “clear picture of the answer.” She can then offer academic resources, including free tutoring, or social support. ​“As educators, it’s really our job to help grow a student’s self-efficacy – their belief in their own ability,” Hairston said. “And this program has proven that with the right support, all students can perform at high levels.” 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

Fallout from the We Belong Here music festival, held at Vinoy Park in December, nearly jeopardized other events in downtown St. Petersburg. Photos by Mark Parker. Rhythmic bass from We Belong Here, a self-billed “intimate” concert along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront, was heard in neighboring Gulfport. Subsequent backlash continues reverberating. ​​The two-day electronic music festival, held Dec. 13-14 at Vinoy Park, could have lasting impacts on future events in St. Petersburg. City council members aired ongoing concerns on Feb. 19, when asked to approve 10 upcoming events from different promoters. ​Mayor Ken Welch, his administration, and council members, who were hesitant to approve new concerts at the meeting, agree that the city must evaluate best practices for hosting major events. However, they have yet to set a date for a Committee of the Whole workshop. ​“I will tell you that there is some time sensitivity to some of these events,” said Mike Jefferis, community enrichment administrator. “I’m guessing, if we don’t get approval today, the events would find another location.” ​“Maybe that’s just the break we need until we can figure this out,” replied Councilmember Gina Driscoll. The city is waiting to process a new application from We Belong Here’s promoters. Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz began addressing festival concerns before those reached a tipping point with We Belong Here. She said the festival’s 2025 application stated it was an intimate event. Several thousand people attended, resulting in police and city officials receiving dozens of noise complaints from residents throughout St. Petersburg.​ “The We Belong Here concert was just outrageous,” Hanewicz said. “And, frankly, you all (administrators) saying it went through the process, and it was okay, indicates that the process does not work. Period.” Jefferis said administrators are now taking a “deep dive” into city protocols and promised a “robust” conversation at the undated workshop. They are also working with peer cities and the legal department to determine best practices. City officials will discuss issues related to event size and duration, nominal city fees, noise, public urination, public park access, and environmental impacts. However, event organizers cannot afford to wait. ​“There are some events that are on this list today that are waiting for this action from city council to start selling tickets and to start promoting their event,” Jefferis said. “I’m also happy to report that we’ve reached out to some of the larger events, and we’ve asked them to get creative with us.” The co-sponsored event applications presented Feb. 19 include a Slightly Stoopid concert, the One of Us Presents music festival, the St. Pete Country Fest, Red Bull Cliff Diving St. Petersburg, and several other recurring events. ​ Jefferis is discerning if all major festival organizers can “reduce the number of days that the parks are pulled offline.” For example, previously approved Reggae Rise Up will take over Vinoy Park from March 12-15, not including the time it takes to set up and take down a massive festival’s infrastructure. Vinoy Park has hosted the Reggae Rise Up music festival since 2015. ​Jefferis said the city is also working with promoters to reposition speakers and the St. Petersburg Police Department to address criminal infractions. The overarching goal is to ensure “we are the best neighbors that we can possibly be,” while retaining a “vibrant, active downtown.” “We are of the opinion that you are not approving more of the same kind of concert that happened in December,” he said. “I can tell you that every one of these events is going to frustrate somebody in the community.” ​“Not like this,” Driscoll said of We Belong Here. Jefferis agreed with that sentiment. We Belong Here’s organizers have filed an application to host their second festival in St. Petersburg. Jefferis said the city has not “moved that forward at this point because we’re wanting to really fine-tune, and make sure we understand what we legally can and can’t do.” Driscoll, who voted against approving the other co-sponsored event applications, would have preferred a moratorium on new concerts “until we get this sorted out.” She said residents “deserve to have some action taken after what they had to deal with.” Councilmember Richie Floyd believes the police department needs to proactively enforce noise ordinances. We Belong Here’s organizers received multiple after-the-fact violations. Hanewicz, like Driscoll, did not want the council’s approval of other events to indicate a business-as-usual approach to major events in the city. “I want the public to understand – it’s not rosy,” she said. “I want the promoters to know that this is not going to be accepted.” ​City Administrator Rob Gerdes said he and his colleagues understand the council’s frustration and look forward to the broader discussion on how events “drive some economic opportunity downtown, and what are the adverse impacts of that.” However, they would also “greatly appreciate it if we could move forward on these” in the meantime. The council acquiesced and voted 7-1 to approve 10 co-sponsored event applications. We Belong Here’s promoters will have to wait. ​ Vinoy Park on a typical day. Photo: City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department. 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 ​

In November 2023, Germany-based Volocopter completed the first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) test flight at a large U.S. airport, and the first in Florida, in Tampa. Photo: Tampa International Airport. A task force established to help St. Petersburg capitalize on the rapidly evolving advanced air mobility industry has provided its final recommendations to city officials. ​The group of local business and civic leaders began meeting in April 2025, primarily to study Albert Whitted Airport’s role in accommodating electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs). Former City Councilmember Ed Montanari, who led the task force and provided its findings Thursday, implored current officials to “begin advanced air mobility operations as soon as possible.” ​Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a nascent aerospace sector that typically utilizes eVTOLs to move people and cargo. While often referred to as air taxis, the vehicles can also perform delivery, disaster relief, surveillance, and search and rescue services. ​“This technology is going to transform the way that people get around,” Montanari said. “I don’t know if people are aware that this technology is coming, but it’s going to change the way we do business.” A map highlighting potential areas for vertiports (red box) and aircraft parking (red circle) at Albert Whitted Airport. Image: City documents. St. Petersburg is the birthplace of commercial aviation, and Montanari said it “needs to be a leader” in AAM. However, he also stressed the need to protect traditional aviation uses at Albert Whitted. ​Montanari, appointed by Mayor Ken Welch to oversee the task force in January 2025, advocated for safe and reliable eVTOL services and for officials to integrate plans into regional and state initiatives. The Florida Department of Transportation announced in October that it will build an AAM testing facility in Polk County. ​While a “robust public engagement strategy is essential,” Montanari said that it “does not seem to be happening right now.” When asked when someone could fly the first eVTOL over St. Petersburg, he said, “That could happen any day … They’re flying in California right now.” ​The task force highlighted areas at Albert Whitted that could house vertiports – a specially designed helipad for eVTOLs. Members recommended building associated infrastructure – parking spots for aircraft, electrical charging stations, and fire safety systems – within the next three years. ​Montanari, a former fighter and commercial jet pilot, said existing runways could accommodate eVTOLs as a short-term solution. The task force recommended building dedicated vertiports on the airport’s south side in the future, according to market demand. “We made a determination that the market needs to decide where standalone vertiports are going to be outside of the airport,” Montanari added. “The city needs to create a process to approve new vertiport and heliport sites.” ​He said connecting eVTOL service from Albert Whitted to Tampa International Airport should also be a priority, as multiple manufacturers have partnered with national airlines. The task force also believes that St. Petersburg should help “promote and coordinate” AAM efforts throughout the region. City council members applauded the task force’s proposed Jannus Center for Aviation and Innovation. Image: City Documents. ​Another recommendation highlighted Thursday is to create a Jannus Center for Aviation and Innovation. The facility would support education, workforce and economic development, research and technology, industry partnerships, and manufacturing. ​Montanari said St. Petersburg has been an “innovative city since its founding,” and AAM is a “disruptive industry that is going to change the way the world works.” He believes the Jannus Center could help the city attract manufacturers, “whether it’s components or vehicles.” ​China already allows eVTOLS to carry passengers, Montanari noted, and drone delivery services are expanding throughout the U.S. He said the Federal Aviation Administration could begin certifying AAM aircraft by the end of 2026. ​Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. said St. Petersburg College and Pinellas Technical College have “shown a great deal of interest” in providing related training. “It’s something that’s missing.” ​Montanari has discussed educational aspects, a key component of the Jannus Center, with Pinellas County school district Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. Councilmember Copley Gerdes said he was “super excited” to hear about the proposed facility. ​“This is really what I think sets this apart from just saying, ‘Yes, we want eVTOLs,’ and ‘Yes, eVTOLs are coming,’” Gerdes continued. “This is bringing it to a whole different level.” ​The council agreed to discuss next steps at a future committee meeting, potentially in March. Montanari said those should include an analysis to “identify exactly where” the city should place AAM infrastructure at Albert Whitted, and how that would integrate into current operations. 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

