Ken Welch

Welch was forced to defend his first term as some of his policies came under attack by the other candidates.

The exchange comes as Gov. DeSantis is simultaneously pushing a statewide proposal that could eventually eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties altogether.

“Right now, this city’s creative community is in crisis. Artists are moving away.”

It's the fourth time in two decades the city has opened up the district to redevelopment proposals. Here's how the latest round of bids reimagine the 86-acre site in downtown St. Pete.

“Mayor Ken Welch has been a thoughtful, collaborative leader for St. Petersburg and a strong partner for our entire region,” Castor said in a prepared statement.

A submission deadline is scheduled for April 30.

A bill that would ban cities and counties from actively participating or funding DEI — diversity, equity and inclusion events — passed the state Senate Thursday.

Lakeland residents face higher electric bills, while a Senate bill transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee land to New College vanishes — leaving both energy costs and campus plans in uncertainty.

On "Florida Matters Live & Local," St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch took listeners' calls and addressed several topics, including the redevelopment of the historic Gas Plant District.

"Florida Matters Live & Local" sits down with Mayor Ken Welch, examines how immigration verification rules would reshape local services in Manatee County, and explores efforts to restore a historic Tampa landmark.

Mayor Ken Welch said now is not the time to stop any progress that has been made in what would become the largest redevelopment project in the city's history.

The number of submissions is down to eight after the city of St. Petersburg website listed a development from Tempo Novus as withdrawn.