News Summary
St. Petersburg city leaders are evaluating the ‘Clean and Safe Program’ aimed at improving public safety and outreach to the homeless community in downtown. In response to rising safety concerns, including a recent stabbing incident, the program proposes enhanced cleaning and safety measures in key areas like Beach Drive and Central Avenue. While public support is evident, city council members debate funding priorities, including whether to prioritize homeless outreach or cleanliness initiatives. The program is designed in two phases, focusing on cleanliness first, followed by safety enhancements.
St. Petersburg city leaders are currently considering a new initiative called the “Clean and Safe Program,” aimed at enhancing public safety and providing better outreach to the homeless community in the downtown area. The program has emerged in response to rising safety concerns, particularly following a violent incident that resulted in a deadly stabbing outside a well-frequented restaurant.
The central focus of the proposed program is on improving the downtown experience for both residents and visitors. Key areas targeted for the pilot initiative include Beach Drive, Central Avenue, Williams Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Enhancements proposed under the initiative include:
- Additional cleaning crews to ensure daily sanitation efforts.
- Enhanced graffiti removal services.
- Power washing of public spaces to maintain cleanliness.
- Increased visibility through safety ambassadors and outreach services for the homeless population.
St. Petersburg’s police department has reported a significant increase in calls for service downtown, which have surged from around 5,600 in 2023 to more than 12,000 in 2024. Estimates suggest that calls could surpass 20,000 later this year. This spike in calls has further underscored the urgency of the “Clean and Safe Program.”
As discussions around the program advance, some division has arisen among city council members, primarily concerning funding mechanisms. A debate is ongoing regarding whether to initially prioritize outreach for the homeless population or to focus on other aspects of the program first. While some council members advocate strongly for homeless services to be a primary aspect of the initiative, the original proposal placed these services in a secondary phase, prompting pushback from several members.
Possible funding sources for the initiative are currently under review. Options include direct contributions from downtown property owners, city revenues from parking meters, and revenues from the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) taxes. Concerns have been raised about funding inequities should the program primarily rely on downtown property owners rather than broader citywide tax revenues.
Jason Mathis, CEO of the Downtown Partnership, emphasized that the program is not intended to be an “anti-homeless initiative.” Instead, it aims to benefit all who frequent downtown. The initiative is organized into two phases, where the first phase would focus on cleanliness enhancements while the second phase would address safety and outreach for homeless individuals.
This approach aligns with trends seen in various municipalities that have implemented similar strategies to improve urban cleanliness and safety, often funded through local business improvement districts. Many council members maintain that the success of this program is inherently linked to effectively addressing homelessness and not merely displacing those in need.
Public sentiment appears favorable towards the “Clean and Safe Program,” particularly among business owners and residents, who have indicated that safety and cleanliness are top priorities for the downtown area. A follow-up meeting of the Committee of the Whole is planned for further discussions; however, the next available date will not be until October, due to ongoing budgetary considerations.
As St. Petersburg city leaders continue to evaluate this proposal, its potential impact on downtown safety and the homeless population remains a critical point of discussion for the community as they navigate the complexities of urban challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Debates Downtown Clean & Safe Program
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- ABC Action News: St. Pete City Council Works for a Cleaner Downtown
- Google Search: Clean Cities Initiatives
- St. Pete Catalyst: Does St. Pete Need a Cleaner Safer Downtown?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urbanization
- WTSP: St. Pete Beach Rules on Alcohol and Dogs
- Google News: Urban Safety Initiatives
