Welch makes mayoral history, announces Office of Strategic Initiatives

St. Petersburg made history Thursday as Ken Welch officially became the first African American to lead the city in the 130 years since it elected its first mayor.

Welch took his oath to serve as the city’s 54th mayor virtually, as he is home isolating due to a mild case of Covid. The ceremonial events surrounding his inauguration were pre-recorded but embodied his inclusive mantra - "we are St. Pete." Local schoolchildren recited the Pledge of Allegiance from the steps of City Hall, followed by local saxophonist Jordan Bold’s stirring rendition of the National Anthem.

City Council welcomes three new members	Largo to borrow $62M+ for a new, modern City Hall
Developer behind Moxy Hotel project in Edge District alters plan	Brandes discusses legislative priorities ahead of his last session as senator

Phyllis Wheatley campaign seeks the community’s help to increase literacy

Maria Scruggs realizes that addressing the many issues under the racial equity umbrella can be a daunting task, which is why the Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign starts at the foundation - children who struggle to read.