Ken Welch

The pastors in St. Petersburg are backing the JMA Ventures plan, saying it will produce more jobs, and affordable and workforce housing that will benefit the Black community.

After missing out for two years, Rays fans finally got to gather for their team’s regular season opener at Tropicana Field.

The Tampa Bay Rays begin the 2022 Major League Baseball season Friday against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field.

Residents said the city has been approving "too many luxury developments without requirements such as affordable and workforce housing components.”

St. Petersburg's new mayor said he would prefer keeping much of the 119 acres in its natural state, but a stadium for the Rays would be part of the discussion.

Following the announcement, mayors for both Tampa and St. Petersburg expressed optimism that a new stadium deal could be worked out to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay area.

The incoming mayor honored his history as the son of a former city councilman and as a longtime resident.

Ken Welch touched on various topics, including affordable housing, a focus on equity and inclusion, and growing up in St. Petersburg.

The moment is also significant because the incoming mayor was born and raised here and has witnessed the city's growth during his lifetime.

Welch, who is St. Pete's first African American mayor, will be sworn in from home.

The reunion comes weeks before St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor is sworn in, and as redevelopment is being planned for the 86 acres around and including Tropicana Field.

St. Petersburg's newly elected mayor will hold three separate "community conversations" on topics including housing and the environment.