ST. PETERSBURG — Mayor Ken Welch says his first term in office was complicated by a series of unforeseeable events that made governing St. Petersburg considerably more difficult than anticipated. Speaking after Tuesday’s election, Welch pointed to hurricanes, the collapse of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal and an increasingly political environment among the challenges…

ST. PETERSBURG — A new residential development planned for St. Pete’s EDGE District will place security at the center of the resident experience, incorporating Flock Safety cameras throughout the building. The Sentry, a 20-story mixed-use development featuring 310 apartments and ground-floor retail, will use the increasingly popular camera technology to provide what developers describe as…

With Election Day less than a week away, St. Pete voters appear increasingly ready for change. Recent polling shows former Gov. Charlie Crist leading the field, with Council member Brandi Gabbard continuing to gain ground. Meanwhile, Mayor Ken Welch has struggled to retain support as voters increasingly look elsewhere. “People are ready for someone new,”…

CLEARWATER — Pinellas County officials are reportedly considering the sale of Fort De Soto Park as one of several options for reducing expenses if a proposed property tax amendment passes this November. County officials have warned that the amendment would force significant cuts to police, fire and EMS, while making public parks impossible to maintain….

With St. Petersburg once again considering higher utility rates, a new report from the Center for Municipal Innovation suggests residents may be more accepting of future increases if they are given the opportunity to choose between multiple water subscription plans. The $18.6 million study was commissioned following years of complaints about rising utility bills, with…

A newly released urban planning study has concluded that recent flooding across St. Petersburg is being driven less by rainfall and drainage infrastructure than by years of organized opposition to new development. The report, commissioned by the nonprofit Urban Density Institute, found that neighborhoods resisting redevelopment have unintentionally disrupted the city’s “natural stormwater adaptation cycle,”…

A new luxury residential tower planned for downtown St. Pete will require prospective residents to meet minimum beauty standards before signing a lease, developers announced this week. The Aesthetic, a proposed 42-story luxury development in downtown St. Pete, will evaluate applicants using a combination of facial symmetry, physical fitness, wardrobe, and personal hygiene. “We’re not…

The Poodle Exchange has officially opened in downtown St. Pete! The new luxury boutique allows residents to exchange their designer dogs as often as every 30 days, helping members keep pace with changing neighborhoods, social circles, and personal brands. The showroom features everything from Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles to Bernedoodles and Cavapoos, with staff available to…

ST. PETERSBURG — City officials held a press conference Tuesday to reassure residents that 400 Central was built to the highest standards of modern construction and remains an exceptional example of luxury development. “We’ve noticed some members of the public have developed an unfortunate habit of looking at the building with concern,” said Director of…

CLEARWATER — The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority voted Wednesday to approve a $300 million settlement for local businessman Jeff Knight, concluding that after months of criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and relentless media attention, the businessman has simply been through enough. “We’ve heard enough about the people on the ferry,” said Graham Whitmore, Deputy Director of…