ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said the city is resilient in its hurricane response and preparation for the future.
Delivering his State of the City address Tuesday morning at the Palladium Theater, Welch stressed the city's infrastructure, discussed the past year and the challenges of back-to-back storms and the ongoing rebuilding process, inlcuding speeding up the repair permitting process.
The mayor detailed some of the city's plans moving forward to guard against future storms, including flood-proofing buildings, an aquafence to protect key infrastructure, guarding against storm surge and hardening the city's sewer system.
He also discussed the future of the Gas Plant District and the ongoing stadium deal for the Tampa Bay Rays.
What You Need To Know
- St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch delivered his State of the City address Tuesday morning
- Welch spoke about city infrastructure, storm preps and the Rays stadium
- Welch also said regardless of what move the Rays make, the city is prepared to move forward with a development plan with or without a stadium
Welch also discussed positives of St. Petersburg, including his Pillars of Progress program, improving housing, why he believes in DEI and the city's neighborhoods.
"2024 was no ordinary year," Welch said. "The past year produced great achievements, a swell as extraordinary challenges.
"It also highlighted what makes us strong....(including) neighbors helping neighbors. It was uplifting to see that spirit of purpose and partnership in action. The State of the City is strong, unified and resilient."
While highlighting the city's move toward more business development, Welch touched on an effort to help create more small businesses as well as Foot Locker bringing its company headquarters to St. Pete.
Meanwhile, regarding the Rays, Welch said said he’s optimistic about finalizing the deal with the team and the stadium and Gas Plant development going forward. He also added the city and county have done everything expected of them and that the next move belongs to the team.
“We’ve never been this close,” Welch said, regarding the deal. “We’ve got all the local funding on board, we’ve got the 12 agreements signed, we have the agreements the Rays signed in hindsight five months ago to move forward. I’m hopeful that can happen.”
Welch added the city still has a responsibility to repair Tropicana Field and provide the Rays a place to play for the next couple of seasons.
The next big milestone in the talks for a new stadium is on March 31, when the team has to show they’ve met the requirements to unlock funding for the project.
Welch also said regardless of what move the Rays make, the city is prepared to move forward with a development plan with or without a stadium.
"The plan is vetted and feasible," Welch said. "The only thing we need to more forward is for the Rays the agreement signed six months ago. If we still have that willing partner, we will move forward, which is my clear preference."
Still, the mayor said the city is prepared if the deal is not completed.
"We will not pursue a deal at any cost," he said. "Stay tuned. We'll keep working to the final out."