New Advocacy Group Says It Speaks for the Black Community in South St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG — A new local advocacy organization says it has spent the past few days listening to the voices of South St. Pete residents, and they’re ready to help communicate their priorities to city leaders this Thursday.

“We’ve spoken directly with the community,” organizer Graham Whitmore explained. “And what we’re hearing is that people want a more diverse, upscale, investor-friendly future.”

According to representatives from the St. Pete Community Vision Coalition, Southside residents overwhelmingly support luxury condos, boutique hotels, and elevated rental values.

“South St. Pete is a beautiful community, but there’s a noticeable shortage of luxury here,” said coalition member Elliot Mercer. “Young urban residents consistently tell us they’d like to see more investment in that direction.”

Organizers also expressed support for reducing the presence of automobiles in the area, describing Interstate 175 as “an outdated barrier to premium housing opportunities.”

“These people don’t want to feel defined by drab homes and old neighborhood culture anymore,” activist Bennett Holloway explained. “They want vibrancy. They want diversity. They want density.”

Representatives say the organization has already submitted several letters of support backing proposals that would eventually replace portions of Interstate 175 with luxury condos and a curated lifestyle retail experience.

The organization says its efforts are focused on helping amplify the voices of historically underserved communities, particularly residents who may not have experience navigating planning meetings or development hearings.

“We’re essentially helping translate community needs into actionable policy language,” Whitmore said.

Several presentation boards displayed during the meeting featured conceptual renderings of pedestrian corridors lined with luxury apartments, outdoor cafés, rooftop dog bars, and mixed-use retail villages.

A longtime South St. Pete resident attending the meeting appeared somewhat confused by the presentation.

“I don’t even know what that guy was talking about,” said Loretta Davis, who has lived in South St. Pete for more than 40 years. “I just wish the rent wasn’t so high.”