Attallah Shabazz, daughter of human rights activist Malcolm X. Photo sourced from the LA Times, 1983. Attallah Shabazz, an international human rights advocate and daughter of civil rights leader Malcolm X, will speak at Eckerd College on Friday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Fox Hall as part of the EC Classic weekend and CPS Speaker Series. The public lecture will focus on diversity, justice, and global citizenship, followed by a Q&A with students. The event is open to the campus community and the public. Malcolm X remains one of the most influential and debated voices of the civil rights movement, known for challenging America to confront racism, power, and identity. His daughter, Attallah Shabazz, has spent decades extending that work through diplomacy, education, and global human rights advocacy. For Eckerd students, Shabazz’s visit creates a rare opportunity to engage directly with a speaker whose life and career have been shaped by the legacy of the civil rights movement and decades of international public service. While her talk will focus on diversity and human rights, Shabazz brings a background as a diplomat, professor, and global advocate, offering students and community members exposure to perspectives rooted in lived experience and global engagement. Having a speaker of this caliber on a local campus underscores the importance of access to nationally relevant voices within the Tampa Bay region. Major voices in civil rights and human rights discourse are not always accessible to students outside of large metropolitan or elite academic spaces. Hosting Shabazz in St. Petersburg underscores the role of local institutions in creating access to global perspectives and national conversations. Attendees can expect more than historical reflection from the discussion. The event invites them to consider their own roles within ongoing struggles for equity and human dignity. As Malcolm X once said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today” (speech, 1962). Shabazz’s work and message build on that idea, emphasizing awareness, responsibility, and purposeful action in shaping the world students are inheriting. Ann Sherman-White, director of Equal Access and Campus Community and director of the Unity Center, said the timing of Shabazz’s visit carries particular relevance for Eckerd’s campus and the broader community. “Our community, both Eckerd and beyond, is in a potentially transitional period in time,” Sherman-White said. “So when we have found ourselves in that same transitional realm, we needed someone to motivate, articulate, and show us how to step out of this.” As Eckerd prepares to host Shabazz, the event offers students and community members a chance to engage directly with global perspectives on diversity and human rights in a campus setting. For more information about the event, visit this link. 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 provided by CULC Photo provided by CULC A brand new mini mall is set to debut this year in the historic North Greenwood area of Clearwater. Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition’s (CULC) Executive Director, Gloria Campbell, is at the helm of launching the new venture and establishing a business incubator for the community. In her position, Campbell oversees strategic planning, policy setting, and implementation for CULC. Her primary goal is to focus on economic development for the Clearwater community, an achievement that will be realized through the storage container mini mall, “The Grove @ 1105.” With plans to establish a rotating three-year lease agreement for vendors, Campbell believes that as the mini mall grows, it can also function as a business incubator for the community. “Our emphasis is about making sure that the community gets what they need and no one is left behind,” said Campbell. Funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which granted the city of Clearwater $18 million. Campbell originally asked for funding in 2023; she initially requested $2 million to jump-start the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and was granted $5 million. Two million dollars were awarded for grant-funded stakeholder projects developed through community input, as well as projects submitted by nonprofits, along with commercial grant funding for businesses. As CULC made plans for the mall project, $500,000 was set aside as seed money for the project’s development. Currently, Campbell and her team are planning and finalizing permits, and go before the planning and review committee in March, followed by land development in May. This new mini mall will not be built as a traditional brick-and-mortar business. Campbell took design inspiration from reporting on successful malls in India and China that have been wholly fabricated with storage containers. CULC’s director also noted that the containers were more cost-effective than replacing buildings and could fast-track businesses’ start dates from construction to opening. “You talk about a way that we could get businesses and storefronts up and running quickly. This would be the way to do it,” said Campbell. The marketing department of St. Petersburg College (SPC) consulted with CULC to research container projects with similar builds and confirm the project’s feasibility. SPC’s Director of Marketing, Dr. Andy Rojas, and a select group of students embarked on research to establish key metrics needed for the projects to be successful. They referenced projects such as The Krate at the Grove in Wesley Chapel and Sparkman Wharf in Tampa. The Grove @ 1105 will house 10 businesses, with two permanent shops and the remaining eight holding lease obligations. The selected businesses will mainly prioritize food vendors focused on health and wellness. This critical decision was made to reduce the gap in access to healthy, readily available food options in the area’s severe food desert. “We want to make sure that people in the community will have an opportunity to come and shop and buy fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices without having to travel outside the area,” said Campbell. The leased space ranges from their smallest option of 200 square feet to their largest space at 800 square feet. Vendors will have a three-year lease on their designated space with two payment options: pay a discounted, market-rate rent with revenue sharing up to 30% with the development, or opt out of revenue sharing by paying full price for the rental space. Leasing starts around $200, with a max of $700/month. The mall is set to have a soft launch in December with a planned grand opening in early 2027. Campbell’s mission is to build a thriving community by 2030 with support from the CRA. “We will see community pride return,” reaffirmed Campbell. In a pivotal step toward revitalizing North Greenwood, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approved an agenda item during its January 13, 2025, meeting to move forward with negotiations with Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition (CULC) for a mini container mall project to be named, The Grove @ 1105. Photo: Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency 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 speaks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for an affordable housing development. His administration has opened a program that will provide similar projects with up to $15 million. Photo by Mark Parker. ​St. Petersburg officials have launched a $42 million competitive race for developers to replenish the city’s affordable rental housing stock, which has suffered multiple blows from hurricanes in recent years. ​Funding for the new Affordable Rental Housing Program (ARHP) stems from the $160 million Sunrise St. Pete initiative. The overarching goal is to help turn the tide for low-income renters still reeling from the ongoing effects of storms. ​While recent efforts have focused on direct checks to residents, the city is now shifting its focus toward long-term infrastructure by incentivizing developers to build, rehab, or convert properties into high-quality, affordable homes. At least 51% of units in proposed projects must serve households earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). ​Interested developers must participate in a competitive application process. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration will cap awards at $15 million, unless applicants “can demonstrate that damage due to a qualifying disaster requires additional funding to bring the property back to safety and habitability.” ​The maximum per-unit subsidy is $125,000. Officials emphasize that no funding is available for homes that exceed the 80% AMI threshold, which is $73,400 for a two-person household. ​City documents state that awarded developers “are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project, from planning through long-term documents.” That includes “accepting legal and financial risk … securing and managing financing, and overseeing construction, procurement, budgeting, inspections, and permitting.” ​The application period opened on Monday and ends on June 12 at 5 p.m. An evaluation committee will then score and select proposals for approval. City council members must approve awards on Sept. 17. ​Developments that do not address a direct or indirect disaster-related impact are ineligible, according to city documents. Rents must remain affordable for at least 30 years. ​Officials will prioritize projects with access to infrastructure, public transportation, community amenities, and employment opportunities. The city will “review all estimated development costs … to evaluate their reasonableness and may, at its option, require applicants to obtain additional quotes, bids, or estimates.” ​Applicants must identify any negative site features, including proximity to industrial facilities or high-voltage power lines, and explain how they plan to mitigate those effects. Developers must also provide monthly construction reports, and the city will retain a portion of the funding until “satisfactory completion” of the project. ​For more information about the program and eligibility requirements, 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

Pinellas County Commissioner Renee Flowers (left, podium) was among the public speakers who urged the local Juvenile Welfare Board to scrap its current search for a new leader. Image: Screengrab. Five months of infighting over who should lead the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County came to a grinding halt three hours into a tense meeting on Thursday. Members also selected a new interim CEO. ​In a dramatic reversal, the taxpayer-funded agency voted to scrap its current search process entirely, derailing the official appointment of front-runner Glen Gilzean. Chief Operating Officer Karen Boggess will now replace interim CEO Mike Mikurak, also a finalist for the permanent position, on June 1. ​While the board voted 6-5 in April to hire Gilzean, a frequent gubernatorial appointee, his confirmation required a second approval. Later that month, an attorney for Mikurak demanded $100,000 and the permanent position for another year to settle an unfiled lawsuit over an allegedly improper and defamatory selection process. “The best thing for this organization, to get us back on track, to stop the insanity, would be to ask staff to bring back options on June 25 for a professional search firm,” said Board Member Brian Aungst Jr. “Start the process over.” ​Five of his colleagues eventually agreed. The 11-person board, composed of county officials and gubernatorial appointees who oversee a roughly $130 million annual budget, concluded a nearly four-hour meeting by agreeing that Boggess should lead a fresh start. Chief Operating Officer Karen Boggess will replace Mike Mikurak as interim CEO on June 1. Photo: JWB of Pinellas. ‘We should be embarrassed’ ​The meeting began with County Commissioner Chris Latvala sharing text messages from fellow board members, which are public record, that implied improper petitioning on behalf of Gilzean. Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick was the first to suggest restarting the selection process. ​“Number one, I’m not interested in this becoming a political process,” Hendrick said. “I think I said that months ago, and it clearly has. This should be about supporting our kids. The public records we have seen show the nature of how involved this has become behind the scenes. ​“We should be embarrassed for that - for this entire discussion.” ​Hendrick added that he doesn’t want someone with a controversial past to lead the special taxing district’s board. Gilzean, who has received eight gubernatorial appointments throughout his career, was accused of but never found liable for misusing millions as the Orange County Supervisor of Elections. ​Mikurak’s settlement letter noted that at a previous meeting, Board Member Renee Chiea publicly questioned his transparency and ethics, and essentially accused him of participating in Medicare fraud in 2012. Mikurak denied the accusations and threatened to sue. Interim CEO Mike Mikurak (right), 72, agreed to rescind his threat of litigation and settlement offer. ​Circuit Court Judge Patrice Moore apologized to the finalists, staff, stakeholders, and residents on Thursday. “I don’t know where it went wrong,” she said of a process that “did start out great.” ​“It is bad - I’ve been on this board for 10 years, and this is not what I signed up for,” Moore continued. I have never been in any situation that’s been so contentious as it has been for the last few months.” ​The motion to restart the search passed 5-4, with Public Defender Sara Mollo and gubernatorial appointees Chiea, Alicia McShea, and Kristen Gnage dissenting. Aungst, Latvala, Moore, Board Chair Jim Millican, and gubernatorial appointee Melissa Rutland voted in favor, while Hendrick left the meeting for another obligation. State Attorney Bruce Bartlett was out of town. ​Who should serve as interim CEO? ​While he was "disappointed" by Mikurak’s demands, Aungst said he would support the interim CEO maintaining his position during the search for a permanent replacement. Mikurak agreed to suspend any legal actions and drop the settlement offer “as long as we can move forward and put the children first.” ​Aungst motioned to extend Mikurak’s contract, which ends on June 1. It failed in a 4-5 vote. ​Chiea, who disputed the popular assertion that the process was flawed, advocated for Gilzean to serve as interim CEO. However, her colleagues agreed that the placeholder could not apply for the permanent position, which comes with an approximately $250,000 salary, and she relented. Glean Gilzean, 44, has secured eight gubernatorial appointments throughout his career. Mollo then suggested that Boggess should temporarily lead the board. According to a subsequent announcement, Boggess has played a key role in advancing initiatives focused on early learning, community partnerships, and systems improvement throughout her 20 years with the agency. ​“I live in this community. I’m a parent, I’m a taxpayer, I love the work that we get to do here,” an emotional Boggess told the board. “The staff has been through so much, and I am honored to help provide stability for this organization.” The motion passed 8-1. Chiea cast the sole “no” vote. ​The community ​Several stakeholders spoke at the meeting, with most, including County Commissioner Renee Flowers, advocating for a reset. She said that contrary to popular belief, state officials “never got involved in this process.” ​However, Flowers also urged the board to “start this process over so that those who are serving in the community, those who are working under JWB, know exactly what they’re getting.” ​Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, spoke in support of Gilzean and bemoaned what he believed was inaccurate reporting. While his organization does not receive funding from the board, Sutton said he cares “deeply about the families and children in our community.” ​“Contrary to everything that has been published by the Tampa Bay Times and stated publicly, it was me who reached out to Glen Gilzean to apply for the JWB position,” Sutton explained. “I’ll say that one more time to our friends at the Tampa Bay Times so they can properly report on it for their last 12 readers who are still standing. Glenn has been professionally transparent all along the way.” ​The board will discuss additional details regarding the executive search process and a timeline at its next meeting on June 25. 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

Allen told Breakfast Club co-host Charlamagne tha God in a May 20 interview, the battle has never been about “black or white…It's always been green.” (Image: The Breakfast Club) In a candid interview withThe Breakfast Club, media mogul Byron Allen — worth an estimated $800 million to $1 billion and one of the largest Black media owners in the U.S. — broke down his strategies for media dominance and challenged the nation to recognize that in order to become “one America,” we must achieve economic inclusion. Allen shared behind-the-scenes details on his recent acquisition of a 10.7% stake in Starz, the premium cable and streaming network, and a deal announced on May 11 for Allen Family Digital to acquire BuzzFeed, a digital media company that posted $46.3 million in revenue in quarter 4 of 2025. The latter gave Allen 52% ownership of the company He quietly bought the Starz shares from the former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin for $25 million, making Allen the brand’s second-largest shareholder. He noted that Starz targets the “the underserved” market, which is “code for Black,” and vows to ultimately control the company outright. HIs acquisition of 52% of Buzzfeed cost $120 million, and the deal bundles in HuffPost, the progressive news outlet, and Tasty, BuzzFeed's massive food content platform. Citing a conversation with Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr., Allen urged recognition that economic inclusion is an essential next chapter in our national story. "The greatest trade deficit in America," Allen said, "is the trade deficit between white corporate America and Black America. And until we close that trade deficit, we cannot achieve one America." Allen recalled Scott King describing four major battles on the road to equality for Black Americans: one, ending slavery; two, ending Jim Crow; three, securing civil rights; and four, achieving economic inclusion. “It's our turn [for] this generation to achieve the fourth and final chapter,” said Allen. Click here to listen to a 9-minute excerpt of the interview, and catch the full hour-long session on Netflix. 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

