City Council to take up utility rates
ST. PETERSBURG — The City Council will begin its annual review of utility rates and fees this week, with a vote set for later in the month.
The council each year weighs adjustments to water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater and sanitation rates, which cover the operating and capital costs of each utility.
A first reading of the proposed rates is set for 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. A public hearing and final vote are set for 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. Any rates the council adopts would appear on customers’ bills beginning Oct. 1.
SPC names Hafer academic affairs vice president
ST. PETERSBURG — St. Petersburg College has named Leslie Hafer vice president for academic affairs, effective Aug. 3.
Hafer has worked in higher education for more than 30 years in academic affairs, student affairs, enrollment management and campus operations, the college said. She joined SPC in 2018 as provost of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus and its instructional sites, where she oversaw campus operations and student affairs and led programs in student success, workforce preparation and faculty support.
She previously spent 25 years at Georgia Military College, rising from faculty member to department chair, academic dean and, finally, executive director and chief executive officer.
Hafer holds a doctorate in education leadership from Valdosta State University and a master’s degree in biology from Georgia College & State University.
St. Pete to host Black Business Month events
ST. PETERSBURG — The city and the St. Pete Greenhouse are holding a series of events this month for National Black Business Month, aimed at connecting residents with Black-owned businesses and connecting owners with city resources.
The next event, “Building Blocks to Business Success,” runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at the President Barack Obama Main Library, 3745 Ninth Ave. N. Business experts and community leaders will discuss succession planning, investing and building wealth through business assets. The free event also includes resource vendors, networking and lunch.
Registration is available through the city’s website.
City extends Rowdies lease at Al Lang through 2027
ST. PETERSBURG — The City Council voted unanimously Aug. 6 to extend the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ agreement to manage and operate Al Lang Stadium by one year, through November 2027.
“The Tampa Bay Rowdies appreciate the St. Petersburg City Council’s approval of the lease extension at Al Lang Stadium through 2027,” the club said in a statement. “As we continue setting records on the field and pursuing our goal of bringing a championship to Tampa Bay this year, we are excited to begin looking ahead to our 17th season at Al Lang Stadium in 2027.”