Luna delivers $480K for St. Pete Police fleet expansion

St. Petersburg police officers will soon have eight additional vehicles at their disposal, thanks to nearly half a million dollars in federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna.

Luna presented a ceremonial $480,000 check to city leaders and police officials today at St. Petersburg Police Department headquarters, funding that will be used to purchase eight new police vehicles and expand the department’s take-home fleet program.

The project is designed to improve emergency response capabilities while helping the department remain competitive in recruiting and retaining officers.

“I fought to secure this funding because investing in law enforcement is one of the best ways we can keep our communities safe,” Luna said. “The men and women of the St. Petersburg Police Department show up every day to keep our community safe, and they deserve the resources they need to do their jobs well.”

The funding will allow the city to purchase additional Ford Explorer police SUVs, with hybrid models preferred when available to reduce long-term fuel costs.

Take-home vehicle programs have become an increasingly important recruitment and retention tool for law enforcement agencies across Florida. Officers assigned department vehicles can respond more quickly during emergencies, begin shifts from the field and provide a visible police presence in neighborhoods even while off duty.

Police Chief Anthony Holloway said the vehicles provide flexibility beyond St. Petersburg city limits. “Congresswoman Luna took the time to listen to what we needed,” Holloway said. “If another city needs an officer, we can respond. If we need to help another law enforcement agency, we can.”

Mayor Ken Welch called the funding another investment in a department he believes is setting a national standard. “This kind of support means a lot,” Welch said. “The St. Pete Police Department is the best in the nation. We’ve got stats to back that up.

 “In 2025, we recorded the lowest homicide rate in nearly 60 years – since I was one year old.”

The mayor also credited investments in technology and public safety infrastructure for helping drive those results.

“We’ve made a commitment to technology. We set the standard in the nation,” Welch added. “These kinds of support, in this case a federal partner, makes a big difference.”

Said City Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz: “One issue comes up again and again, and it’s public safety. Our residents want to know that when they call for help someone will be there. They want to know that their officers have the resources that they need, so they can respond when they need them.”

The vehicle funding also supplements previous investments made through Penny for Pinellas. City officials noted that while Penny dollars have helped expand the fleet over time, the pace of growth has not kept up with current operational needs.

By expanding the take-home vehicle program, officials say officers will be able to maintain a stronger presence throughout the city’s three police districts while improving response times and operational efficiency.

Luna presented the funding alongside Welch, Hanewicz and Holloway during a ceremony at police headquarters today.