Community members actively participating in an urban planning discussion.
Elizabeth Abernethy, the Director of Planning and Development Review Services in St. Petersburg, is retiring on April 4 after a distinguished career. Known for her commitment to urban planning and community involvement, her leadership saw the city manage over 7,500 storm-related permits despite staffing challenges. With 30 years of planning experience, Abernethy has left an indelible mark on St. Petersburg, preparing for the city’s future as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
Big news in St. Petersburg – after many years of dedicated service, Elizabeth Abernethy is hanging up her hat as the Director of Planning and Development Review Services! Her retirement is set for April 4, and while many are feeling bittersweet about her departure, it’s also a time to celebrate a legacy filled with remarkable achievements in urban planning.
Abernethy initially planned to step down in early 2025, marking a special birthday. However, as hurricane season rolled in with storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, her retirement took an unexpected twist. The surge in workload from storm-related applications kept her in her role longer than originally intended, demonstrating her commitment to the city and its residents.
During her time at the helm, Abernethy managed St. Petersburg’s building, zoning, and historic preservation operations. This included overseeing a permitting department that has seen an overwhelming number of applications in recent months. Despite working with an understaffed team, the city approved over 7,500 storm-related permits, a significant achievement during challenging times. Even now, about 1,500 storm-related applications remain in progress, but hope is on the horizon with plans to double the number of reviewers soon as six new hires join the team.
With 30 years of experience under her belt in city planning, including a decade in Tampa and the private sector, Abernethy is a true professional. St. Petersburg welcomed her as the zoning official in September 2014, taking over from Dave Goodwin. Throughout her decade-long leadership, she emphasized the importance of community feedback. Her commitment to engaging residents in urban planning decisions has genuinely made a difference in shaping St. Petersburg’s development.
Abernethy’s impact on the city has not gone unnoticed. Local leaders, including Mayor Ken Welch, have acknowledged her vision and unwavering dedication, which have helped positively shape the future of St. Petersburg. It’s hard not to draw parallels to sports legends, as Chris Steinocher, the president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, likened Abernethy’s retirement to NFL legend Tom Brady hanging up his cleats. Her contributions to the community have been nothing short of monumental.
As Abernethy prepares to embrace retirement, she looks back on her career with gratification. She’s excited about exploring new opportunities, which may include traveling and reconnecting with family. After a grueling hurricane season, taking time for recovery and self-care is the first item on her agenda. She has also hinted at notable zoning reforms and innovative initiatives she has accomplished over her tenure, leaving a clear and progressive path for her successors.
In a significant organizational change, the permitting aspect of the planning department will be transitioning into a separate department following her departure. This evolution reflects the growing needs of St. Petersburg and positions the city for further advancement in urban planning and development.
As Elizabeth Abernethy prepares to leave her role, St. Petersburg looks ahead to a future inspired by her leadership and commitment to community-centered planning. With the city’s continued growth and development, her legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of the residents and the very fabric of St. Petersburg.
As we bid farewell to Abernethy, we celebrate her contributions and wish her nothing but happiness and adventures in this exciting new chapter of her life. Cheers to new beginnings, Elizabeth! You will be missed!
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