First elected to Congress in 2004, Wasserman Schultz's switch to run in Congressional District 20 gives her a stronger chance of winning re-election, but would dilute Black representation in the U.S. House ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA — Florida’s 20th Congressional District has been represented by a Black American for more than 30 years. Whether it will be in future is an open question, now that Wasserman Schultz has entered the chat. Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced today that she will throw her hat in the ring to represent Florida’s 20th Congressional District — a seat that has had Black representation for more than 30 years. Wasserman Schultz currently represents Congressional District 25, which was redrawn in the rushed redistricting approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this month. Her decision to switch districts pits Wasserman Schultz - a 22-year House veteran and former Democratic National Committee chair — against seven Black Democratic candidates in the August 18 primary election, including former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned the district 20 seat in late April under threat of a House investigation for allegedly stealing federal funds. Others in the race include Luke Campell, also known as Uncle Luke of rap group 2 Live Crew; Attorney Mark Douglas; former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness; educator and community organizer Elijah Manley; physician and former flight surgeon Rudolph Moise; and Maisha Williams, a former congressional staffer and stepdaughter of the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings. High-profile Black leaders have pushed back against the decision. The Democratic Black Caucus of Broward issued a public statement urging Wasserman Schultz not to run in district 20. POLITICO reports that State Sen. Shevrin Jones “called Wasserman Schultz a “friend” but said he disagreed with her decision.” In a statement on the topic, Jones noted, “My fight is for Black representation, and I am in the business of expanding it, not diminishing it.” Meanwhile, Wasserman Schultz has released a number of endorsements by Black and diverse leaders, and told POLITICO that she has the support of Black leaders in the district. Watch her announcement video here. The Power Broker Magazine will follow this race. District 20 is one of nearly 20 U.S. House races where redistricting efforts across the South put Black representation at risk.

Some storm victims in St. Petersburg will begin receiving funding in March. However, the program is no longer accepting applications. Photo: City of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg has stopped accepting applications for $61 million in residential storm recovery funding two months after the portal opened due to an influx of applications. ​The long-awaited federal funding stems from the $160 million Sunrise St. Pete program. The first awardees will receive checks in March. ​Administrators paused the intake process at 11:59 a.m. Sunday, according to the Sunrise St. Pete website. The Feb. 12 update notes that “the program is approaching the number of applications we expect to be able to serve.” ​“Pausing intake allows time to review current applications and see if we can serve more people,” states the website. “Intake may reopen only if funds remain. Please note that reopening is not guaranteed.” ​What could become a permanent pause only affects new applications. Staff will continue to process existing requests and accept any required documents. ​City council members approved the $61 million residential recovery program in early October 2025, a year after Hurricanes Helene and Milton decimated the area. A historically long government shutdown negated plans to open applications in November. ​St. Petersburg began accepting funding requests Dec. 15, despite additional government delays. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) told administrators in January that it was amending a grant agreement received in October. ​“I made the decision that it made sense to get resources to our community sooner rather than later, knowing we had funding coming,” said Amy Foster, housing and neighborhood services administrator, at a Jan. 15 meeting. ​“We kept working diligently and opened the program, even without a grant agreement.” ​A few days later, HUD issued a new agreement that incorporated executive orders related to gender ideology, discrimination, abortion, and immigration. The city council approved it on Jan. 22. As of Feb. 11, St. Petersburg had received 678 requests for up to $375,000 in rehabilitation, reconstruction, and elevation funding. Officials initially expected to award 98 households. ​They also planned to provide up to $50,000 to 288 households that had previously completed storm repairs. Residents submitted 271 of those applications. The city forecasted that 784 people would apply for up to $15,000 in relief payments (reimbursement for rent, mortgage, and utility costs). However, staff received over 1,400 of those applications in less than two months. “I just wanted to underscore how many people we have that are hurting,” Foster said in January. “This assistance coming urgently is important.” A heat map highlighting the locations of residents who have applied to the Sunrise St. Pete program. Image: City documents. ​The city, according to HUD guidelines, prioritizes low- to moderate-income families earning up to 80% of the area median income. Some assistance is available for those earning up to 120%. ​Assistance is “not first-come, first-served,” states the website, and tenants receive priority for relief reimbursements. The lowest-earning households, particularly those with age-dependent or disabled members, are first in line for rehabilitation and reconstruction funding. ​​Pinellas County, which avoided federal delays and received $813 million for its disaster relief initiative, began sending checks to residents who live outside of St. Petersburg on Dec. 22. ​Sunrise St. Pete’s website states that “given the timing” of HUD’s final approval, the city anticipates disbursing relief payments in March, and that wards for repairs, reconstruction, and elevation will “follow later in the spring, after damage assessments are complete.” ​“We understand the impact this has on residents awaiting assistance and are moving as quickly as possible to ensure funds are released promptly.” ​In August 2025, city council members approved an $11.7 million agreement with consultancy firm Horne to help manage and administer Sunrise St. Pete. They will now vote on increasing the total amount to $59.7 million, which, according to Thursday’s agenda, includes “direct lease and beneficiary costs associated with construction and reimbursement activities.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Flooding around Lake Maggiore following Hurricane Milton. Representatives from several South St. Petersburg neighborhoods are helping refine new technology that mitigates increasing environmental risks. Photo: Heather Davidson, Facebook. Researchers at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and a group of neighborhood leaders, known as the Storm Squad, are utilizing new technology to help vulnerable communities mitigate the impacts of flooding. ​The CRIS-HAZARD app utilizes crowdsourced data, cameras with computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) to measure flood depths, create 3D inundation maps that predict building damage, and improve storm models. Residents can view and upload a wealth of critical information, including photos, in real-time. ​Dr. Barnali Dixon, executive director of USF’s Initiative on Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (iCAR), provided city council members with an update on the evolving platform’s capabilities at a committee meeting on Thursday. Storm Squad executive board member Erica Hall highlighted how primarily South St. Petersburg neighborhoods are helping develop and test the app while supporting their community in the process. ​“CRIS is not just an app – it is a data-driven backbone,” Hall said. “It includes camera installations across neighborhoods, AI-supported flood-depth monitoring, integration of social vulnerability data, and actionable dashboards for you all, decision makers. ​“Dr. Dixon has positioned St. Petersburg as a living laboratory for coastal adaptation, where research, community engagement, and policy intersect. And Storm Squad stands on that foundation.” Dr. Barnali Dixon (left), executive director of USF’s Initiative on Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (iCAR), and Storm Squad executive board member Erica Hall. Photo: Screengrab. ​Dixon, armed with a $1.5 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, piloted the platform in 2023. The app launched publicly in September 2024, just days before Hurricane Helene’s storm surge inundated the area. ​While the platform encompasses Pinellas County, Dixon said there is a “special emphasis” on St. Petersburg neighborhoods. Representatives from Bartlett Park, Harbordale, Childs Park, Jordan Park, Campbell Park, Palmetto Park, and Lake Maggiore Shores have joined the Storm Squad. ​Dixon noted that increasing environmental threats uniquely affect communities, which creates the need for customized, data-driven solutions. For example, flooding in an area with industrial facilities or a dog park will have “different health implications.” ​The county and city are the only areas nationwide with “such a system,” Dixon said. CRIS-HAZARD’s cameras withstood Helene and Milton, which “speaks for the robustness of the methods we developed.” St. Petersburg is home to 17 of 32 solar-powered flood monitoring cameras, developed at USFSP.. Dixon said her team is installing four additional devices, all with backup power sources and night vision, throughout the city. A graphic highlighting camera locations. Image: City documents. ​The free, operating system-agnostic app helps users prepare for storms, avoid flooded roads, and complete damage assessments. Dixon said it could also assist first responders. ​“I can build a sophisticated flood app, but if nobody is using it, it has no use,” she added. “So, we walked with the community, and that’s when the Storm Squad came in.” ​Hall said the Storm Squad provides real-time flood reporting, community data collection, disaster preparedness education, and a direct connection to relief resources. “This is not a theoretical climate conversation – this is neighborhood-level resilience.” ​Community members interpret the initiative’s survey data and identify local priorities. Hall credited Angel Torres, president of the Harbordale Neighborhood Association, and Bartlett Park representatives for securing hurricane relief supplies from the county’s Office of Emergency Management. ​Some neighborhoods excelled in reporting, and Hall applauded others for community outreach. She also explained how their combined efforts can mitigate economic, health, and social impacts. ​“Residents are not subjects of the research,” Hall continued. “They are co-creators.” The platform paid immediate dividends in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Image: City documents. The Health, Energy, Resilience, and Sustainability Committee unanimously praised iCAR and the Storm Squad’s work. Councilmember Mike Harting called it “revolutionary.” ​Councilmember Gina Driscoll wants administrators to help scale the program. Dixon said a small amount of grant funding remains to offer community leaders a stipend, but she can no longer afford to pay for Wi-Fi services to keep current and future cameras operating. ​Dixon launched the initiative in St. Petersburg’s most socioeconomically vulnerable neighborhoods, and now hopes to expand into other flood-prone, coastal areas. She also needs help with marketing her ground-breaking tool. ​Councilmember Brandi Gabbard, who requested the long-awaited presentation, wants the administration to explore a partnership with Dixon. That could include providing $20,000 for Wi-Fi service, helping to incorporate new features, and highlighting the app in utility bills and other municipal materials. ​“We’re happy to have some follow-up meetings, both on the engineering and technical side, and the marketing side,” said City Administrator Rob Gerdes. “We’re happy to come back at a future meeting.” 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 app’s interface. Stakeholders hope to increase awareness of the evolving tool. Image: City documents. A reflective marker posted in front of cameras helps determine flooding levels. Image: City documents. A bridge in west St. Petersburg during a historic rainstorm. The app helps drivers avoid flooded roads. Image: City documents. The platform incorporates a social vulnerability index. Image: City documents.

