Newly sworn in members of the St. Petersburg City Council at their first meeting, discussing recovery plans.
The St. Petersburg City Council held a ceremony to swear in new members, marking a significant transition for the city as it aims to recover from hurricanes and pursue stadium developments. Chairperson Copley Gerdes and vice chair Lisset Hanewicz will lead the council, which also welcomed Mike Harting and Corey Givens Jr. Both newcomers expressed a commitment to addressing community needs and focusing on hurricane recovery. Former Councilmember John Muhammad was honored for his service, symbolizing continuity and hope for future developments in the city.
In a warm and lively ceremony at St. Petersburg City Hall, the excitement was palpable as new council members were officially welcomed to their roles. This marks a fresh start for the city as it navigates recovery from recent hurricanes, while also setting the stage for ambitious developments, including the local stadium.
The day was particularly special for Copley Gerdes, who has taken on the responsibility of Chairperson of the City Council for 2025. Alongside him, Lisset Hanewicz stepped into the role of vice chairperson. Their leadership is expected to guide the council through what promises to be a busy year.
Two new faces were sworn in for the first time: Mike Harting from District 3 and Corey Givens Jr. from District 7. Their arrival signals a mix of experience and fresh perspectives, as they join ongoing discussions about community issues.
The ceremony also took a moment to recognize the dedicated service of former Chairperson Deborah Figgs-Sanders, whose leadership was noted for its strength during a tumultuous year marked by natural disasters and economic challenges. While she successfully campaigned for reelection, the council acknowledged her contributions significantly shaped the current direction.
Another highlight was the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to outgoing Councilmember John Muhammad by Mayor Ken Welch. Muhammad chose to resign from his position, opting to focus on community activism instead of pursuing a second term. His dedication to his district has left a lasting impact, and he was honored for his leadership during difficult times.
In a touching moment, Muhammad gifted a baton to Givens Jr., symbolizing the hopes and trust of the residents. Givens Jr. embraced this legacy and has expressed dedication to representing all residents of District 7 equally.
Councilmember Brandi Gabbard was quick to highlight the valuable business experience Harting brings to the council, which is essential for navigating the needs of nearly 300,000 residents. He reiterated the pressing importance of prioritizing hurricane recovery efforts and bringing renewed focus to infrastructure improvements.
Gerdes, who has held the vice chair position in the past, now leads the council with a commitment to make substantial progress toward community needs. Notably, the council has identified significant challenges ahead in 2024, including the dramatic $6.57 billion redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.
Incoming members Givens Jr. and Harting both expressed a passion for advocacy on pressing community topics. Givens Jr. particularly wants to ensure that better revenue sharing is included in the proposed Rays stadium deal while also emphasizing the need for historical preservation efforts in the redevelopment area.
Meanwhile, Harting is focused on reassessing how budget allocations can be better aligned with hurricane resilience and addressing existing infrastructure failures. Both council members highlighted the importance of actively engaging with residents to ensure their priorities are heard and met.
As St. Petersburg ushers in this new chapter, community members are hopeful for a productive year ahead. The new council members bring with them a sense of renewed energy and commitment to rebuild and improve, setting the tone for a promising future amidst ongoing recovery efforts from recent hurricanes.
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