St. Petersburg, Florida Development News
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City Council
Published: Jul 9, 2026
99-Year Lease Approved for Ferg's Sports Bar, Advancing CSX Rail Trail Project
The City Council approved the final step for the CSX rail trail acquisition, involving a 99-year lease for Ferg's Sports Bar. This lease is part of the project to connect the Booker Creek bike trail to the Pinellas Trail, aiming to increase public access and activity in the downtown area and near Tropicana Field. This step finalizes the lease matters, with funds from the leases contributing to the purchase price, which will then be transferred to the Trust for Public Land and subsequently to the city. This public-private partnership represents a long-awaited development to improve transit options and support economic growth in the Grand Central District and surrounding areas.
Hart Bridge Marina Submerged Lands Lease Extension to Facilitate Improvements
The council considered a proposed ordinance (6.40-h) to amend the city charter to extend the term for submerged lands leases at the Hart Bridge Marina. This amendment aims to facilitate the construction of improvements and was presented as an opportunity to enrich the maritime community and preserve water-based heritage. The Saint Pete Innovation District and its partners expressed strong support, highlighting the need for longer lease terms to provide certainty for investments and enabling transformational projects. The proposal mirrors a successful framework used at the airport and is intended to protect city interests while enabling strategic investment. A referendum is planned for November 3rd, 2026, to authorize the amendment.
Call for Police Department Investigation Following Concerns Over Death Investigation Procedures
Justin Archer, representing the Panthers of Florida, addressed the council regarding the death investigation of Sarah Anderson. He stated that the initial case closure by a civilian employee without a police investigation was unacceptable. While Detective Brian O'Bree reopened the case and concluded it was suicide, Archer called for an investigation into the Police Department's conduct and how death investigations are handled. The Mayor's office has been notified, and the Panthers of Florida will conduct their own investigation.
Initiative to Establish Flood Mitigation Workforce Training Programs Proposed
Councilmember Gabbard requested referral to the Economic and Workforce Development Committee or another relevant committee for discussing initiatives to establish and support resilient flood mitigation workforce training programs. This aims to develop a skilled workforce capable of addressing flood risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
Council Debates Ballot Language for Vacant Lot Referendum: Specific Housing Use vs. Broader Options
Councilmember Harding requested clarification on a proposed ordinance regarding the removal of city-owned vacant lots from the park system. The discussion focused on the ordinance's relevance to the referendum itself, specifically the wording about 'subsequent separate land use changes and potential sale for affordable or workforce housing.' The council sought to understand if the referendum itself should dictate the specific use or if it should be broader. Legal counsel explained that the charter map protections are unique and changing them requires a referendum, while zoning changes do not. The administration confirmed their intent is for the lots to be used for affordable or workforce housing, with covenants to ensure this, even if sold privately. The council discussed the possibility of broadening the ballot language to include 'other community uses' beyond just housing, with legal counsel suggesting revisions to accommodate this if desired. A motion to approve the ordinance as is passed.
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