Charles Alexander

The primary discussion centered on the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub expansion (Hub 2 plan), which requires placing a referendum on the November 2026 general election ballot to allow for lease terms longer than the current five-year waterfront limitation. Key participants provided context on the procedural timeline, the success and impact of the existing Hub, and the feasibility of development on adjacent underutilized property. The proposed funding strategy relies on grants and private contributions, explicitly excluding City general fund or CRA dollars. Analysis confirmed strong market demand for collaboration and innovation space with direct water access. Discussions also covered workforce development programs and engagement with academic and healthcare partners. The Committee unanimously voted to direct legal staff to prepare a draft resolution authorizing a fifty-year lease for subsequent review.

The Public Services and Infrastructure Committee meeting primarily focused on key planning and infrastructure items. New business included an update on the Port Master Plan, detailing its vision for revitalization, economic growth, and activating underutilized port lands. The committee also addressed the Harborage Marina Lease Extension. The meeting agenda for the subsequent April 9, 2026 session included discussions on the Residential Parking Permit Program and the City's practices concerning the maintenance and protection of Hexagon Sidewalks.

The key discussion for the meeting included the Office of Supplier Development Annual Update concerning the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program and the Minority/Women Owned Businesses (M/WBE) Program, presented by the Supplier Development Manager. The meeting agenda also noted future discussions regarding 2026 Property Insurance Renewals and the FY 2025 External Audit Presentation. Supporting materials included the Weeki Wachee Project List and the Pending and Continuing Referral List.

The meeting addressed several key items. New business included the review of Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) Standing Member applications and City Council appointments, along with a continued discussion on the advantages of the Community Benefits Agreement since its adoption. Furthermore, there was an extensive discussion regarding the prohibition of street murals following directives from the Florida Department of Transportation, including exploring alternatives for public art and placemaking. Legal counsel provided an overview of proposed state legislation (SB 1134/HB 1001) that could limit local authority regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, prompting concerns about impacts on existing programs and future collaborations. The body also reviewed tentative agenda items for upcoming meetings related to the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budgets.

The Housing, Land Use, and Transportation Committee meeting focused on two primary new business items. The first was an update on the Sunrise St. Pete Voluntary Buyout Program, detailing criteria for eligible properties in Disaster Risk Reduction Areas due to Hurricanes Idalia and/or Helene, and proposed safe housing incentives. The second major item involved the continued discussion regarding the expansion of the Jamestown Apartments for Affordable Housing and a proposed referendum to remove specific adjacent parcels from the Parks and Waterfront Map to allow for residential development, including affordable and workforce housing, with specific recommendations for rezoning and disposition pathways based on parcel size. The committee also reviewed general attachments including the 10-Year Multi-Family Housing Plan.