What would you change about our city? For high school students, it’s complicated. We’re old enough to form our own opinions, but most of us are too young to vote on them. We asked students what they care about most in a recent survey as we approach this pivotal mayoral election. Palmetto & Pine reached out to top polling mayoral candidates: current Mayor Ken Welch, former Congressman Charlie Crist, and City Council Member Brandi Gabbard, to hear how they plan to address the concerns raised by students (Former Congressman Charlie Christ respectfully declined to participate in the interview until he is officially announced as a mayoral candidate).
A survey of SPHS students identified housing as the main concern respondents want to see addressed in our city by an incoming mayor, making up 27.3% of responses. Infrastructure followed up closely with 24.2%, reflecting frustration with road construction and public spaces. Immigration and environmental concerns each accounted for 15.2% of responses, while cleanliness and other issues were mentioned less frequently at 9.1%. Candidate responses included in this article have been condensed for clarity and length. Readers can access the full interview transcripts here: https://shorturl.at/j8avf
Because housing ranked as students top concern, candidates were first asked how, if they were to be elected, would they address St. Petersburg’s affordable housing crisis and help those in need?
Mayor Welch said that his administration is treating housing as the city’s top priority issue by investing in affordable housing, working with developers to increase housing supply, and protecting longtime residents from being forced out of St. Pete. Specifically, on the topic of homelessness he emphasized a “housing-first” approach to connect homeless residents with support services. Welch pointed to projects like the Gas Plant District Redevelopment to prioritize affordable housing. “We are working to build a St. Petersburg where you can find opportunity, afford to live, and choose to stay,” Welch said.
Council Member Gabbard said her housing plan would be to prioritize using underutilized city land to expand affordable housing while making sure developments that get city resources provide clear community benefits. She also said that it’s important we don’t just build more but also build smarter with regards to St. Pete being a coastline city and considering the environmental impact. “We aren’t just looking for quick fixes; we are focused on bold durable solutions that ensure your generation can afford to live, work, and thrive right here in St. Petersburg,” Gabbard said, adding that future housing development should use sustainable materials and resilient infrastructure to protect homes from rising tides and climate change, as “true affordability is impossible without resilience”.
Despite somewhat differing approaches, both candidates emphasized that housing policy should make sure that residents can afford to keep living in St. Petersburg long term.
Infrastructure ranked as the second highest concern among students, with many respondents specifically pointing out constant road work, traffic issues, and the state of public parks. Candidates were asked how they would improve infrastructure while also making better public spaces?
Welch said his administration is focused on improving everyday infrastructure by fixing roads, improving traffic flow, while bettering coordination to minimize disruptions for residents. He also highlighted investments in cleaner parks and public spaces so every neighborhood has safe fun places that people are proud of. Welch mentioned initiatives like the St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) Program, which aims to prepare the city for stronger storms by improving stormwater programs and reducing flooding. “We are focused on getting the basics right” Welch said.
Gabbard said her priority is city infrastructure being built for people rather than just cars, referencing her recent efforts leading city council to remove outdated development rules which prioritized giant parking lots over housing and public spaces. She also emphasized as mayor she would place a focus on the need for more efficient road projects that minimize disruption while investing in cleaner green spaces, tree coverage, and infrastructure to protect the city from environmental challenges. “We aren’t just fixing potholes; we are building a St. Petersburg where every block and every street is safe for everyone” Gabbard said.
Many students also expressed concern about immigration policy, specifically with the city’s potential involvement with the federal 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to partner with ICE. Candidates were asked what their administration’s plan would be regarding these concerns.
Gabbard said her focus as Mayor is the safety of all St. Petersburg residents, emphasizing that police departments are most effective when there is trust between officers and the communities they serve. She clearly stated the city will continue to follow federal and state laws, but is not in favor of the idea of local police officers acting as federal immigration agents. “By keeping our local police focused on local crime, we ensure a more efficient, focused, and safe city for everyone” Gabbard said, adding “We want every resident and family in St. Pete to feel confident calling 911 when they are in danger without fear of federal entanglement.”
Welch said public safety depends on trust between residence and law enforcement. While he did not directly state whether he supports participation in the 287(g) program, Welch said any partnership decisions would be approached carefully with a focus on protecting civil rights, keeping community trust, and making sure St. Petersburg remains welcoming to all residents. “Our priority is making sure all residents feel safe engaging with law enforcement and city services,” Welch said.
To end off the interview I then asked them, what would be their final message to SPHS students?
Gabbard encouraged students to get involved in local politics, registering to vote, volunteer, talk to your family and friends about issues that matter to you, and help them get to the polls. “Whether it’s housing, the environment, or our parks, real change doesn’t happen from the sidelines; it happens when you take a seat at the table.”
Welch similarly encouraged students to stay politically engaged, ask questions, and to hold elected officials accountable. “Your voice matters. You are shaping the city right now, not just in the future.”
As the St. Petersburg mayoral race continues, these interviews made it clear that although most SPHS students are not old enough to vote in this election, students are paying attention. From housing to immigration policy, our students are already engaging with the issues shaping St. Petersburg today.
