---
title: "Mayors Wager on World Series for Charity in St. Petersburg"
url: https://www.herestpetersburg.com/2026/10/24/welch-johnson-world-series-wager-st-pete-free-clinic/
date: 2026-10-24T05:28:51-04:00
modified: 2026-10-24T05:28:51-04:00
author: "Donald Hunt"
categories: ["Politics"]
site: "HERE St. Petersburg"
attribution: "HERE St. Petersburg"
---

# Mayors Wager on World Series for Charity in St. Petersburg

> ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers meeting in the World Series, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson turned the matchup into a friendly bet on Friday, and both are asking residents to give to local causes while the games are played. Welch is steering St.

*Source: [HERE St. Petersburg](https://www.herestpetersburg.com/2026/10/24/welch-johnson-world-series-wager-st-pete-free-clinic/) — October 24, 2026 by Donald Hunt*

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers meeting in the World Series, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson turned the matchup into a friendly bet on Friday, and both are asking residents to give to local causes while the games are played.

Welch is steering St. Pete donations to the St. Pete Free Clinic, which operates one of the biggest food banks in Pinellas County and offers food and health care help around the region. People can give money through the city giving page by choosing the Mayor’s Challenge option, or they can leave items from the clinic wish list in collection boxes set up at 25 city facilities.

In Milwaukee, Johnson is asking residents to donate through United Way to help six homeless shelters in his city.

The personal stakes come down to rival team colors. Should Milwaukee claim the championship, Welch says he will put on Brewers gear and motor around on a Harley across the bay area. Should Tampa Bay prevail, Johnson says he will wear Rays gear on a downtown walk by the river, and the Hoan Bridge will glow in Rays hues for a night.

The two mayors also plan to swap gift baskets of hometown goods. The St. Pete basket leans on local names such as The Dalí Museum, Green Bench Brewing Company, Kahwa Coffee, the SHINE Mural Festival and the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.

Welch tied the challenge to the city’s recovery, comparing St. Pete’s bounce back from hard times to the return of Tropicana Field, and said the drive gives the Sunshine City a chance to show its strength while the world is watching.