Wait, did you hear about the money?
St. Petersburg is currently sitting in the middle of a massive $976 million budget cycle for 2026, and things are getting a little weird. Between a former campaign treasurer accused of disappearing with six figures and a baseball stadium deal that feels like it’s been "almost finished" for a decade, there is a lot to unpack.
If you live here, or even if you’re just visiting for the Spirit Fest Expo this weekend, you’ve probably noticed the cranes. They are everywhere. But behind the construction noise, there’s some genuine drama happening at City Hall.
The $200k Campaign Scandal No One Expected
Honestly, the biggest shocker lately involves Mayor Ken Welch’s political committee. Imagine checking the books and finding out $207,000 is just... gone. That’s exactly what happened earlier this week. The committee reported its former treasurer to state and federal authorities over "unauthorized transactions."
It’s the kind of news that makes you do a double-take. When you’re trying to run a city with a billion-dollar budget, having $200k vanish from your personal political stash isn’t exactly a great look. People are asking questions about oversight.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Trump Revoking Mayorkas Secret Service Protection
Was it a one-time thing? Was there a system failure? We don’t have all the answers yet, but investigators are digging through the digital paper trail as we speak.
Breaking News St. Petersburg: The Rays Stadium Saga Continues
If you’re tired of hearing about the Tampa Bay Rays stadium, I get it. We all are. But this week actually brought a real update.
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) trustees are currently weighing a non-binding agreement tied to the potential stadium. Why does a college in Tampa care about a stadium in St. Pete? It’s all about the economic ripple effect. Former Mayor Rick Kriseman and various economic experts have been leaning in on these discussions lately.
The goal is still an April 2029 opening. That feels like a lifetime away, but in "stadium years," it’s right around the corner. The city is pushing hard to make the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment more than just a place to watch a ballgame. They want mixed-use housing, retail, and—most importantly—jobs.
👉 See also: Franklin D Roosevelt Civil Rights Record: Why It Is Way More Complicated Than You Think
What’s happening at the Gas Plant District?
- Proposals are back: The city is officially looking at new redevelopment ideas for the 86-acre site.
- Greystar’s Move: Major developer Greystar just threw its weight behind one of the leading proposals.
- Housing Focus: A huge chunk of the 2026 budget ($9.7 million) is specifically earmarked for affordable housing and land acquisition.
The Cold Snap and the CALL Program
It’s Florida, so "cold" is a relative term. But with temperatures dipping this week, the city's CALL (Community Assistance and Life Liaison) program has been out in full force.
This program is basically St. Pete’s way of saying "maybe we don't need a cop for every single problem." Instead of sending a badge to every call involving a mental health crisis or a homeless resident in the cold, they send social workers.
They’ve been handing out blankets and supplies all weekend. Honestly, it’s one of the few government programs that almost everyone in town seems to actually like. It’s getting about $1.7 million in funding this year, which is a small price to pay for keeping people out of the ER or the jail.
Infrastructure: Why Your Commute is a Nightmare
If you’ve been stuck on the Howard Frankland or I-275 lately, you aren't alone. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has lane closures scheduled through today, January 17, and honestly, they show no signs of stopping.
✨ Don't miss: 39 Carl St and Kevin Lau: What Actually Happened at the Cole Valley Property
The 2026 budget has $352 million going into Public Works. Most of that is for stuff you’ll never see—like $42 million for water reclamation and $25 million for lift stations. It sounds boring until your toilet doesn't flush.
But for those of us driving, the "Complete Streets" initiative is the thing to watch. They’re trying to make the city more walkable, which is great in theory, but it means more construction barrels on 62nd Ave North and downtown for the foreseeable future.
What’s Happening This Weekend?
If you need a break from the news, there’s a lot of "vibe-heavy" stuff going on. The Spirit Fest Metaphysical & Crystal Expo is taking over the city today and tomorrow.
If crystals aren't your thing, the MLK Day preparations are in high gear. The parade on Monday is expected to be one of the biggest in years. It’s not just a celebration; it’s a massive economic driver. Tourism data shows the weekend brings in millions to local hotels and restaurants.
Facts You Might Have Missed
- Crime Update: Police just caught a second suspect in that string of CVS robberies where employees were sprayed with chemicals.
- Science is Back: They finally broke ground on the new Science Center. It’s been closed for a decade, so seeing shovels in the ground is a big win for the kids in the neighborhood.
- Soccer News: The Philadelphia Union announced they’ll be playing the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a preseason match here on February 7.
Actionable Steps for St. Pete Residents
Don't just read the news—navigate it. Here is what you actually need to do this week:
- Check the FDOT Schedule: If you’re planning to cross the bridge tomorrow, check the lane closure maps. The I-275 shifts are currently unpredictable.
- MLK Parade Parking: If you’re heading downtown Monday, get there before 9:00 AM. The street closures for the parade will block off most of the core transit routes.
- Warming Shelters: If you know someone who needs a warm place to stay, the county-by-county list is live on the city website. The CALL program is the best resource for immediate supply needs.
- Budget Input: The city is still rolling out the "Five Pillars of Progress" projects. Keep an eye on the City Council agendas if you want to have a say in how that $202 million for capital improvements actually gets spent in your specific neighborhood.
St. Petersburg is growing fast—maybe too fast for some—but the next few months of budget rollouts and stadium negotiations will define what this city looks like for the next twenty years.