
June 10, 2026
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch faced sharp criticism from challengers during the city's first mayoral debate as issues such as storm response and transparency dominated discussion. Opponents including Charlie Crist questioned his leadership while campaign finance figures highlighted disparities ahead of August's primary.
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June 10, 2026
St. Petersburg's mayoral candidates differ sharply on how they would handle Florida's new restrictions on diversity initiatives after a recent debate revealed varied strategies ranging from cautious compliance to outright opposition. The city's current leadership has started making adjustments ahead of required changes set for January.
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June 10, 2026
U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis has endorsed Sam Wilson for Clearwater City Council Seat 5 ahead of an August election featuring multiple candidates vying for an open seat. The race has drawn significant attention due to high-profile endorsements and fundraising differences among contenders.
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June 9, 2026
The Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS endorsed Brandi Gabbard over incumbent Ken Welch in St. Petersburg's mayoral race on June 9. The group cited her experience with redevelopment issues like the Historic Gas Plant District as central reasons.
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June 8, 2026
A coalition of faith leaders in St. Petersburg has endorsed Mayor Ken Welch's bid for re-election ahead of an August contest featuring multiple challengers. The group cites Welch's focus on inclusive leadership and community investment as reasons for their support.
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June 5, 2026
Activate St. Pete has endorsed Brandi Gabbard in the upcoming St. Petersburg mayoral race citing her focus on transportation safety and people-centered policies. Gabbard's campaign emphasizes affordability measures alongside housing reform proposals as she faces several challengers including incumbent Mayor Ken Welch.
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June 5, 2026
Senator Nick DiCeglie endorsed Kathleen Peters for re-election to the Pinellas County Commission District 6 seat on June 5. Peters faces Democratic challenger David Glenn Jr., holds significant fundraising advantages, and maintains strong Republican voter registration numbers.
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June 5, 2026
The Clearwater City Council has advanced a request by the Church of Scientology regarding control over part of South Garden Avenue downtown following legal opinions about property ownership rights. Opposition groups continue litigation related to rejected petitions seeking voter input on such decisions.
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June 2, 2026
St. Petersburg wrapped its City Hall steps in pride colors before its upcoming Pride celebration amid ongoing restrictions from new state laws targeting diversity initiatives in local government settings. Officials say this installation honors inclusivity while complying with recent regulations.
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June 2, 2026
The St. Petersburg City Council has formally warned state lawmakers that proposed property tax cuts could threaten funding for key city services such as public safety and infrastructure projects. The council's resolution comes amid debate over Governor Ron DeSantis' plan aimed at reducing or eliminating certain property taxes.
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