The railroad segment is visible in a gravel parking lot owned by Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill (background). A parking garage owned by Ellison Development sits to the left. Booker Creek is to the right. Photos by Mark Parker. Decades-long plans to acquire a decommissioned stretch of railroad tracks and create an urban trail extension connecting South St. Petersburg neighborhoods with the EDGE District are finally full steam ahead. ​The Booker Creek Trail extension will snake through the Historic Gas Plant District, currently home to Tropicana Field, and link to the Pinellas Trail before ending at 5th Avenue North. City council members unanimously authorized Mayor Ken Welch’s administration to purchase the .86- mile segment of CSX Transportation rail line on Thursday afternoon. ​Administrators negotiated the acquisition cost down from $87.9 million to $7 million. The city will contribute $1.2 million; adjacent stakeholders, Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill owner Mark Ferguson and Ellison Development, will cover the remaining cost. ​“This is really going to support businesses,” said Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. “This isn’t just something that we’re going to enjoy. This is something that future generations will get to reap the rewards of.” ​Evan Mory, director of transportation and parking management, and his team completed a quest that began over 20 years ago. The rail line was originally part of the Orange Belt Railroad, which led to the city’s establishment in the late 1800s. ​Mory noted the land surrounding the tracks is underutilized. The segment begins at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street and 1st Avenue South, runs parallel to Tropicana Field, disappears underneath Ferg’s, and reappears across Central Avenue in a gravel parking lot – also owned by Ferguson – along an idyllic stretch of Booker Creek. The trail will run along a stretch of Booker Creek that resembles an urban oasis. ​Thursday’s vote marks the end of a long, litigious saga that began in 2019 when CSX sought to convert the tracks, which encompass 7.8 acres, into a trail. ​Ferguson was one of multiple landowners who sued the company over land easements that bisected their properties; he was eventually awarded $12.9 million, the largest private judgment in rails-to-trails history. ​The city sued CSX for control of the trail in 2020. A court ordered the two parties to negotiate a sale. ​CSX initially valued the land at $87.9 million. While Mory acknowledged the tracks include nearly eight acres of prime downtown real estate, the city could not justify the cost, and the company eventually settled for $7 million. Administrators enlisted the help of private stakeholders, the Trust for Public Land, and the Rails to Trails Conservancy. Mory said the two organizations provided national expertise to navigate a complex process. ​Once the city and CSX agreed upon a price, administrators negotiated 99-year leases with adjacent stakeholders. Ferguson agreed to contribute $4 million. ​Before the vote, Ferguson credited Mory and the city for “finally getting this thing done.” He noted that the Booker Creek Trail extension would support bifurcated neighborhoods, small businesses, and jobs. The trail will connect to an underpass that leads to Tropicana Field. ​Ellison Development, which is building The Central, a mixed-use development across Central Avenue from Fergs, will contribute $2 million to the purchase. Jordan Star, chief development officer, said his firm was “extremely enthusiastic” to join the public-private partnership. ​Star said Ellison Development wants to help enhance the trail and promote Booker Creek as “the amenity it can be” for the EDGE District. The city will pay for its contribution through parking revenue and the Intown West Community Redevelopment Area’s tax-increment financing (TIF). ​“Here we are activating a derelict and dilapidated area,” Givens said. “That’s the purpose – the true intended purpose – of these TIF funds.” ​St. Petersburg will seek grant funding to build the trail, which will connect to an existing path and an underpass between Ferg’s and the Trop. Officials also have the right of first refusal to purchase an additional segment of still-active rail line that continues to 38th Avenue North, if CSX ever decommissions the tracks. A map showing the existing Booker Creek Trail (bottom), the extension (orange), the Pinellas Trail (solid black), and a potential expansion (top). 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

Mayor Ken Welch gave his fourth State of the City address on Wednesday. All photos: City of St. Petersburg. Mayor Ken Welch’s fourth annual State of the City address highlighted St. Petersburg’s recent successes, provided a glimpse into the future, and concluded on a familiar topic – the Historic Gas Plant District’s redevelopment. ​The event, held on Wednesday at the Palladium Theater, began with invocations by faith leaders, a reading from Poet Laureate Denzel Johnson-Green, and a performance by the Arts Conservatory for Teens. City Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz called the opening “a reminder of who we are.” ​Hanewicz said one project, plan, or moment will not determine St. Petersburg’s future. “It will be defined by how we treat each other … how we steward what we have been given, and whether the people who come after us inherit a city that works, a city that cares, and a city that’s worth protecting.” ​However, Welch’s legacy is intrinsically intertwined with the Gas Plant, currently home to Tropicana Field. He campaigned on fulfilling long-deferred promises to the displaced Black community, arduously negotiated a failed $6.7 billion redevelopment deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, and is currently evaluating new proposals – amid a reelection year. ​“The Historic Gas Plant District is not just a redevelopment project,” Welch said. “It is a test of whether we keep our promises, whether we are distracted by election year politics and political agendas, or … whether we have the political will to do the right thing.” ​Welch noted that 40 years have passed since the city “uprooted” Gas Plant residents. It now has another opportunity to transform a sea of surface parking lots into community assets, he said. ​Earlier this month, the city council approved a nonbinding resolution asking Welch to “pause any action” related to selecting a redevelopment proposal and commission an independent land-use study. While he agrees that officials should “plan first,” Welch said planning “is the only thing we’ve done” on the 86-acre site. ​Several studies, workshops, and public forums have taken place since 2016, and Welch said the community has consistently advocated for jobs, affordable housing, and economic opportunities. He is “comfortable that we understand” the public’s priorities. ​Welch pledged to forge ahead with redevelopment, starting with affordable housing and a new Woodson African American Museum of Florida. However, his administration will “make every reasonable effort to accommodate” the council’s request, provided it does not “return us to paralysis.” ​Successes Cited by Welch ​St. Petersburg gained 434 affordable or workforce housing units in 2025. Development partners also completed 24 affordable single-family homes, and 189 affordable townhomes were under construction on city-owned land. The city became Florida’s first to adopt new legislation, known as the “Yes in God’s Backyard” provision, that enables faith-based organizations to create affordable housing on underutilized land. “Projects like these are essential to ensuring that our growth is equitable,” Welch said. Building department staff processed over 54,000 permits, representing $1.44 billion in new construction last year. The city also waived $3 million in fees for 15,635 Post Disaster Emergency Permits. ​Welch’s administration reopened a reimagined President Barack Obama Main Library, connected over 1,000 families with free literacy tools, launched the Friday Night Teen Flex program at recreation centers, invested $260,000 in the Childhood Homelessness Project, and dedicated $1 million in federal funding to Youth Opportunity Grants. A $200,000 allocation supported 40 Individual Artist Grants. A similar initiative, Level Up Arts Grants, helped 10 small nonprofits provide community-based projects, youth programming, and cultural storytelling. ​The St. Pete Community Support Hub served 573 residents. A microfund initiative in the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area provided 196 small businesses with education, mentoring, and $1.14 million to foster growth. ​Officials completed 89 resilience and infrastructure projects totaling $47.3 million, $5.7 million under budget, in 2025. “As you can see, our St. Pete team is making impactful progress every day,” Welch said. ​What’s next? ​That progress will continue in 2026, said Welch, as 571 affordable and 238 workforce housing units are under construction. Many will open by the end of the year. ​Residents can also expect a vastly renovated Manhattan Casino to debut this summer. Welch called the project “more than just a restoration: It’s a revival of a cultural landmark and anchor of the 22nd Street (South) corridor.” ​The Manhattan Casino’s return “honors the Deuces legacy, while creating new space for arts, culture, and economic opportunity,” he added. ​Long-delayed plans to redevelop and storm-harden the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina will soon take shape. The administration will also ask voters to approve the issuance of $600 million in property-tax-supported bonds to finance resilient infrastructure projects. ​“We need the funding now, in the near term,” Welch said. ​Officials expect to issue the first round of federal disaster relief payments stemming from the $160 million Sunrise St. Pete program in mid-March. “The challenges we’ve long anticipated in this region are now undeniably here,” Welch said of environmental threats. ​St. Petersburg has proven it can meet “big, complex challenges successfully,” Welch concluded. “And that same energy carries us forward.” 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 Denzel Johnson-Green, the city’s newly-appointed poet laureate, debuted his poem entitled “The Spider-Woman of St. Pete. A performance by the Arts Conservatory for Teens received raucous applause. Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz said “civic life is not perfect agreement.” Mayor Ken Welch said resilience is “not simply about restoring what was – it is about preparing for what lies ahead.”

Over 200 residents, approximately 83% from South St. Petersburg, applied to Daystar Life’s monthly rental assistance program in 25 hours. St. Petersburg residents have recently flooded Daystar Life with requests for rental assistance, forcing the community-based nonprofit to close its monthly application portal one day after it opened. ​Daystar typically accepts rental assistance applications between the 5th and 14th of each month. Executive director Heide Cornell said that in January, the organization received 800 requests in just five days. ​That influx prompted Daystar to only accept applications from 9 a.m. on Feb. 9 until 5 p.m. on Feb. 11. However, the nonprofit informed community partners that the portal had closed by 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 10 after over 200 people requested assistance. ​“We are a small organization, and the recent demand has stretched our capacity to properly review and approve that volume in a timely fashion,” Cornell said. “We would rather have a significant impact on our participants than a higher number of cases to manage.” ​Cornell said it is typically rare for Daystar to close the application portal early. She also noted that the nonprofit forgoes a “cookie-cutter approach” and strives to provide each household with “nuanced assistance” that meets specific needs. ​Daystar is one of six or seven local organizations that provide rental assistance, Cornell said, and covering up to 75% of the monthly payment has fueled the program’s popularity. She also stressed that it has “very specific criteria for qualification.” Heide Cornell, executive director of Daystar Life. ​Cornell said the local need for assistance has gradually increased since 2021, when the supply of attainable housing failed to keep pace with pandemic-era migration. She also blamed the continued rise in living costs, stagnant wages, and the 2024 hurricane season – some displaced residents are still paying rent and a mortgage – for the ongoing issue. ​“October’s government shutdown has some lasting effects for those who were already struggling,” Cornell added. “I am sure there are those who will claim politics and tariffs are part of the reason, and that may very well be true, but we do not have enough data at Daystar to point specifically to that.” ​The nonprofit does have the data to show that South St. Petersburg neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis. While Cornell said it “feels redundant,” the 33705, 33712, and 33711 zip codes continue to “remain the lowest income areas and experience chronic and generational poverty.” ​Those neighborhoods represent approximately 83% of program participants. In addition, 50% of clients identify as Black. ​However, the number of program participants who identify as white or non-Hispanic has increased to 47%. Cornell said 65% – a 10% jump since 2023 – are over the age of 60, “which is concerning.” ​“We are definitely keeping a close eye on this demographic, and looking at intentional partners to help us better serve that population,” she continued. ​According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average monthly rent in St. Petersburg is $2,149. Seniors typically rely on fixed incomes that are well below the median of $73,000 for a one-person household. ​Cornell said Daystar lost some federal funding from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in the spring of 2025. While the nonprofit manages its budget with a “healthy portfolio” of community support and fundraising campaigns, last year’s budget cuts have strained resources. ​Community partners who were more affected by federal funding losses have reduced or closed programs, Cornell said, and Daystar “took on that additional volume.” The organization has seen a roughly 15% increase in demand over the past 18 months. ​“Daystar cannot exist without the time, talent, and treasure found within our community,” Cornell said. “We always welcome new partnerships, donations of food and gently used clothing, and we have an extensive menu of volunteer opportunities, as well.” 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 ​

