St. Pete’s planning director announces retirement
February 28, 2025 - Elizabeth “Liz” Abernethy, St. Petersburg’s planning and development director, has announced her impending retirement. According to emails obtained by the Catalyst, her last day on the job is April 4. Abernethy began her career with the city in September 2014 and led the permitting, zoning, building and historic preservation departments. Her efforts garnered statewide acclaim in 2024.