News Summary
The St. Petersburg City Council will discuss plans to reactivate the long-dormant St. Pete Science Center during an important meeting. Currently owned by the city, the center has not operated since 2014. The St. Pete for STEAM coalition aims to purchase the property and secure funding for extensive renovations, while officials also consider its potential role in water management strategies. The meeting is crucial for both the Science Center’s future and upcoming city initiatives.
St. Petersburg – The St. Petersburg City Council is set to examine plans to reactivate the dormant St. Pete Science Center during an important meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 25. The Science Center, located at 7701 22nd Ave. North, has not been in operation since 2014. Currently owned by the city, the property is under consideration for sale to an organization known as St. Pete for STEAM, which aims to revive the facility.
Mayor Ken Welch is weighing the possibility of retaining ownership of the site for future water storage as part of the city’s water and stormwater management strategy. The upcoming City Council meeting is crucial not just for the future of the Science Center but also for the overall water management initiatives within the city.
Reports indicate that the meeting may yield a proposed resolution to support the sale of the Science Center. Any final decision will ultimately require Mayor Welch’s approval. The St. Pete STEAM coalition has already secured over $9 million for the project, with the anticipated total cost reaching $25 million. Fundraising efforts have brought the financial commitment to approximately $15 million, sourced from both public and private funds, without requesting contributions from the city.
As part of their offer, the coalition is prepared to pay $1.6 million for the current property. However, the site is also being considered as a location for a new water reclamation facility. Feasibility studies have identified the Science Center as one of the best sites for potential new water storage tanks, prompting Mayor Welch to reconsider the sale in light of these findings.
The feasibility report evaluated nine potential sites in Northwest St. Petersburg, with the Science Center’s existing ownership yielding no land acquisition costs. However, it was identified that demolition of the Science Center would be significantly more expensive compared to another site deemed the ‘brush site,’ which is relatively clear and would incur lower construction costs. Alternative estimates suggest the brush site could be acquired for approximately $1.3 million.
The original mission of the Science Center, launched in 1959, focused on providing engaging educational programming in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) to young people. Future plans for the revamped Science Center include an emphasis on artificial intelligence, featuring an “AI village” designed for innovative educational programming.
Plans are also in place for a state-of-the-art event space called a Hybritorium, which would host hybrid events, accommodating both in-person and virtual participants. Renovations would enhance the existing planetarium, include plans for a new workspace, a café, and outdoor rooftop event space known as the Star Garden. The historic mosaic trail will also be preserved as part of the facility’s upgrades.
Support for this revitalization effort comes from various community leaders and organizations, underscoring the project’s potential viability. The upcoming City Council meeting will also address the broader fiscal budget for 2026 and discuss the associated millage rate, all while public interest in the Science Center initiative remains high.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: St. Pete Science Center’s Fate in Limbo
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- St. Pete Catalyst: Funding Plans for the New Science Center
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Science Center
- I Love the Burg: Sidewalk Science Center & Mars Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Science
- St. Pete Catalyst: Reimagining the Science Center Part One
- Google News: Science Center St. Petersburg
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
