St. Petersburg remains under a local state of emergency, even five months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, as Mayor Ken Welch’s declaration has been extended through June 30. This extension grants the mayor the authority to bypass typical city procedures when necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. It also allows him to suspend city regulations that might hinder emergency response efforts.

City Administrator Rob Gerdes explained that waiving storm-related permitting fees is the main focus of the extension. He anticipates maintaining the emergency order until the permit fee waiver ends in late June. Additionally, the city has adopted some flexibility in enforcing code violations related to domestic equipment, such as allowing storm-affected residents to park recreational vehicles or boats in their front yards—actions normally prohibited by city code.

Storm recovery efforts are ongoing, with nearly 16,000 homes impacted across the city. Officials have issued 7,500 emergency permits and waived approximately $1.4 million in fees to support residents and businesses. To address permitting delays caused by the storms, six new plan reviewers have been hired, and operations have been expanded to include Saturdays.

Council members have discussed other issues, such as creating a compromise for residents without backyards or alley access to store small watercraft. Fines for code violations start at $100 and can escalate to $500. Councilmember Gina Driscoll emphasized the need for case-by-case evaluations to ensure help is provided to those who truly need it.

While the city has lifted some emergency powers—such as the ability to make purchases without council approval—leaders continue to address challenges. Mayor Welch’s administration provides monthly updates on the emergency status, and additional resources for storm recovery can be found on the city’s website.

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(Image credit: Lisa Leveroni)

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