Residents, condo managers and businesses press council to fund downtown —Clean and Safe— outreach; council refers program discussion to committee

Three downtown residents and a building maintenance manager urged the City Council on July 15 to support funding for the city—s Clean and Safe program, emphasizing daily cleaning and trained outreach to connect people experiencing homelessness with services.

Saba Bragg, who said she serves on the board of directors for the Salter Condominium (301 First Street South), asked council to "please support funding for the Clean and Safe program," saying it expands daily street cleaning and, importantly, homeless outreach. "We're not just moving people along, we're helping them connect with real services and support," she said.

Catherine Southern, a downtown resident, described personal encounters with unsanitary or threatening situations on downtown sidewalks in other cities and urged St. Petersburg to avoid similar outcomes. John Castricone, who identified himself as the maintenance manager for the 1 St. Petersburg condominium association, told council staff and members that his building regularly finds people sheltering in stairwells and must repeatedly clean urine and other waste and asked for greater visible city support, including sanitation, outreach and targeted policing.

After hearing public comment, Vice Chair Lizeth Hanowitz moved to refer the Clean and Safety discussion to the committee of the whole for fuller study. The motion passed unanimously.

Council members and staff noted the issue intersects with a range of downtown efforts — from law enforcement to social services — and said the committee referral will allow broader review of costs, staffing, and potential funding sources before any appropriation decision.

The public commenters and the referral reflect an ongoing citywide conversation about downtown cleanliness, safety, and how outreach and sanitation services are funded and coordinated.