News Summary
The St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously approved the sale of land to St. Pete for STEAM, aiming to rejuvenate the long-closed St. Petersburg Science Center. This decision comes amid discussions of a planned wastewater facility that could jeopardize the center’s revival. Local leaders emphasized the center’s importance in fostering science education. The St. Pete for STEAM group has secured significant funding for renovations, while the Council calls for transparency in future planning and infrastructure needs.
St. Petersburg City Council Votes to Revitalize Science Center Amid Wastewater Facility Plans
The St. Petersburg City Council has voted unanimously to support the sale of city land to the St. Pete for STEAM group, with the aim of revitalizing the long-closed St. Petersburg Science Center. This decision comes after considerable discussions regarding Mayor Ken Welch’s plans to convert the Science Center into a wastewater storage facility.
The Science Center has remained shuttered since 2014, having previously served as an educational venue for students across Pinellas County, who utilized its facilities for field trips, summer camps, and after-school programs. City officials initially proposed to sell the property to the St. Pete for STEAM group for $1.6 million, while the group has reportedly secured around $16 million for its revitalization efforts.
Concerns were raised by several council members regarding a recent feasibility study that identified the Science Center site as one of the best options for future expansion of wastewater treatment facilities. Members expressed skepticism over the study’s objectivity, with councilmember Gina Driscoll voicing suspicions about its motivations, suggesting it appeared biased and misdirected.
Personal Impact and Community Importance
During the discussions, multiple council members, including Sen. Darryl Rouson, shared personal anecdotes that illustrated the Science Center’s vital role in motivating local interest in science and education. The proposed plans by the St. Pete for STEAM initiative include renovating the existing structure, restoring the historic mosaic trail, and establishing an artificial intelligence center dedicated to educational programming.
The City Council expressed frustration at the unexpected halt of the agreement with St. Pete for STEAM after years of negotiation and fundraising efforts. They emphasized the importance of preserving the Science Center while also addressing the increasing need for wastewater management capacity, particularly in light of anticipated hurricanes in 2024.
Calls for Transparency
Throughout the discussions, a clear demand for improved communication and transparency from the city administration regarding feasibility studies and planning processes was highlighted. The unanimous vote by the City Council to proceed with the sale of the Science Center, while also exploring alternative sites for wastewater needs, reflects their commitment to both revitalizing the educational facility and adequately preparing for infrastructural challenges ahead.
The City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for October 2, where further updates regarding the situation and possible alternative locations for wastewater storage tanks will be discussed.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Council Votes to Save Science Center
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete City Council Voices Support to Save Shuttered Science Center
- Florida Politics: St. Pete City Council is All In for Science Center
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- WFLA: Science is Under Attack, St. Pete City Council Advocates to Help Save Science Center
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.