Brother John Muhammad (front, left), a founding member of the One Community Grocery Co-op, Board Chair Erica Hardison (front, second from left), and its 185 members anxiously await for the city council to vote on a funding resolution Thursday. Photo provided, edited by Mark Parker. ​A deliberate approach to establishing an enduring, community-owned grocery store in an area known for its limited healthy food options is on the verge of paying dividends. ​However, the One Community Grocery Co-op needs additional support to continue its quest for a physical location in South St. Petersburg. A city council committee recently helped advance the cause by passing a resolution that “urges” Mayor Ken Welch’s administration to provide the organization with $50,000 in seed funding. ​If awarded, One Community Grocery Co-op (OCGC) would use the money for professional training and pre-development work, including site evaluations. Board Chair Erica Hardison said the democratically controlled organization must also reach 300 members to achieve feasibility. ​“We’re learning from the best practices of other co-ops, and memberships and funding are both major parts of that,” Hardison explained. “Even if we had all the money right now, and we didn’t have the members, we would still wait until we got the members.” The organization participates in markets while working to open a brick-and-mortar store. Photo provided. ​OCGC was born out of a grassroots movement formed in 2017 to address persistent food insecurity issues. Hardison said the nonprofit now boasts 185 members. ​The unbinding resolution, introduced by Councilmember Brandi Gabbard and passed Jan. 29 by the Health, Energy, Resiliency, & Sustainability Committee, notes that “economic forces have driven grocery stores out of many neighborhoods in recent years, and people’s food choices are severely limited.” ​OCGC now needs the full city council’s approval on Thursday, and Welch to acquiesce. “We chose to go through the resolution process versus some other ways to get money from the city, because it’s really important that we’re not working against anyone,” Hardison said of the group’s collaborative nature. ​“We want to work with the city – we want to be an integral part of the city.” ​OCGC also needs the community to, both literally and figuratively, buy into its mission. Members purchase individual shares, payable in $25 monthly installments, for $225. ​Hardison noted that OCGC exists for the community’s benefit, and a “firm foundation” of 300 members fosters “staying power.” Cooperatives without broad stakeholder support typically fold within a few years. ​“A famous saying in the cooperative world is that you can’t give a community to a co-op,” Hardison added. “They have to want it, earn it, and build it themselves.” The nonprofit also hosts pop-up events, including a youth bowling social. Those that grow organically have achieved monumental success. OCGC is one of three active grocery co-ops in Florida, and Hardison said one in Tallahassee has surpassed its 30th anniversary. The third has served Pensacola residents for nearly 60 years. ​​According to the effort justification theory, individuals place higher value on outcomes that require significant effort, time, or sacrifice to achieve. Hardison noted that two big-box grocery stores moved into South St. Petersburg’s much-maligned Tangerine Plaza and unsuccessfully attempted to “do great things.” ​The neighborhood’s last grocer shuttered in 2017. “It wasn’t something that people found ownership in,” Hardison said. ​OCGC is not “beholden to corporate investors,” and is working to build a generational institution that “people can call their own.” Hardison believes the co-op will improve health outcomes, provide jobs, and stimulate the local economy. ​“It is about opening and maintaining a grocery store, but it’s also about addressing the needs of the whole person,” Hardison said. “You can give people great food, but if other parts of their lives are unfilled, it can prevent them from thriving.” ​Non-members can also contribute to OCGC’s mission. Hardison said someone’s “time, talent, treasure, and ties” within the community are equally important. 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 Produce sold by the One Community Grocery Co-op at a market. Photo provided. Former City Councilmember Brother John Muhammad (front), and Once Community Grocery Co-op members help beautify the 49th Street South corridor. Photo provided. The One Community Grocery Co-op hosted a drum circle at Pinellas Technical College. Photo provided. ​

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s lifetime of advocacy had a profound impact on local and national leaders. All photos: Wikimedia Commons. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a protege of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who propelled the civil rights movement for nearly six decades following the fellow Baptist minister’s death, died Tuesday. He was 84. ​Jackson, known for his stirring eloquence and galvanizing populism, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, according to his family. The Greenville, South Carolina, native and Chicago resident’s passing reverberated throughout the nation, including in St. Petersburg. ​A lifetime of advocating for marginalized groups – specifically, African Americans, the working class, and the impoverished – brought Jackson to the Tampa Bay area on multiple occasions. In April 1994, he led 400 people on a march against drugs and violence in South St. Petersburg. ​“Jesus was killed because he stirred up the people,” Jackson said at the time. “Is it not our mission to stir up people?” Rev. Jesse Jackson (second from left) on the 45th anniversary of the Civil Rights March in August 2008. Here are some local reactions to Jackson’s death: ​St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition, a political movement that asserted influence by uniting disparate demographics, “reminded us that progress is strongest when it is inclusive- when people of every race, background, neighborhood around shared opportunity and shared responsibility.” ​“Today, we mourn the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson – a civil rights giant whose life’s work challenged America to live up to its highest ideals,” Welch wrote. “His call for justice, economic empowerment, and dignity for all continues to resonate.” Esther Sanni, president of the St.Petersburg branch of the NAACP, said Jackson, shown in a picture with King, “reminded us that our votes matter. Our voices matter. Our lives matter.” The organization added that, “We stand on shoulders that were willing to be burdened so we could stand taller.” Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers shared that Jackson was not only “more than a pastor,” he was a “fighter for voting rights, fair wages, housing, medical services, Black farmers, education, and so much more.” She noted how the civil rights leader gained international prominence in the 1980s and 90s for negotiating the release of American hostages and prisoners, notably in Syria, Iraq, and Cuba. ​City Councilmember Corey Givens, Jr. wrote that a “giant has fallen asleep,” and “another chapter in the history books has closed.” He included a passage from the Bible to underscore the message. Rev. J.C. Pritchett II offered the following statement: “Rev Jackson has led a life that shows the way for future social justice leaders to move, act, and change. The current climate calls for us to follow and exceed the work of the ancestors.” Jackson’s “courage, compassion, and steadfast advocacy reshaped our nation,” wrote the Pinellas County Urban League. The organization added that “though his voice may now be silent, the spirit of his work continues to move us forward.” Rev. Jesse Jackson (center) participates in a rally for workforce equality in January 1971. Here are some national reactions to Jesse Jackson’s death: Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, called Jackson a “living bridge between generations,” who carried the “unfinished work and sacred promise of the civil rights movement.” “He walked with courage when the road was uncertain, spoke with conviction when the truth was inconvenient, and stood with the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten when it was not popular to do so,” they said in a prepared statement. Rev. Al Sharpton noted that Jackson “called me into purpose when I was just twelve years old.” He said the civil rights icon was a “movement unto himself.” Former President Barack Obama said his wife, Michelle, received her “first glimpse” of political organizing while sitting at the Jackson family’s kitchen table as a teenager. “And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land.” “From organizing boycotts and sit-ins, to registering millions of voters, to advocating for freedom and democracy around the world, he was relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect,” Obama said of Jackson. Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks at the Milwaukee Solidarity Rally in August 1991. 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 credit from Pye Young: Young stands in front of a Bay Area Legal Services booth. Managing Attorney for Bay Area Legal Services’ St. Petersburg location, Pye N. Young, advocates for individuals and families’ free clinical services support. Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit legal services firm based in Hillsborough County, with over 190 employees serving a five-county service area: Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota. The organization, founded in 1967, has launched free-to-the-public advocacy programs throughout its almost 60-year legacy. Young manages the St. Petersburg office. She supervises the office’s attorneys and paralegals staff, procures funding through grant writing, and builds relationships with community resources that both support the provision of legal services and the needs of their clients. Clientele are categorized as “asset-limited income-constrained” or moderate-to-low-income (fixed-income) individuals. “In addition to legal services, they [clients] have a need for services from other community organizations,” stated Young. “Our job is to build relationships with those organizations so they can refer clients to us if they have legal needs, or that we can refer our clients to them if they have supported or wraparound needs.” The St. Petersburg office holds the longest-running medical-legal partnership (MLP) in the area. An MLP is a collaboration between a legal service provider and a healthcare entity (e.g., a clinic or Veterans Affairs department) to provide legal services to clients. Since 2017, Young’s office has had a relationship with the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System; their partnership has expanded to the Manatee and Sarasota clinics, providing an on-site attorney. “We did receive a generous grant from The Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete to re-establish our medical-legal partnership in the community,” said Young. Recently, the organization received a half-million-dollar renewal grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs that allowed it to expand to the newest VA Clinic in Countryside, North Pinellas County. This legal walk-in clinic houses an attorney and a paralegal, ready to provide legal Q&A to clients; if they identify that more legal work is needed, they take on the individuals as official clients. “The client doesn’t have to start from scratch every time they need legal services. The whole purpose of a partnership is to [assure] access to justice for the client and work with the partners to make sure the client’s needs are met,” said Young. Alongside the MLP, services provided under this nonprofit law firm are free to the community. If clients are approved as income-eligible, they can receive legal assistance and, if necessary, legal representation at no cost. Young understands there’s apprehension about accessing or utilizing legal resources, but encourages individuals to take charge of their resources. “Don’t just assume ‘I’m over income’ or ‘they’re not going to help me’. Maybe we have a referral source or resource that can help. If we can’t help because of income constraints or they don’t meet our qualifications, we refer as well,” Young said. From initiatives such as veteran advocacy programs to self-help resources and disaster relief support, Bay Area Legal Services proudly serves its community with free civil legal services. “The work that we do has an immediate impact. It is relevant, necessary, and it is there for those who need it the most. So I encourage those who need it the most to access it, use it, and share,” Young advocated. Photo credit from Pye Young: Young showcases the Bay Area Legal Services booth. 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

