For readers in St. Petersburg, this page covers elections, government policy and city council decisions. Reporting follows the legislative processes that shape the municipality and the civic life of the area.
Assistant Public Defender Gabriel Hament defeated Courtney Bermudez in the city's District 2 council race on Election Day.
Live Poll
Do you think local city elections should be held in midterm years with state and federal races?
Voters in St. Petersburg choose between incumbent Ken Welch and former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist while also weighing a $600 million stormwater bond.
Live Poll
Should candidates with housing-sector experience be prioritized for local city council seats?
The two candidates head to a runoff in the November 3 St. Petersburg City Council election.
Live Poll
Should colleges actively host events to encourage students to vote in national elections?
The Project Citizen Fellows used free tacos to draw students to voter registration stations on campus.
Live Poll
Should local governments be permitted to restrict religious or community activities in historic local buildings?
The organization is seeking injunctive relief to resume operations at its historic church property.
Day to day, that means election results, local ordinance debates, public testimony and shifting political trends. It reaches across the city and the communities around it. St. Petersburg features a strong mayor-council system that defines how power and administration flow through the local government. Budgetary cycles and capital improvement projects are the most recurring items that demand public attention.
