ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The City of St. Petersburg is celebrating a successful legislative session after the Florida Legislature approved three key policy priorities championed by the city as part of its 2025 Legislative Agenda.
These approved provisions address critical local issues including flooding safety, affordable housing development, and construction crane regulations.
Mayor Kenneth Welch lauded the legislative wins, highlighting their alignment with the city’s “Pillars for Progress”: Neighborhood Health & Safety and Housing Opportunities for All.
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“The passage of these state legislative priorities underscores our focus on two of St. Petersburg’s Pillars for Progress,” said Mayor Welch. “By listening to our residents and working in coordination with our state partners, these smart, forward-looking policies will ensure that St. Petersburg and Florida, as a whole, will be a safer, more affordable place to live.”
The approved measures are expected to be signed into law in the coming days and include:
“No Vehicle Wake Flood Zone” (Part of SB 462): This provision directly responds to resident concerns in St. Petersburg and other flood-prone areas. It prohibits drivers from recklessly speeding through flooded streets and creating damaging wakes that cause property loss and disruption after heavy rain or hurricanes. Spearheaded by Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Chair Councilmember Brandi Gabbard in collaboration with city departments and law enforcement, this measure provides a new tool for enhancing public safety.
Councilmember Gabbard commented on the significance of the provision, stating, “This legislation will be incredibly helpful to not only protecting resident homes and businesses but will also give our law enforcement the tools they need to keep our city safe.” She added that the resident-led initiative demonstrates that “when concerned individuals work together in a bipartisan way to address our greatest challenges, solutions are possible.”
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“Yes In God’s Backyard” (Part of SB 1730): This provision empowers local governments to partner with faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing. Championed by Mayor Welch as a creative approach to the affordable housing crisis, this initiative follows his earlier call for such partnerships in 2024. The provision aims to unlock potential sites for much-needed affordable homes across the state.
“Crane Safety During Emergencies” (Part of SB 180): Following a downtown crane collapse, the City recognized the need for stronger regulations. This provision establishes substantive statutory obligations for crane operators and builders, requiring adherence to best practices.
While acknowledging that local governments were previously preempted from regulating cranes, Mayor Welch directed his administration to seek a statewide framework. The City views this as a vital first step towards increased safety but plans to advocate for even stronger language in the future.
The City credited the collaborative effort involving staff, community leaders, City Council, and the local legislative delegation for these legislative achievements. Special thanks were extended to Representatives Lindsay Cross, Michele Rayner, and Linda Chaney, and Senators Nick DiCeglie and Darryl Rouson for their sponsorship, advocacy, and support of these critical provisions.
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