St. Pete Standard

Earlier today, the City of St. Petersburg, along with local partners, marked the grand opening of Whispering Pines Apartments. This affordable housing development is situated at 2655 54th Ave. S.

“The Whispering Pines Apartments development is a great example of a public-private collaboration that is helping to create housing opportunities for all,” stated St. Pete Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. He added, "We commend Boley Center’s efforts to provide critical housing for the most vulnerable members of our community and we look forward to partnering with more organizations who align with our focus on inclusive progress.”

The complex offers six 1-bedroom units, nine 2-bedroom units, and five 3-bedroom units as permanent supportive housing. These homes are intended for special needs families earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 80% reserved for individuals who have experienced homelessness.

Boley Centers Inc., known for providing safe and affordable housing across Pinellas County, led the project. Funding came from several sources including the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pinellas County, Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority, City of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Housing Authority, and Boley Angels. The City contributed $910,000 towards this initiative.

The land was secured by the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County through a land trust arrangement with Pinellas Affordable Living Inc., ensuring its availability for 99 years.

This development aligns with St. Petersburg's Housing Opportunities For All Plan and Mayor Welch's Housing Opportunities For All Pillar For Progress.

Mayor Welch launched the expanded Housing Opportunities For All Plan in April 2023 to address rising housing costs in St. Pete by supporting renters and providing financial assistance to preserve existing affordable housing.

Further details about these initiatives can be found at stpete.org/AffordableHousing and stpete.org/pillars.