St. Pete mourns city attorney – and friend – Michael Dema

The St. Petersburg community continues to mourn the death of Michael Dema, who was equally known for his legal expertise, passion for serving the city and gregarious personality. 

Dema, managing assistant attorney for the city, died June 13. The St. Petersburg native was 45. 

His obituary notice, published Monday, has received an outpouring of support and reflections from local officials and friends. The two groups often intertwined.

Several current and former council members shared their thoughts and feelings with the Catalyst. “Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover how we’re all feeling right now,” said Councilmember Brandi Gabbard. 

“Michael was a remarkable public servant and friend to all,” Gabbard said. “His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our city, yet his legacy of positive change will forever carry on through the lives he impacted.”

Michael Dema, managing assistant city attorney. Photo: Brett Funeral Home.

Dema was born May 6, 1980. He attended St. Petersburg High School, and Scott Bitterli, a classmate, said fellow students marveled at his intellect. 

However, Bitterli noted Dema was “still a very personable, fun dude. He wasn’t just a bookworm, so that was even more impressive to us.” 

After graduation, Dema moved to Providence, Rhode Island, to attend Brown University. He earned a Master’s degree in environmental science from the Ivy League school. 

Dema returned to St. Petersburg, worked in the field and eventually began studying environmental law. He graduated from Stetson University College of Law and passed the Florida Bar exam in 2011. 

Dema subsequently began his career with the City of St. Petersburg, specializing in land use and environmental issues. Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz, also a lawyer, called him a “fantastic attorney who was not just smart, but had empathy, a fantastic sense of humor, charisma and was just pragmatic – and that made him really good at his job.

“So, I loved working with him, and it leaves a deep hole in terms of our city,” Hanewicz added. “His impact has been big. It’s been 12.5 years of his work on pretty much every land development and environmental issue that has touched the city that we are losing.” 

Gabbard noted Dema was the “driving force behind pivotal legislation like the 2021 Urban Agriculture Act and the 2025 No Wake Zone Bill, as well as every ordinance I’ve had the honor of passing on the City Council.” A decade-long plan to create an environmentally responsible and financially lucrative seagrass conservation area along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront was also a passion project for Dema. 

In March, Hanewicz said Dema should star in a video documenting the city’s efforts to establish the much-anticipated Seagrass Mitigation Bank. “When his legal background and his environmental work would collide – he loved that,” she said Wednesday. 

Councilmember Gina Driscoll called Dema’s death a “devastating loss,” saying she was “still shocked and crushed with sadness.”

“There are good public servants, and then there are legends,” Driscoll continued. “Michael Dema will always be revered as a legend in St. Petersburg. Words cannot express the depth of my grief.”

Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders said she knew Dema through an advisory committee before she was elected to office, where he continued providing a “wealth of knowledge.” She cannot recall a time in the past decade when he did not have easily understandable answers to complicated questions. 

“Yes, I am so sad that he passed, especially at such a young age, but I am encouraged by the relationship I had with Mike,” Figgs-Sanders said. “Mike knew what he meant to me.” 

Former Councilmember Ed Montanari said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Dema’s death while on vacation in Europe. He called Dema a “remarkable man” who only “comes along once in a great while.” 

Montanari said Dema’s work ethic and dedication to the city were also “second to none.” Former Councilmember Robert Blackmon will remember his “wonderful, kind demeanor, even when the subject matter was tense.” 

Bitterli noted Dema’s affinity for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and music, particularly classic rock. The two often discussed local politics and how to rally opposing parties around shared interests. 

His voice breaking, Bitterli called it incredible to hear that “so many people felt they had such a personal connection” with Dema. “It’s really powerful and another one of his great attributes,” he said. 

Bitterli hopes the next generation of city leaders will “carry on the torch” for Dema by advocating for the same issues and projects. “So all his work doesn’t get undone or fall back. I think that would be a great legacy for him.” 

Bitterli also wants current officials to name “something meaningful” after Dema. Perhaps a seagrass restoration area. 

The cause of death has not been released.

For funeral service information, visit the website here.

Update: Multiple city officials offered their thoughts after publication. 

“Michael ‘Hollywood’ Dema was one of the best,” said Council Chair Copley Gerdes. “One of my favorite memories is spending six years on the CPCC (Community Planning & Preservation Commission), hearing about stuff I just didn’t understand, and he made it so understandable. The world lost a really good human being, and the City of St. Petersburg lost a titan.”

“I was shocked and incredibly saddened to hear of Michael’s (Dema’s) passing,” said Councilmember Richie Floyd. “My experiences with him were always positive. He taught me so much and fiercely fought on behalf of the city. I will miss him terribly.”

“For more than 12 years, Michael (Dema) was a trusted advisor, a true public servant and a beloved colleague,” said Mayor Ken Welch. “His work touched nearly every corner of our city government, and his legacy will live on in the policies, partnerships and progress he helped shape. It’s hard to imagine City Hall without  Michael Dema’s sharp legal mind, steady guidance and trademark wit when we need it most. Our deepest condolences go out to Michael’s family, friends and the members of our city team who worked with him closely. We have lost a valued leader and a dear friend. His contributions to St. Petersburg will not be forgotten.”