The City of St. Petersburg is set to receive a substantial federal grant to enhance digital access for its residents. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended the city for $6,925,163 from the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. This makes St. Petersburg the only municipality in Florida to secure such funding.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch expressed his enthusiasm about the grant, stating, “The City of St. Petersburg is excited to receive our full request for funding from the NTIA’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.” He added that this award would help bridge the digital divide by providing essential e-resources, training, and quality internet access to underserved communities in St. Pete.
To implement this initiative, the City’s Office of Equity will collaborate with various community partners including the Digital Inclusion Network of Greater St. Petersburg, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, AMVETS Post 0001, CodeBoxx, Neighborly Services, Pinellas County Housing Authority, and others. The four-year grant program is slated to begin on June 1, 2025.
The funding aims to tackle issues such as limited digital literacy and unaffordable broadband service by facilitating device distribution and offering digital literacy skills training among other activities.
The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program seeks to ensure all communities have equal opportunities to engage in today’s digital world regardless of their background or circumstances. Final award amounts are subject to change following review and processing.
