St. Pete Standard

St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch is set to announce a $3 million allocation of federal dollars towards a Renter Utility Relief Program aimed at helping residents in need. The program will assist renters in paying past due electric, sanitation, and water bills from the City of St. Petersburg and Duke Energy.

Welch, along with key figures Melissa Seixas of Duke Energy Florida, Deborah Figgs-Sanders of the St. Petersburg City Council, and Nikki Gaskin-Capehart of the Pinellas County Urban League, will make the announcement on Friday, March 22 at the Enoch D. Davis Center.

"The Renter Utility Relief Program is a tangible example of how federal dollars impact our local community," stated Mayor Welch. "For St. Pete residents experiencing personal hardship, we are eager to offer this program as a solution that can ease the financial burden caused by past due utility bills."

Melissa Seixas of Duke Energy also expressed support for the initiative, stating, "At Duke Energy, we understand our customers continue facing increased financial demands in all parts of their lives. We are proud to work alongside community allies, like the City of St. Petersburg, and other assistance agencies, to provide support for St. Pete residents."

The $3 million in federal funding will be directed towards eligible St. Petersburg renters to cover up to 18 months of utility bills, offering crucial relief for those affected by financial hardships. The Renter Utility Relief Program builds upon previous assistance provided during COVID-19 and aims to address the ongoing needs of the community.

Aside from the utility relief program, St. Petersburg has also received $2.35 million for two projects through the federal Community Project Funding process. This includes $1.5 million for improvements to the Enoch D. Davis Center and $850,000 for the Deuces Rising affordable housing development, showcasing a comprehensive approach to addressing community needs and supporting residents in the city.