ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — City Council member Lisa Wheeler-Bowman resigned Thursday amidst accusations that she did not live in the district she represents.

Council chairperson Gina Driscoll announced Wheeler-Bowman’s resignation shortly after former mayoral candidate Vince Nowicki made the accusation.

Wheeler-Bowman represented District 7, which includes southern St. Petersburg neighborhoods of Childs Park and Bear Creek, since 2015. She was in her second term, which ends in 2024. Any council member not living in the district they represent is a violation of the city charter.

Nowicki was in attendance at Thursday's city council meeting to discuss the accusations and stated that Wheeler-Bowman purchased a house in District 6 with a Veterans Affairs loan back on July 12, which requires the home to be the buyer's primary residence. Nowicki also filed a written complaint with the council.

Wheeler-Bowman sent her resignation letter in an email to the City Council administrative officer following the conclusion of the entire meeting.

The City Council will meet next week to begin an appointment process to replace Wheeler-Bowman.