ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) in St. Petersburg wants to expand its footprint across the city and work to bring south side neighborhoods back into the organization, according to CONA President Aron Bryce.

What You Need To Know

  • There are more than 110 neighborhoods in St. Petersburg 

  • CONA doubled its paid membership this year to 30

  • CONA has elected its youngest president ever, Aron Bryce, 28 

  • Bryce wants to bring south side neighborhoods back into CONA

“Moving forward with CONA, I have a vision to truly be a more representative body of the neighborhoods,” he said. “Working towards increasing our overall membership and finding new and creative ways to re-engage with our neighborhoods.”

Bryce, 28, was elected in January as the youngest CONA president in the group’s history, which was first formed in 1955. It also has a younger and more diverse board than ever before, according to Bryce.

“This is a new day in St. Pete and it’s a new day in CONA,” he said. “CONA historically was a neighborhood advocacy organization. It was the premier organization in the city that was the voice of the neighborhoods.”

There are more than 110 neighborhoods in St. Petersburg. Bryce said CONA has already doubled its paid membership from 15 last year to 30 in April. The Campbell Park Neighborhood Association in south St. Pete was the newest member to join after being out for more than a decade, according to President Brian Peret, 43.

“Amongst the south side, there’s historically been reluctance surrounding CONA and pretty much every establishment in St. Petersburg,” he said. “I understand that historically and I’m sensitive to that. What I ask is that we keep an open mind. The new leadership we have has new ideas.”

Under Bryce’s leadership, CONA has created a district affairs committee, which mirrors the St. Petersburg City Council districts, and will act as a conduit between the residents and city leaders. Peret said he and Bryce have parallel missions.

“We both see St. Petersburg as a place that has tremendous potential,” he said. “One of the ways we can really capitalize on that potential is bringing together many of the separate groups to speak as one voice.”

Bryce said south side neighborhoods left CONA due to racial tension, political and social issues, along with requests for help being ignored. The young CONA president said he plans make amends.

“My goal as president is to acknowledge the history that’s there, not ignore it,” he said. “To acknowledge it and move forward in a productive way. So, our neighborhoods can heal from the sins of the past.”

CONA has teamed up with the N-Team to paint a Campbell Park home for volunteer day. The group will also host the inaugural CONA CommUNITY Conference, which is a collaborative event with Justice Over Everything.

“Participants will have the opportunity to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas for positive change,” said Bryce. “Through open dialogue and active listening, we aim to foster understanding, empathy, and collaboration across diverse neighborhoods and backgrounds.”

CONA has been reaching out to the other neighborhoods in St. Petersburg. The West St. Pete CommUNITY Festival is scheduled for Sept. 28 along with a south St. Pete CommUNITY celebration at Lake Vista Park on Nov. 9.

Bryce said he has made appearances at the Eagle Crest, Azalea, Yacht Club Estates, Campbell Park, Central Oak Park, Westminster Heights and Historic Kenwood neighborhood meetings.

“I firmly believe that if we work together on issues, we can accomplish anything together,” he said. “So, to that end, I invite all neighborhoods throughout the city to get involved, to reach out to CONA. We want to work with you, we want to support you.”