St. Pete council approves $600 million storm bond referendum
ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg City Council has approved ballot language asking voters to authorize $600 million in general obligation bonds for storm resilience work on the city’s stormwater, wastewater and drinking water systems.
The question goes before voters on the November general election ballot.
Under the ballot language, the bonds would pay for floodwater protection, stormwater pump stations and drainage infrastructure, along with wastewater collection and treatment facilities and drinking water distribution and supply facilities.
General obligation bonds are backed by the city’s full faith and credit, meaning property taxes repay them. That differs from revenue bonds, which are backed by utility fees. Because they carry lower risk for investors, general obligation bonds typically carry lower interest rates for the city.
Feds award $2.3 million for St. Pete flood mitigation
ST. PETERSBURG — St. Petersburg has been awarded nearly $2.3 million in federal money for drainage work in two flood-prone areas, Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced May 27.
One project targets Martin Luther King Jr. Street south of Salt Creek, where the road becomes impassable in heavy rain. The city determined the roadway sits too low, allowing water to pond when lake levels and tailwater conditions overwhelm the drainage system. Crews will install larger storm culverts along the road.
The second project addresses recurring flooding at 88th Avenue and Fourth Street N, near a tidally influenced stormwater outfall where high tides and heavy rain combine to flood the streets. The work includes replacing stormwater conveyance systems with larger ones, installing new inlets and underground piping, and adding detention or retention capacity, with green infrastructure where feasible.
St. Pete launches three storm recovery programs
ST. PETERSBURG — The city has launched three programs under its Sunrise St. Pete initiative to help residents recover from Hurricanes Idalia and Helene.
The homebuyer assistance program offers up to $80,000 toward down payments, closing costs and principal reduction through a zero-interest deferred loan. Participating lenders submit applications on behalf of buyers. Information: tinyurl.com/zns4mnf7
The voluntary buyout program lets property owners in designated disaster risk reduction areas sell to the city at post-disaster fair market value. It also offers incentives to help owners relocate to a safer home within the city. Information: tinyurl.com/2kjz5xe8
The nonprofit community support services program funds nonprofits providing essential services during the city’s long-term recovery. Organizations can review the request-for-applications requirements and apply at tinyurl.com/3bf3bnuj
Housing Authority takes youth on snorkeling trip
ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg Housing Authority took young people from its communities snorkeling July 27 at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier.
The trip, held with Tampa Bay Watch, was part of the authority’s Gulf Futures 3D program, which uses hands-on projects to teach science and environmental literacy. Students examine environmental problems along the Gulf Coast and develop solutions using emerging technology.
The program is funded by a $740,860 grant from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
For more information, email SocialServices@StPeteHA.org.
St. Anthony’s to hold volunteer recruitment fair
ST. PETERSBURG — St. Anthony’s Hospital will hold a volunteer recruitment fair from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Classroom F at the hospital, 1200 Seventh Ave. N.
The hospital is recruiting volunteers for guest services at the front information desk and the professional office building, the BayCare Medical Group Suncoast infusion and lab area, the volunteer resources cookie program, outpatient registration and the Susan Sheppard McGillicuddy Breast Center. Adults are needed for all weekday shifts to make deliveries to rooms, assist care teams and greet visitors.
Staff members will describe the departments and units that need help. An orientation for those who sign up begins at 10 a.m.
For more information, call volunteer resources at 727-825-1548 or visit tinyurl.com/42t57uca
SPC building new public safety training center after Allstate sale
St. Petersburg College is building a public safety training facility to replace the main building of the Allstate Center, which the college recently sold.
The building, at the newly named Public Safety Training Center, will house classroom and hands-on instruction for the college’s law enforcement, firefighter and emergency medical programs.
It follows other recent investments, including a renovated $2.5 million indoor firing range with 32 training stations and a state-approved driving facility built with Pinellas County. The county contributed $6 million toward the driving pad and the college $1.5 million.
“This facility supports public safety agencies throughout Pinellas County by providing a safe, controlled environment for everything from foundational driver training to advanced emergency response techniques,” said Jennifer S. Crockett, public relations director for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
The college also received money in the 2026 legislative session for two initiatives: expanding its applied mental health certificate for first responders, described as Florida’s first such academic certificate, and buying law enforcement field training equipment. The funding will add simulation technology and training in de-escalation, crisis response and mental health awareness.
Bay Pines gets more money for repairs
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has received a third-quarter round of funding for maintenance projects, adding to money it received earlier in the year.
The money is part of $4.8 billion the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is spending nationwide to repair and modernize health care facilities.
Planned work includes:
• Correcting architectural deficiencies in buildings 37, 100 and 111
• Treating areas to prevent mold
• Repairing building damage and stopping leaks
• Restoring the building envelopes of buildings 2 and 100