May 2026 Work Plan Update

The Downtown Partnership recently recognized Senator Darryl Rouson for his contributions to Downtown St. Pete, including sponsoring the $800,000 appropriation request for Williams Park improvements, at the 2026 Downtown Achievement Awards. His wife, Angela Rouson, is pictured above accepting the award on his behalf.

Thanks to support from our members and board, we made progress on many of the priorities we identified in our 2026 Work Plan and kept momentum in our mission to champion community prosperity through purposeful, transformative projects. This Work Plan update will share what progress has been made over the last couple of months.

Williams Park Partnership‍

Improvements on the bandshell have begun. Construction drawings and permitting are underway for the safety improvements to the Park, utilizing a $800,000 appropriation from the Florida Legislature in 2025.

Center for Coastal Resiliency‍

After submitting a grant application to Pinellas County for the initial site work, we are working with the city and Innovation District on a grant application for the Economic Development Administration and Florida Ports Council.  We are working to secure private sector matches for these grants. Following the recent fire at the University of South Florida St. Pete’s Marine Science Laboratory, we are exploring new opportunities for funding the Center for Coastal Resiliency as well as looking for ways to support USF as they develop new lab space.

‍Updated Downtown Land Use‍

We are continuing to refine suggestions and include public outreach to the Downtown Neighborhood Association, Downtown Business Association, and other civic groups.

Downtown Improvement District

The St. Pete Downtown Improvement District has been selected to provide enhanced urban management services in Downtown St. Pete. Potential office and storage space options for the team are currently being explored. Marketing plan and brand identity are in the final stages of being developed and are anticipated to be deployed in late May, early June.

Historic Gas Plant‍

We are continuing to provide principles for good development and thoughtful growth and serve as an informal advisor to city leaders and the selected development team. The Partnership is leading and effort with the Urban Land Institute to provide support for any development agreement the city may reach that will maximize public benefits for the site, while future proofing it from unknown variables in the future.  

Central Ave Walkability‍

We are continuing to work with the City to get the necessary permits and approvals to move forward with sidewalks improvements identified for the portion in front of 200 Central and north side of the Jannus block. We have successfully raised $200,000 in private sector commitments for the project and are working with the city administration to cover additional costs for construction.

Digital Wayfinding

We are continuing to work with the IKE staff to determine locations for digital way finding signage as well as with City staff to develop a new ordinance allowing the placement of kiosks in St. Petersburg.

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