Thousands of people descend upon St. Petersburg’s 22nd Street South corridor Saturday for a significantly expanded Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. Photos by Mark Parker. The 2026 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival provided a simmering pot of community fellowship for thousands of attendees Saturday along the 22nd Street South corridor, colloquially known as the Deuces. What began as a friendly cooking competition and church fundraiser attracted approximately 15,000 participants and 120 vendors in 2025, and the event continues to blossom in South St. Petersburg. Attendees, many of whom likened the festival to a family reunion in subsequent social media posts, shared stories over food, danced to live DJs, received free health screenings, heard a surprise message from Mayor Ken Welch, and participated in numerous activities. Co-founders Samantha Harris and Boyzell Hosey, who now oversee St. Petersburg’s MLK Day Parade, have steadily expanded the event since its humble beginnings in 2017. The two periodically paused to soak up the scene and exchange high-fives throughout the day. “This has, by far, exceeded any expectations that we thought we might have had,” Harris said Saturday. While event organizers could not provide an attendance estimate, many people believe the 2026 event set a new record. Welch noted the event is now an integral part of St. Petersburg’s Black History Month celebrations. City staff handed out copies of Echoes, a mini-magazine and a “collaborative love letter to St. Petersburg’s rich African American history and the people who continue to shape it today.” Artist Clancy Riehm also autographed city-sponsored Black History Matters posters at the festival, held in partnership with the adjacent Woodson African American Museum of Florida. “It’s a beautiful celebration, isn’t it?” said Welch, who frequently stopped to talk with families at the event. Harris noted that people “showed up” to the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival (TBCGF) when it was still just a “crazy idea.” She and Hosey “knew when that happened, we had to do it again.” Harris credited an outpouring of support from the community, sponsors, and donors for the event’s success. “God is good,” she said. “We have 175 vendors from all over,” Harris added. “Chicago, South Florida. We got South Carolina, we got Atlanta. They look forward to this event. And not only that, for a lot of these vendors, this is their biggest economic boost. It helps set the stage for the next couple of months for them.” The event revolved around community and food, and not just collard greens, In August 2025, the city council approved a new three-year, $690,000 contract with Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. to organize the nation’s longest-running Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Harris said the organization’s eponymous event helped her team secure the award. “We are honored, especially as St. Petersburg residents,” she continued. “On behalf of myself, Boyzell (Hosey), the organization, and our new, expanded team, we’re just super excited.” TBCGF coincided with two other major annual festivals – Localtopia and the Tampa Bay Rays’ Fan Fest – Saturday in St. Petersburg. Massive, diverse crowds still flocked to the Deuces, despite this significant citywide competition. The organization charges $75, $150, and $250 for non-profit, retail, and food vendors, respectively, to increase access. Hosey previously noted that typical festival fees “are much higher than what we are asking.” “Money was never our motivation,” he said. “It was to do a good thing for the community, to do something in the realm of excellence that encapsulates community pride.” TBCGF started with a friendly wager over which of its co-founders cooked the best collard greens, a cultural staple in the South, with several variations. Harris said Saturday that she won the ongoing competition for the second consecutive year. “He did not even show up to a contest – he tried to sabotage,” Harris said with a laugh. “But that’s ok. We have fun. We look forward to this time of year.” 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 Mayor Ken Welch (left) with Samantha Harris, president and co-founder of the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. The Collard Green King. The event attracted a large, diverse audience despite competition from other festivals throughout the city. Mayor Ken Welch (right) stops to speak with a family. Carla Bristol (foreground), director of the St. Pete Youth Farm, and the organization’s ambassadors. Photo: Carla Bristol, Facebook.

Approximately 50,000 people claimed free tickets to the Tampa Bay Rays’ Fan Fest Block, held Saturday along 16th Street South. Photos by Mark Parker. While the 2026 home opener is nearly three weeks away, an area outside of Tropicana Field featured a game-day environment Saturday that stoked excitement for the upcoming season. Tampa Bay Rays CEO Ken Babby said 50,000 people claimed free tickets to the Fan Fest Block Party. Held in the shadow of a freshly repaired Trop, which sustained significant damage from Hurricane Milton in October 2024, the event shut down a stretch of 16th Street South in St. Petersburg. The Rays held last year’s Fan Fest at the St. Pete Pier before spending the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Babby reiterated the new ownership group’s commitment to creating a “world-class experience” throughout what is likely the team’s final three years at the Trop, and believes Saturday’s crowd signified that the “work has already begun.” “It’s hard to believe we’re not even playing a baseball game today,” Babby said after addressing attendees. “We have 50,000 people here with tickets. It’s incredible. We’re so proud of being back here at Tropicana Field.” Tampa Bay Rays CEO Ken Babby (right) addressed attendees. Play-by-play broadcaster Neil Solondz served as the moderator. Babby noted that the Trop has a new roof, sound system, turf, video board, and lighting, and “surprises” remain in store. The city, as contractually obligated, has completed nearly $59 million worth of storm repairs, and the team continues paying for additional upgrades. The ballpark will “look better than it’s ever looked,” Babby pledged. However, team officials continue sprinting toward opening a new stadium in Tampa by the start of the 2029 season. Babby said the team is “working really hard” for their return to St. Petersburg. He called celebrating that progress with fans a “huge priority.” “But at the same time, we’re working really hard to focus on the long-term health of this franchise,” Babby added. “And building that great work, live, learn, play development.” The overarching goal, he said, is to ensure Major League Baseball remains in Tampa Bay for “generations to come.” Babby believes a “tenacious” ownership group and front office can juggle both priorities by tapping into the “same grit and hard-working culture that fans have already seen from the Rays on the field for many years.” “We’re proud to do it,” he continued. “I’m proud to do it.” The players are equally proud of their return to St. Petersburg, as Babby said 40 players attended the event to sign autographs and interact with fans. “That’s a strong statement that this team is committed to its fans.” Bill Walsh, chief business officer, echoed that sentiment. He said the team has “really been feeling the excitement around the return to Tropicana Field for months.” Walsh noted a “healthy amount of skepticism” regarding the city and team’s ability to have the Trop ready for baseball by April 6. He believes that “the word has gotten out that it’s actually happening.” The Rays thought that bringing fans and the team together to see the progress would resonate throughout the community. “And clearly it has – a great, great turnout today,” Walsh said. “I know our fans are excited; I know our players are excited. All of us are.” Ray Kennedy (left), co-host of the Tampa-St. Pete Sports Connection radio show, and Neil “Fan Man” MacDonald. 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 line for a charity yard sale snakes around Tropicana Field. Fan Fest coincided with two other major events in St. Petersburg: Localtopia and the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. Attendees participated in several interactive activities, including an athletic challenge hosted by St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. One fan reminded attendees and the team that “St. Pete is home.”

Third Thursday takes place February 19, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, featuring Dr. Robert Patterson, Freddy Williams, and moderator Taylor Maguire. This month’s theme, “From Potential to Power: How Community Leaders Are Building the Next Generation of Talent,” centers on how leaders across Tampa Bay are creating pathways for youth and future professionals. The unique networking platform known as “Third Thursdays” is entering its fifth year as one of Tampa Bay’s most popular gatherings, with its next “social fireside chat” happening February 19, 2026. The bimonthly event has become a space for emerging African American leaders and entrepreneurs to connect directly with experienced executives and decision-makers. Founded by Michael Smith, Business Banking Market Executive for Tampa’s Fifth Third Bank, the series brings together professionals from finance, development, and community organizations to discuss what leadership looks like beyond titles and job descriptions. Next week’s gathering in Tampa is themed, “From Potential to Power,” and centers on helping young professionals move from talent to action. “One of the most significant gaps is meaningful access, access to decision-makers, lived experience, and spaces where leadership is demystified,” Smith said. “Many young leaders are equipped with knowledge, yet lack proximity to people who can translate that knowledge into real-world application.” That lack of proximity is what Third Thursdays aims to address. While traditional systems provide technical training, the event focuses on exposure and perspective. Panelists speak about the realities of leadership, including responsibility, resilience, and decision-making under pressure. The goal is to provide insight that cannot always be gained in a classroom or corporate setting. “The journey from potential to power is ultimately about activation,” Smith said. “Today’s young leaders possess extraordinary talent, but many are navigating a landscape without visibility into what leadership truly looks like in practice.” For African American entrepreneurs and professionals, visibility and access play a meaningful role in shaping confidence and direction. When leaders reflect similar lived experiences, leadership feels less distant and more within reach. “Community leaders provide wisdom, context, and nuance,” Smith said. “These conversations offer insight into resilience and responsibility, lessons that can only be learned through lived experience.” The panel will touch on adaptability, emotional intelligence, and what it means to lead with purpose. Organizers note that leadership is developed through relationships and service, not simply through position or power. If a young professional attends unsure of their next move, Smith hopes they leave with clarity. “I want them to leave believing that their voice has value, their perspective matters, and their future is not defined by circumstance,” he said. “Leadership is a journey they are already qualified to begin.” For more information about Third Thursdays or to attend, visit the registration link. Additional details are available by calling 813-203-6220. 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 at a recent event celebrating the opening of SkyWay Loft II, a city-supported affordable housing development with monthly rents starting at $305. Photo by Mark Parker. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, seeking a fresh start in his bid to serve a second term, has launched a new political action committee (PAC). ​Welch’s campaign team submitted state documents establishing St. Petersburg Progress PAC on Jan. 30. The change came roughly a month after his previous political committee, The Pelican, reported that former treasurer Yolanda Brown allegedly robbed his warchest of over $200,000. Time will soon tell if ​St. Petersburg Progress enables Welch and his new team to turn the page on previous turmoil. A campaign kickoff event, critical to highlighting continued community support, will take place on Feb. 18 at St. Pete Athletic. ​“We are in the process of transitioning to a new PAC to ensure there are absolutely no distractions from the work ahead,” said Adrienne Bogen, chairperson for St. Petersburg Progress, in a prepared statement. ​“This move is about transparency, accountability, and maintaining the highest ethical standards.” ​Welch, surrounded by family and supporters representing dozens of various organizations, formally filed for reelection Feb. 2 at City Hall. He also noted that there is “more work to be done,” while expressing confidence in his steady leadership through a pandemic, multiple hurricanes, and an affordable housing crisis. ​St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor brushed off a massive campaign funding gap between him and former Gov. Charlie Crist, who has yet to file. “I’m not focused on that,” Welch said when addressing local media after filing. “You can’t buy credibility.” ​The incumbent has pledged to upgrade the city’s aging infrastructure amid increasing environmental threats. Welch also has staunch support from the local police and fire unions. ​Rick Pauley, president of the IAFF Local 747 firefighters’ union, said in a prepared statement that the city needs a mayor who stands with first responders and delivers “real results for public safety and neighborhoods across St. Petersburg.” ​However, Welch has faced an abundance of criticism – including over the recent controversy related to his now-defunct, independently-operated PAC. ​Kevin Batdorf, president of the Shore Acres Neighborhood Association and a frequent critic of Welch’s hurricane response, recently announced his candidacy without filing. Councilmember Brandi Gabbard, who similarly plans to run but hasn’t made it official, seemingly found a topic to separate herself from the mayor last week. Gabbard introduced a resolution asking Welch to “pause any action” related to selecting a Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment proposal on Feb. 5, two days after the submission deadline. Her colleagues on the council approved the nonbinding measure, which calls for an independent study of the site’s future, in a 6-2 vote. ​Maria Scruggs, former president of the NAACP’s St. Petersburg branch and a frequent candidate for local government, has filed to run. As of Jan. 1, Charlie Crist, also a former Florida governor and U.S. congressman with deep-pocketed and influential supporters, had $712,283 on hand – nearly 15 times the amount remaining in Welch’s reelection account. ​Welch, who often highlights his ability to overcome financial deficits, may begin replenishing campaign coffers with a successful launch event. His team is asking supporters to contribute between $25 and $1,000. ​A new PAC and campaign officers could also signify a fresh start for donors. Voters, meanwhile, have nearly nine months to decide on a preferred candidate. ​“The mayor remains fully focused on delivering results for the people of St. Petersburg, and this adjustment allows the campaign to continue moving forward with clarity and integrity,” Bogen said. 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.

