St. Pete welcomes Latin American officials, business

St. Petersburg government and business leaders welcomed counterparts from Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic to the city Feb. 13 in a show of solidarity amid increasing state and national tensions.

The festive evening reception at the St. Pete Pier followed the three-day LatAm Tradeshow, which began Feb. 11 at Port Tampa Bay. It highlighted the city’s commitment to growing and diversifying the local economy and support for entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusiveness.

The trade show and reception came just days after the American President agreed to pause tariffs on Mexico and Colombia. Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed multiple bills Feb. 13 designed to increase penalties for illegal immigration.

“Today, we’re breaking ground on a relationship between the City of St. Petersburg and our neighbors in Latin America,” said Mayor Ken Welch. “More than 150 business owners, economic leaders and elected officials have traveled here to see for themselves what we know to be true – and that is St. Pete is open for business, and we want to have your partnership.”

From left: Juan Sabines, consul general of Mexico in Orlando; Nallely Gutierrez, President of Municipalities in Mexico; and Mayor Ken Welch.

Welch said the city shares many similarities with areas throughout Latin America, including “beautiful beaches,” “pristine nature” and a “welcoming spirit that’s hard to find everywhere.” He believes St. Pete, rather than Miami, deserves consideration as the “gateway to the Americas.”

Welch said his administration has worked to expand international relationships as part of a commitment to foster equitable business, development and arts opportunities. “Our diversity is our strength.”

The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation sponsored the standing-room-only reception. Welch said the turnout underscored its impact on area businesses.

“It is my hope and vision that these bonds will only grow stronger,” he added. “And that our social ties will become economic ties.”

City Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz received a particularly warm reception as St. Petersburg’s first Latina elected to office. She addressed “brothers and sisters of the Americas” in Spanish before repeating her presentation in English.

Hanewicz noted that over one billion people live in the Americas. Those people are more likely to visit and spend money in places where they feel welcome.

Hanewicz, who said she was raised to respect everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, said that sentiment extends throughout St. Petersburg. “We know what unites us is much greater than what divides us.”

“Our trade, our economies and our families benefit most when we work together,” Hanewicz continued. “Let us celebrate this opportunity to look to the future of creativity, alliances and innovation between St. Petersburg and Latin America.”

The Orlando-based consul generals of Mexico, Colombia and Republica Dominicana also addressed attendees, often in Spanish. Carlos Candelaria, Mexico’s undersecretary of commerce, spoke on behalf of the country’s secretary of economy.

Several other Latin American officials attended the reception. Nallely Gutierrez, president of the Municipalities of Mexico, presented Welch with a World Leader’s Alliance Award.

Mexican dancers performed after the presentations.

The foreign dignitaries appreciated the opportunity to strengthen economic ties and relationships. Francisco Holi Matos, consul general for the Dominican Republic, stressed the importance of building trust.

Juan Sabines, consul general of Mexico, attended the smaller inaugural reception at Sunken Gardens in 2024. He also frequently visits with his wife, Isabel.

Sabines said St. Petersburg is his favorite U.S. city and credited its inclusiveness. He and other Mexican stakeholders are working to establish a direct flight from Tulum to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.

After the event, Brian Caper, economic development director, noted St. Petersburg’s increase in Hispanic businesses and residents. He also believes it is “incredibly important” to highlight the city’s commitment to international partnerships “in light of what is happening at a regional, state and federal level.”

“We really hope this just continues to demonstrate the fact that St. Petersburg is welcoming to everybody,” Caper said. “And it’s ultimately critical to our economy.”

After the event, Mayor Ken Welch said the Latin American leaders “really embraced” St. Petersburg’s openness and willingness to partner with a “welcome them to our community.”

“I think you felt that tonight,” he added. “I think you heard it in their comments, and that’s exactly the message we wanted to convey.”