Downtown residents urge funding for Clean and Safe outreach; council refers program discussion to committee

Several downtown residents and building representatives used the public comment period to urge St. Petersburg city leaders to fund and expand a Clean and Safe program that combines daily street cleaning with outreach to people experiencing homelessness.

Saba Bridal, who identified herself as a board member for a local condominium, told the council the program is not merely cosmetic: "This program is designed to bring in daily street cleaning. But what’s even more important is that it also expands homeless outreach…we’re not just moving people along, we’re helping them connect with real services and support." Bridal said outreach teams can help guide people toward mental‑health care, addiction services and stable housing.

John Castricone, maintenance manager at the 1 St. Petersburg condominium building, described frequent sanitation problems and people sheltering in stairwells and landscaping. He asked for "more visible support from the city services, whether that’s in the form of additional policing in key areas, better outreach for the unhoused individuals, or sanitation services that relieve the burden on our teams."

Following public comment, Vice Chair Lizeth Hanowitz moved to refer discussion of the Clean and Safe program to the committee of the whole; the motion passed unanimously. The referral directs staff and council members to study the program’s scope, funding options and outreach components before council considers a funding decision.