St. Petersburg City Council

St. Petersburg City Council members voted 5-3 to move forward with the plan to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District. A final vote is scheduled for July 11.

The deal to redevelop Tropicana Field into a mini city-within-a-city took one step closer to reality Wednesday. St. Petersburg City Council members appear to back the plan — with some revisions. Their first vote is Thursday.

The south St. Petersburg neighborhood has been designated a federal food desert ever since a Walmart closed down seven years ago.

During a workshop with the Rays-Hines partnership, City Council members asked about affordable housing, jobs, a timeline and reconnecting the site with neighborhoods.

The taxpayer research institute identified two potential risks: one if the new stadium is built and one if it's not.

The city and Duke Energy announced the Renter Utility Relief Program at a news conference Friday. This plan will help renters pay electric, sanitation and water bills that are past due.

The move followed a discussion on whether the team should become the St. Petersburg Rays, an idea pitched by former St. Pete Mayor Rick Baker.

City Council members will discuss the possibility of renaming the franchise as part of the deal to build the Rays’ new stadium during their meeting Dec. 14.

On Thursday, council members voted to repeal the city's Tenant Bill of Rights to remain in compliance with new state rules. Now, the city is exploring what options remain.

The pilot program has gained national and international attention.

Two Tampa-area Republican representatives told council members that voting in favor of the funding would break state law, and they'd oppose further state appropriations from the state if the allocation passed.

Almost 2,900 eligible St. Petersburg communities and property owners have the option to convert their home or build up into four residences on a typical sized single-family lot.