During a recent city council meeting in Saint Petersburg, Council Member Lisette Hanowitz officially declared September 15th through October 15th, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Hispanic culture and heritage within the community. Hanowitz, representing Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, urged all citizens to participate in the celebration, highlighting the contributions of Hispanics to the city's cultural diversity.

The meeting featured remarks from various community leaders, including Eli, the first president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Pinellas County. Eli praised the council for its commitment to inclusivity and acknowledged the significant role of the Hispanic Outreach Center, which has served the community for 20 years. He expressed gratitude towards Mayor Welch for fostering collaboration between the city and Hispanic organizations, noting that the mayor has actively engaged with community leaders to enhance support for Hispanic businesses.

Eli also recognized Karl Lavender, a city employee and former member of the Equity Center, for his contributions to the Hispanic community. He emphasized the importance of being involved in city planning and decision-making processes, advocating for continued dialogue and collaboration to benefit Hispanic families and businesses in Saint Petersburg.

Council Member Montanari shared a personal connection to Hispanic culture, recounting his family's experiences living in various Spanish-speaking countries. He expressed appreciation for the proclamation and the city's efforts to honor Hispanic heritage.

The meeting underscored the city council's commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of cultural diversity, with leaders encouraging community engagement and recognition of the Hispanic community's contributions to Saint Petersburg.