News Summary
St. Petersburg recently hosted a series of workshops called ‘Voices from the Corridor’ to engage residents in enhancing the historic Deuces Corridor. Focused on ideas to honor the area’s rich Black history and improve vital infrastructure, community members prioritized key recommendations for city officials. Nearly $5 million in grants from the Florida Department of Transportation will aid these initiatives, aiming to revitalize not only the Deuces but also surrounding areas like the Warehouse Arts District and historic sites. The workshops highlighted the importance of collaboration between residents and planners.
Community Workshops Shape Future Improvements for St. Petersburg’s Historic Deuces Corridor
St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as residents, business leaders, and community advocates come together to talk about making their beloved city even better! A series of engaging workshops, known as “Voices from the Corridor,” are helping to kick off fresh ideas and improvements for the famous Deuces Corridor, which runs along 22nd Street South.
This initiative, called Imagine the Deuces, is all about honoring the rich history and culture that shaped the Deuces, a place that was once a lively hub boasting over 100 Black-owned businesses during its peak in the 1960s. The series of workshops aim to have residents actively participate in imagining what the future should look like for this historic area.
Workshop Highlights
It all started on February 11 at the Center for Health Equity, where community members gathered to share their thoughts and ideas. Workshop sessions followed on February 18 at the St. Petersburg College Midtown Campus and on February 20 at the vibrant Warehouse Arts District. To immerse everyone in the feel of the area, a special walking tour of the Deuces added a unique touch to the discussions.
The final workshop was held on a Tuesday night at the same Center for Health Equity, where participants reviewed the suggestions that were shared during the earlier workshops. Together, they prioritized key recommendations to present to city officials for potential implementation, ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the future of the Deuces Corridor and Warehouse Arts District.
Co-Creating the Future
These workshops strongly emphasized the power of collaboration and co-creation between residents and city planners. Attendees got to learn about the significant strides made since the 2018 Action Plan and viewed exciting current projects transforming the area.
The discussions were guided by insights from the Keys Consulting Firm in partnership with city staff, highlighting the importance of community feedback in the planning process. Enthusiastic participants dove into various topics that matter most to them, from zoning changes to upgrading electrical infrastructure. They also stressed the need for solar lights at Deuces Park and voiced their desire for more grocery stores and affordable housing in the area.
Cultural Preservation and Concerns
As part of preserving the cultural essence of the Deuces, attendees discussed ways to refresh vibrant murals and even transform bus stops into chic public art installations. However, not everyone was fully on board. Some residents shared concerns that the discussions were missing a vital piece — support for existing businesses in the Deuces. Their input highlighted the need to ensure that the area’s current businesses are also thriving as new improvements take shape.
LaShante Keys from the consulting firm noted the overwhelming spirit of cooperation seen throughout the workshops. That enthusiasm for collaboration is evident in the plans to enhance the Deuces Corridor.
Funding and Future Plans
In an exciting move, nearly $5 million in grants from the Florida Department of Transportation are expected to boost improvements along 22nd Street. Federal grants are also set to fund safety projects, which include new crosswalks and solar lighting for the popular Pinellas Trail.
Future developments could potentially include the much-anticipated redevelopment of Tangerine Plaza, bringing life back to the historic Manhattan Casino, and revitalizing the Historic Gas Plant District. The Imagine the Deuces initiative is not just a project; it’s a reflection of continuous efforts to uplift the community while cherishing its historical roots.
For those wanting to dive deeper into these inspiring initiatives or to keep an eye on upcoming plans, further details can be found at stpete.org/imagine.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Community Workshops and Leadership Appointments
St. Petersburg Launches Community Workshops for The Deuces
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Voices from the Corridor Workshop
- Florida Trend: New Law for Homebuyers
- St. Peterising: Deuces Rising Plan
- Visit Florida: Deuces Neighborhood
- Weekly Challenger: Deuces Live Community Input
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
