St. Pete Standard

Earlier today, the St. Petersburg City Council saw the official swearing-in of its new leadership for 2025. Copley Gerdes of District 1 and Lisset Hanewicz of District 4 took their oaths as City Council Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.

The ceremony also included the swearing-in of reelected council members Copley Gerdes from District 1 and Deborah Figgs-Sanders from District 5. Newly elected council members Mike Harting of District 3 and Corey Givens, Jr. of District 7 were also sworn in during the event.

Council Chair Copley Gerdes expressed gratitude for his colleagues' support, stating, "I am thankful to my colleagues for their faith in me and grateful to share the dais with seven individuals equally committed to serving the city we love." He highlighted the collaborative efforts expected in 2025 between the City Council and Mayor Welch to address residents' needs.

Born in St. Petersburg, Gerdes is a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual and president of Love McKinley. Elected in 2021, he has served on various committees including those focused on persons with impairments and tourism development.

Council Vice Chair Lisset Hanewicz shared her enthusiasm about working with fellow council members and Mayor Welch. "I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Council Chair Gerdes, my colleagues, and Mayor Welch as we serve our great city," she said. Hanewicz emphasized upcoming challenges such as hurricane recovery and infrastructure improvements.

Hanewicz was born in Tampa but raised in Miami by Cuban exile parents. She has served as an Assistant State Attorney in Pinellas County and an Assistant United States Attorney in Florida's Middle District before being elected to the council in 2021.

Deborah Figgs-Sanders reiterated her commitment to community service: "I am looking forward to continuing the work in 2025 to help our residents recover while continuing progress on affordable housing, economic development, youth opportunities, and so much more." Figgs-Sanders has experience both corporately and non-profit sectors and focuses on issues like homelessness and workforce development.

Newly-elected member Mike Harting expressed gratitude for his election: "I'm grateful to join the City Council representing District 3." Harting has a background in hospitality as CEO of 3 Daughters Brewing.

Corey Givens, Jr., also newly elected, emphasized restoring hope after recent hurricanes: "As a son of St. Petersburg, I am excited to continue serving the city that helped raise me."

For more information about the St. Petersburg City Council activities or initiatives visit stpete.org/council.