Photo credit from Saturday Shoppes St. Pete’s Tropicana Field parking lot is packed every first Saturday with hundreds of local vendors and participants. The bustling monthly event, Saturday Shoppes, is carried out by Renee Edwards, owner and creator of the local pop-up shop. Her first market was held at Bethel Community Baptist Church with the goal to engage thirty vendors, but ended up with over sixty. The second event offered space to close to one hundred, and by the third event, Edwards had partnered with Tropicana Field to manage 150 vendors. Currently, Saturday Shoppes hosts over 4,700 vendors. Photo credit from Saturday Shoppes Facebook Saturday Shoppes didn’t initially begin as a local market concept; it started as a second job for Edwards. She shared, “In 2017, I was the first black product [being sold] in the St. Pete Chamber Store,” noting that markets started by white business owners seemed unwilling to open space for her vendors. So she started her own. “Saturday Shoppes is a pop-up shop for minority and women-owned businesses.” As Edwards’ pop-up shop gained notoriety, she noticed that many black-owned businesses needed help navigating how to properly run and maintain their establishments. Thus began the Saturday Shoppes Vendor Academy – an eight-week academy focused on basic business practices, equipping new owners with the knowledge and skills to run their businesses. Edward has set up three training programs to educate and provide live training. Interested learners can engage with the Vendor Academy and the E-commerce Academy, and will have access to the Food Truck Academy coming this May. “Whatever we teach in the classroom setting, you’re able to come out and practice it at the market – real time,” Edwards confirms. From learning product placement and selling techniques under their Ecommerce Academy, to understanding inventory and choosing the right payment options for your business, these immersive modules ensure business leaders are adequately trained to run their companies. Saturday Shoppes has continued to grow, expanding both within and outside Florida – from the Tampa Bay Rays’ parking lot to the city of Clearwater, then down to Miami, and eventually up to Atlanta – and is creating space for Black vendors anywhere they are welcomed. The entrepreneur also opened Everyday Shoppes, a retail-owned location in Brandon, FL. Edwards applied for a grant with the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and was awarded a quarter of a million dollars, allowing her to create and fund the permanent shop in 2024. Edwards doesn’t sit on her success; she focuses on her next move to help others. Saturday Shoppes takes it a step further by showcasing and highlighting minority- and women-owned businesses because they “always fall last.” Photo credit from Saturday Shoppes Facebook “Someone always needs help and needs your support…It’s always something that needs to be done,” states the market owner. Don’t miss out on the next pop-up shop on Saturday, March 7th, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Tropicana 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.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

St. Petersburg plans to complete $361.25 million worth projects downtown before sunsetting the Intown Community Redevelopment Area, established in 1982 to reduce blight. Photo by Mark Parker. St. Petersburg prolonged a community redevelopment area’s lifespan to support a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium and the Historic Gas Plant District’s rebirth. Officials are now reallocating those resources. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration presented plans to “rollback” the Intown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), by terminating it in 2032, at a city council committee meeting on Thursday. A 5-3 vote in June 2024 extended it a decade, through 2042, and increased its budget cap from an estimated $232.35 million to $574.85 million. Council member Richie Floyd, who previously called the Intown CRA a “large subsidy for downtown,” has led efforts to unravel the extension since March 2025, when former Rays owner Stuart Sternberg walked away from a Gas Plant redevelopment deal. While his colleagues and the administration support the idea, the amount of money now dedicated to rejuvenating the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina was a point of contention Thursday morning. The CRA shifts, if approved, would increase funding for downtown waterfront, transit, and parking improvements from $35 million to $145 million. Another $62 million would cover the first phase of a $165 million marina redevelopment project. “I just find this, quite frankly, to be fiscally irresponsible,” said Council member Brandi Gabbard of the project’s price tag. “I’m afraid it’s going to be a boondoggle.” Local governments establish CRAs to mitigate blight by diverting an area’s property tax increases to redevelopment and infrastructure projects. The money would otherwise go to general funds and help cover citywide expenses. Established in 1982, the Intown CRA runs east from Tropicana Field to the St. Pete Pier. In 2005, the city extended the tax-increment financing (TIF) district through 2032. A map of the Intown Community Redevelopment Area, established 33 years before the much larger South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area. Officials amended the Intown CRA again in 2024 to include new funding categories for a Rays stadium and the Historic Gas Plant District. They planned to allocate $212.5 million and $130 million, respectively, to those projects. Floyd believes the Intown CRA “locks tons of wealth” into a now-thriving area. “Just rolling it back to 2032 is already a compromise, because I have some real moral qualms with it existing anymore,” he said in October 2025. The October meeting came days after Ark Ellison Horus submitted a $6.8 billion unsolicited bid for the Gas Plant, currently home to the Trop. The development team expects $239 million in infrastructure costs and TIF funding to help offset the bill. Welch is currently considering other recently submitted proposals, and most incorporate Intown CRA funding. However, council members and administrators did not broach that topic on Thursday. “This is obviously an important subject,” said City Administrator Rob Gerdes. “There’s a lot of opportunity here for the future of St. Petersburg, so it’s a good discussion to have.” The administration wants to align funding with “current realities” and address “urgent infrastructure and resiliency needs,” said City Development Administrator James Corbett. An updated list highlights $361.25 million worth of downtown projects to complete by 2032. Changes include increasing St. Pete Pier funding from $10 million to $15 million and dedicating $1 million, over half the cost, to a permanent Tampa Bay Ferry dock. Pinellas County will contribute $108.1 million to approved CRA projects. The administration’s plan would also provide $6 million for park improvements and related infrastructure, $10 million for the Mahaffey Theater, $5 million for the Dali Museum, and $40 million for new seawalls around a long-proposed Center for the Arts. Officials would reduce funding for historic property preservation from $5 million to $2.9 million. The city would maintain $75 million for redevelopment infrastructure, including improvements to the Pinellas Trail, Booker Creek, and the Trop’s demolition. St. Petersburg and project partners could also apply for bed tax dollars, generated from a 6% surcharge on overnight stays, to offset costs for the marina, the ferry dock, the Mahaffey, and the Dail. Councilmember Copley Gerdes, who sits on the Tourist Development Council, said the city is “in a very good position” to receive those funds, “because of how conservative we’ve been” on capital project requests since the stadium deal fell through. “I’m very much looking forward to moving on some of these projects in the next five years,” Gerdes added. “You’re going to see this massive investment inside of the CRA – you’re going to see that fast.” Floyd noted that the municipally-owned marina is a revenue-generating asset, something that is “very important to me.” The facility has fallen into disrepair, and he and Gerdes believe the city lacks a better alternative than self-funding its revitalization after years of unsuccessfully attempting to secure a private partner. Councilmember Gina Driscoll shared Gabbard’s concerns. She wanted to delay moving plans for the Intown CRA forward until after hearing a detailed report on the marina project. While Floyd wants to sunset the TIF district “as quickly as possible,” he also recognized the need for “a little more hashing out.” Administrator Gerdes said he heard enough to discuss the plans with county commissioners. “We’ll come back, we’ll talk about the marina, and we’ll see how that goes.” The budget for the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina’s redevelopment was $148 million in November 2025. The cost has increased to $165 million. Photo by Mark Parker. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Host Owen LaFave (left), senior vice president for the Bank of Tampa, and Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College. Hillsborough College is on the precipice of a monumental partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, and its long-time president believes community integration will continue fostering the school’s success. Dr. Ken Atwater has led Hillsborough College (HC) for over 15 years. The fourth-largest institution in the Florida College System now contributes over $1.3 billion to the county’s economy. ​Atwater reflected on his tenure and contemplated the college’s future during a recent interview for the Money Market podcast, released Monday. He told host Owen LaFave, senior vice president for the Bank of Tampa, that the overarching goal is ensuring HC remains “tied to the economic health of Hillsborough County.” ​“We train people to get jobs,” Atwater said. “And basically, by getting a job, that means you’re going to change the trajectory of not only that person, but their family and the community they live in.” Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College, discussed what is likely the largest project in the institution’s history on a recent episode of the Money Market podcast. Image: Screengrab. HC plans to help prepare students for 11,900 new on-site jobs at its Dale Mabry campus. The Rays are quickly moving forward with plans to redevelop the 130-acre site with new academic facilities, a stadium, and a sprawling mixed-use community. County Commission Chair Ken Hagan has pegged the project’s privately financed price tag at $8 billion to $10 billion. The redevelopment’s 30-year economic impact is $34 billion, according to a recent analysis by RCLCO. ​The real estate consultancy firm also expects the project to attract nearly 10 million annual visitors to the campus and surrounding district. Earlier this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state will convey the sprawling site to the college, which will then negotiate land-use agreements with the Rays. He also noted that the Florida Department of Transportation would likely complete area infrastructure improvements. Rays CEO Ken Babby said the project is “bigger than baseball” at the Feb. 2 press conference. ​“This is by building a stronger Tampa, a stronger region, by reinvesting back in the community and rejuvenating a college.” An aerial rendering of a reimagined Dale Mabry campus, anchored by a new stadium. Rendering: Tampa Bay Rays ​HC would retain ownership of the land and lease everything outside of the site’s southwest corner to the Rays for at least 99 years. The college could receive final binding agreements by mid-April, according to its legal counsel. Atwater, in a subsequent prepared statement, said the partnership “represents a transformational opportunity for the college and its student experience. “A project of this scale and vision creates new pathways for learning, workforce development , internships, and career-connected education.” He later told LaFave that HC would only agree to terms that are “advantageous to the college.” Atwater said the project would provide financial benefits, foster and solidify relationships, shine a spotlight on the campus, and create roles that the college would then help fill. “All of those things fit hand in hand,” he added. “And the opportunity to work with an organization like the Ray in a collaborative fashion is something we think would be advantageous to the college.” Atwater said over 25,000 students, a built-in “customer base,” attend the Dale Mabry campus daily. The site hosts HC’s hospitality program, and the Rays would “love for us to be there.” When asked how he envisions the college in a decade, Atwater, who doesn’t plan on reaching his 25th anniversary at HC, said, “It would be even more integrated with situations like the Rays are talking about.” A rendering of new Hillsborough College facilities. Image: Tampa Bay Rays. ​Atwater wants to work “side-by-side with business and industry.” He also hopes to incorporate learning centers into commercial complexes. ​Formerly known as Hillsborough Community College, HC is embarking on a rebrand that better reflects its baccalaureate offerings. Atwater said the institution owns nearly three million square feet of facility space, and leadership has budgeted “about $5 million over the next three to four years to do this.” The school is expanding its financial technology (fintech), cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) programs and increasing collaboration with the University of South Florida. Atwater said roughly 60% of HC students plan to transfer, primarily to USF. ​HC received $1.29 million from the U.S. Department of Education in January to bolster AI-focused programming. The college, which plans to build a new innovation center, also announced Monday that Congresswoman Kathy Castor secured an additional $250,000 to support those efforts. ​Atwater told LaFave that how he would measure success was one of the first questions posed to him after taking the helm at HC. The college offered around 3,000 degrees or certifications at the time; that number topped 8,000 last year. The president now oversees an over $290 million budget and more than 2,200 employees. “But the main thing is the number of graduates we’re producing,” Atwater said. “Think about it – there’s a high correlation between people who graduate from college and health,” he continued. “Every dollar that the state invests in us, they get a 17.1% return on their investment. Also, every dollar that a student invests in us, they get nearly $5 …” Dr. Ken Atwater will soon be spotlighted in the 20th Anniversary Platinum Edition of the Power Broker Magazine. 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

