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Weekly Challenger Published July 09

The plan for progress at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue

‘The people of St. Petersburg elected me to move our city forward, and that is my focus,’ expressed Mayor Ken Welch. The mayor and Fire Chief Keith Watts at Fire Station 9 in Lake Pasadena. BY KENNETH T. WELCH | Mayor of St. Petersburg ST. PETERSBURG — I’ve been blessed to serve…

Weekly Challenger Published July 02

The ‘more qualified’ card

‘Where is the “Watts Plan?” Where is your written, codified approach to correcting the ills you witnessed and the implementation of the management study recommendations?’ BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — In my previous commentaries regarding the lack…

Weekly Challenger Published June 28

Fire department promotional update

Fire Chief Keith Watts held a promotional ceremony on June 20, during which 12 firefighters were promoted; however, not a single one was Black. BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — As you might imagine, stories are swirling fast and furious regarding the…

Weekly Challenger Published June 25

Community members ask: Why?

“St. Petersburg’s Black Community is all too familiar with the struggle for justice in all aspects of life, including the garbage strike, school integration, the achievement gap, baseball, restrictive covenants, segregated swimming facilities, and other segregationist policies…

Weekly Challenger Published May 28

Black Voters Are Not Pawns: Why the Fight Over Florida’s District 16 Matters to Us All

Black Voters Are Not Pawns: Why the Fight Over Florida’s District 16 Matters to Us All (Op-Ed) By Geveryl Robinson, Contributor Let’s be clear: what’s happening with Florida Senate District 16 is not just about geography; it’s about power. And once again, Black voters are the…

Weekly Challenger Published March 31

St. Petersburg Water Treatment Facilities to Host Open Houses

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 26, 2025) – The City of St. Petersburg is inviting residents to get a behind-the-scenes look at the City’s water treatment facilities during a series of open houses this spring. During the open houses, attendees can gain more insight into how wastewater…

Weekly Challenger Published March 24

City of St. Petersburg Makes $2.2 Million Available for Hurricane Recovery

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 11, 2025) – The City of St. Petersburg is making multiple disaster recovery assistance programs – totaling $2.2 million – available to residents, small businesses, and City employees recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The assistance programs…

Weekly Challenger Published March 24

First City Hall on Tour of 2025 to Feature Sunrise St. Pete Initiative

First City Hall on Tour of 2025 to Feature Sunrise St. Pete Initiative ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 17, 2025) – St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch is kicking off the 2025 City Hall on Tour series with an engaging, open-house-style community event on Wednesday, March 26, from…

Weekly Challenger Published March 23

Get Involved: Available Seats on City of St. Petersburg Boards & Committees

ST. PETERSBURG (March 20, 2025) – The City of St. Petersburg is seeking residents to serve on multiple boards and committees. See below for vacancies. Advisory Commission on Aging – three vacancies The 15 members of the Advisory Commission on Aging support, leverage and advocate…

Indianapolis Business Journal Published January 18

Bill would require nursing homes to allow ‘compassionate care’ visits during pandemic

The legislation, Senate Bill 202, would allow designated family members to visit residents under end-of-life and other serious circumstances.

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