The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm by President Steve Elftmann.
There were 25 in attendance.
Loren Zamora was introduced as the meeting chair. He and his family host the monthly neighborhood event, Azalea Outdoor Family Movie Night and Block Party on the north end of Farragut Drive on the first Saturday of the month. He is also pastor at Neighbors Church and he spoke about the importance of knowing your neighbors.
"I’d like to introduce Officer Jennifer Wright, our Community Service Officer for District III.
She works with neighborhoods like ours to address non-emergency concerns - things like traffic issues, property upkeep, noise complaints, and other quality-of-life matters. She’s our direct connection to the St. Pete Police Department when it comes to keeping the neighborhood safe and well-informed. Please join me in welcoming Officer Wright.”
Community Service Officer Jenn Wright reported that there were 18 calls and no significant crime occurred in the past month. Warned landscapers to lock their trucks while they work.
“We’re honored to welcome Councilmember Copley Gerdes tonight.
He serves as the Chair of the St. Petersburg City Council and as many of you
know, he represents our district and neighborhood directly.
Copley has deep roots in this
city and brings both energy and leadership to the table. As Council Chair, he’s
one of the most influential voices in St. Pete’s government, helping shape
everything from city services to long-term development decisions.
Tonight, he’s here to share
some city updates and hear directly from us, so please join me in welcoming
Councilmember Copley Gerdes.”
City Update – Councilman Copley Gerdes
Councilmember Gerdes provided updates on several city
projects and issues:
- Science
Center: The sale of the Science Center property is still pending. The
City is awaiting the results of a utility study to determine whether the
site will be needed for future utility expansion before finalizing the
sale.
- Trailer
Storage: Residents were reminded that trailers may not be stored in
driveways or parked on the street, in accordance with city code.
- Raytheon
Redevelopment: Civil and engineering permits for the former Raytheon
property are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Construction on Phase
1 is projected to begin in 2026. Councilman Gerdes noted that,
in his view, there’s about a 90% chance that Phase 2 will
move forward and only a 50% chance that Phase 3 will ever be
realized.
- Tropicana
Field: The City is preparing for the possibility that the Tampa Bay
Rays may depart in three years, as part of long-term planning.
- 9th
Avenue Improvements: The faded lane lines on 9th Avenue will be repainted
soon, with full repaving scheduled for 2026.
- Municipal
Power Discussion: The City is monitoring the outcome of a feasibility
study in Clearwater regarding the possible takeover of that city’s
electric utility. St. Pete may consider a similar study when its contract
with Duke Energy nears expiration.
Storm Damage Repair Projects
- Jungle
Prada Pier: The pier will be rebuilt, though it will not be as
long as the one destroyed by recent storms.
- Sunset
Park “Card Room”: The building near Sunset Park suffered severe damage
during the last hurricane season and will be demolished.
- Treasure Island Concession Stand: The storm-damaged concession building will be removed, and only the restrooms will be rebuilt.
“We’re also very lucky to have Margie Nichols with us tonight.
Margie is a Codes and Compliance Supervisor with the City of St. Petersburg and has been working in this role for nearly a decade. Her department handles everything from property maintenance and overgrowth to zoning and other neighborhood standards.
Tonight, she’s here to help us better understand what qualifies as a code violation — and just as importantly, how to report one. Whether it’s a chronic issue or something new on your block, Margie can walk us through how the system works and how to get results. Please help me welcome Margie Nichols.”
The City of St. Petersburg Codes Compliance Assistance Department gave a comprehensive presentation outlining the role and responsibilities of the department, the enforcement process, and resources available to residents.
Topics Covered:
- What
Codes Compliance Enforces:
- Top
5 violations: yard overgrowth, improper parking, junk/outdoor
storage, domestic equipment, overhanging tree branches.
- Other
common issues: unpermitted work, inoperative vehicles, fence disrepair.
- What
they don’t enforce: noise complaints (Police), mosquito issues,
mangrove trimming, air quality, animal cruelty, and civil property
disputes.
- How
Enforcement Works:
- Based
on Chapter 162 Florida Statutes and City Code Chapter 9.
- Involves
warning notices, civil citations, Code Board hearings, Special Magistrate
reviews, and potential liens or fines.
- Inspectors
must observe violations from public areas and cannot enter private
property without permission.
- Legal
Tools & Limitations:
- Enforcement
includes: citations, abatements, injunctions, and municipal violation
notices.
- Due
process ensures all property owners/tenants are properly notified.
- Community
Engagement:
- Focused
on education, outreach, and communication with residents.
- Initial
contact is often made in person or with door hangers.
- Violations
can be tracked online using Click2Gov
or the SeeClickFix app.
- Support
Programs:
- N-Team
and Codes Compliance Assistance Program (CCAP):
- Help
low-income, elderly, or disabled homeowners with services like minor
repairs, overgrowth removal, accessibility ramps, and emergency roof
tarping.
- Up
to $10,000 in assistance available for eligible homeowners to
resolve code violations.
- Emergency
response includes door-to-door outreach and disaster aid in declared
events.
- Helpful
Resources for Renters:
- “St.
Pete’s Guide for Renters” and a Renter’s Map are available at stpete.org/renters.
Contact Information:
- General:
727-893-7373 | www.stpete.org/codes
- Supervisor
for West St. Pete (including Azalea): Margie Nichols – 727-892-5163
| Margie.Nichols@stpete.org
- Director:
Joe Waugh | Joe.Waugh@stpete.org
- Operations: Beatriz Zafra | Beatriz.Zafra@stpete.org
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm. Special thanks to Loren Zamora for chairing the meeting.