Community members involved with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, whose work centers on preserving, celebrating, and sharing African American history and culture in Sarasota. Image retrieved from https://thesaacc.org/ In Newtown, one of Sarasota’s oldest Black communities, a cultural anchor is taking shape with the goal of preserving history while creating space for it to live in the present. The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) has transformed the historic Leonard Reid House into a center for Black art, culture, and history, offering a place for learning, storytelling, and community gathering in a city where that kind of dedicated space did not previously exist. The work of SAACC grew out of years of documentation and preservation tied to the Newtown Alive project, which began as a city-funded effort to record the history of Sarasota’s Black community. What started with research reports and oral history interviews expanded into historic markers, digital archives, and guided tours. Over time, the scope of the work revealed a deeper need. “At some point, it became clear that a physical structure was needed to hold this history,” said Vickie Oldham, president and CEO of SAACC. “That is where I am right now. We opened a Black art, culture, and history center in a historic house built by a Black man, and we are operating there while we raise the funds to build a new facility.” Today, the Leonard Reid House serves as an active community space. Through exhibits, public programs, and gatherings, it offers opportunities to engage directly with Black history. The 100-year-old Craftsman bungalow, built by Leonard Reid and once home to his family, now hosts author talks, performances, spoken word events, and cultural programming. “We did not have a freestanding facility where African American history was amplified and elevated,” Oldham said. “Now we do.” SAACC is also moving forward with plans to expand beyond the historic house. The organization holds a long-term lease on the current site and has secured adjacent property, positioning the coalition to build a new 10,000-square-foot arts, culture, and history center on the same campus. A feasibility study has been completed, and preparations are underway for a capital campaign to support the next phase of development. Alongside the expansion, SAACC continues to broaden its programming. In 2026, the Leonard Reid House marks its centennial, with a yearlong series of events planned, including author talks, a children’s book fair, and educational programs tied to the home’s history. The coalition’s preservation work remains connected to Newtown Alive, which continues to offer trolley and house tours highlighting Sarasota’s Black history. During peak tourist season, visitors, agencies, and local organizations book tours to better understand the community’s roots and contributions. As SAACC builds toward a larger cultural center, the work at the Reid House reflects a broader shift in Sarasota’s cultural landscape, one that moves Black history from the margins into visible, permanent space. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, reach out to reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube. More Photos The Leonard Reid House, a 1926 Craftsman bungalow built by Leonard Reid, now serves as a cultural hub for Black art, history, and community programming in Sarasota’s Newtown neighborhood. Image retrieved via sarasotamagazine.com Vickie Oldham, president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, which is working to expand Black arts, culture, and history programming in Sarasota.Image taken by SRQ Headshots, retrieved via sarasotamagazine.com. Interiors envisioned for the Reid House by Ringling College of Art and Design students. retrieved via sarasotamagazine.com

Photo credit from pexels.com The king of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has taken a drastic drop in the trading market. The digital dollar went down nearly 2% last week, coming in around the low $80,000. As of now, the token’s price tag has dropped to slightly above $70,000. Cryptocurrency made its official debut on January 3, 2009, when Satoshi Nakamoto introduced the blockchain. The blockchain system works as the backbone of the cryptocurrency market, and is used as a decentralized ledger of transactions replicated and distributed across a network of computer systems to ensure security and transparency. St. Petersburg Bitcoin enthusiast Jabaar Edmond has been following the crypto journey for almost 15 years. “We the people put value to money,” said Edmond. “The only reason Bitcoin is what it is today is because we as the people have decided that this is something we want to do business with.” Edmond has seen the rise and fall of the digital coin, from its inception, where its worth was less than a penny, to where it stands today. Edmond is part of the Facebook group Bitcoin Boy Club, a local forum organized to communicate, participate, and engage in discussions about Bitcoin and crypto. “I’m really into crypto, technology, [and] artificial intelligence, because this gives me the ability to decide where I want to be in the human [technological] race,” said Edmond. Opinions are split on whether Bitcoin will become a dependable transactional currency or remain an inflated idea whose sails have lost their financial winds. Economics professor of City University of New York, Paul Krugman, argues that Bitcoin is “not an idea of the future.” “In terms of the original idea, that this was actually the superior form of money, it’s a total bust,” said Krugman. “If it hasn’t made any inroads as a legitimate means of payment in 17 years, then clearly it wasn’t a great idea to start with.” Who’s to say where this cybernetic coin will be in the future? From trading seashells as early as 700 B.C. to the death of the penny in 2025, global currency continues to take new forms. Though cryptocurrency turned 17 this year, its adoption rate remains low. 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.

Photo credit Entertainment & Creative Arts Magazine Ama Appiah is a woman who wears many hats, as an entertainment attorney and owner of the Law Office of Ama N. Appiah, founder of Entertainment & Creative Arts Magazine, and, in her minimal off time, working as a graphic designer and fine artist. As an entertainment attorney located in St. Petersburg with over 20 years of experience, Appiah’s role entails drafting and reviewing agreements across film production, book publishing, collaborations, music labels, and related areas. “Locally, the predominant need seems to be agreements in film/tv production and collaboration agreements. I also help my clients register their trademarks and copyrights with the federal government,” Appiah explains. Appiah’s law firm has sustained longevity by navigating the ever-changing economic market. Given the economy’s constant market fluctuations and understanding that her clientele’s financial situations change as well, Appiah meets them where they’re at, often offering payment plans for those who need it. For typical cases such as basic appellate cases, trademark and copyright registration cases, and one-time draft/review agreement services, she charges flat fees. If hired as an attorney to represent a project or a client requiring ongoing representation, charges are based on billable hours. Alongside her duties as an attorney, the right-brain-left-brain polymath sets aside time to pursue her creative endeavors. The attorney-turned-publisher’s Entertainment& Creative Arts Magazine was initially intended to be her law firm’s monthly newsletter. While working on the layout’s design and brainstorming information, she realized that this media forum could work better as a magazine with the sheer amount of information she could report. “I jumped in headfirst and have learned the particulars of digital magazine publishing and marketing along the way. Each issue has been an improvement from the issue before,” said Appiah. Her would-be newsletter evolved into today’s magazine, featuring exclusive interviews, legal insights, and career resources for creatives. “I enjoy being able to offer aspects in the magazine that you don’t typically see in other arts or entertainment magazines, like a section to help creatives with getting focused to create…I also enjoy being able to offer legal information in the magazine to creatives about court decisions or language to include in their contracts based on current issues,” Appiah shared. To help balance her full-time legal career and creative projects, Appiah relies on a team for editorial support. “I am lucky enough to have a dear friend from college who proofs for me, and several people who recommend people to interview,” she acknowledged. Looking to transition to magazine publishing and her art projects full-time, the multi-hyphenate believes she will eventually retire from practicing law. With the magazine’s second anniversary a month away, Appiah is focused on marketing the magazine both nationally and internationally – and is confident she can help bring more eyes to Tampa Bay’s ever-burgeoning art scene. 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 credit from Ama Appiah.

Dovév Weaver Sr., founder of Closer To Our Dreams, focuses on entrepreneurship, networking education, and youth mentorship across St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Weaver Dovév Weaver has built his career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and access. A longtime advocate for professional development and youth empowerment in St. Petersburg through his Closer to Our Dreams project, Weaver has spent years helping students and early career professionals learn how to navigate spaces that often feel closed off to them. His work spans business coaching, networking education, and community-based programming, and he discusses all these topics in his “Manifest Your Dreams” podcast. In one episode, he shares that his greatest goal and personal challenge to himself has been, “How many entrepreneurs did I inspire to get started? How many people can I impact [so they] can now pursue their goals and dreams?” Rooted in his belief in expanding opportunities for all, his work is now taking shape at SailFuture Academy, where, as a part-time Pathways Educator, he designs programs introducing students to entrepreneurship, creative industries, and professional networks. Weaver believes that by exposing the youth to experiences they may not otherwise encounter and giving them the necessary “…tools in their toolbelt, they will be set up to succeed in this new world we are living in.” Rather than teaching entrepreneurship as a concept, Weaver submerges students in environments where they are developing ideas, testing concepts, and presenting their thinking to peers. Curriculum includes team-based projects where students create business concepts, explore branding, and refine basic plans through group feedback. Weaver – aka “Coach D” – is now working on expanding those efforts into a citywide “Kidpreneur Shark Tank,” a youth entrepreneurship competition that would bring together students from multiple schools and connect promising ideas to local support. Weaver’s approach aligns with his broader belief that entrepreneurial thinking and professional literacy should not be delayed until college or early career stages. Instead, he is embedding these skills earlier, emphasizing communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. He also teaches students how to move through professional spaces with intention, focusing on listening, contributing with purpose, and understanding context. These skills, he said, shape who builds relationships and who gains access to opportunity. This work signals a change in how educators are thinking about career readiness. Rather than pushing a single pathway, Coach D encourages young people to define what fulfillment and stability mean for them. His approach reflects a growing recognition that the next generation will navigate careers with more fluidity, blending entrepreneurship, creative work, and traditional employment in ways that require adaptability and confidence. Looking ahead, Weaver’s vision includes a long-term dream to build a school named after his grandfather, an entrepreneur whose legacy he only fully understood after starting his own business. For Weaver, the work at SailFuture is one step in a larger commitment to creating learning spaces that equip young people not only to dream, but to build lives shaped by intention, access, and opportunity. 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 Weaver Sr. recording Episode 6 of the Manifest Your Dreams podcast, a series focused on helping listeners gain clarity and take actionable steps toward moving forward. Photo courtesy of Weaver. Dovév Weaver Sr. speaks to Culture Creative in St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Weaver. Weaver with Gabrielle Agnew and Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Shirley Davis at the Black Affairs Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in Tampa. Photo courtesy of Weaver