St. Petersburg Council approves extra study funding for Center for the Arts master plan

St. Petersburg City Council on a 6–2 vote approved an amendment to a continuing-services task order with ASD Sky to refine a master plan for the Center for the Arts area, authorizing additional work intended to focus on the Mahaffey, the Dali Plaza and the aging downtown parking garage.

The amendment—described by staff as a targeted, phase‑1 study to expand stakeholder outreach and produce a more achievable plan—was presented by staff member Beth Herendeen, who said the change “will allow ASD Sky to do this additional in‑depth study, meet with more stakeholders, and dive further into that phase‑1 area.” She said the refined plan could come back to the Economic and Workforce Development committee as soon as September for additional review.

Council debate centered on priorities and timing. Council Member Brandy Gabbard opposed moving forward immediately, saying she had not heard a clear justification in earlier committee meetings for the extra expense and raised concerns about staff bandwidth and other capital needs. “I’m having a real struggle with spending this money today…why would we go down a path of spending another $103,000 to continue to move forward with this study,” Gabbard said.

Supporters argued a coordinated plan is necessary before adding more capital work. Council Member Gina Driscoll said the area includes multiple city assets that will need investment and that an overarching plan would help avoid piecemeal decisions. After discussion and a motion to approve, the item passed 6–2, with Gabbard and Mike Harding voting no.

The amendment does not itself authorize construction; it directs consultant work and further engagement with parties including the Dali Museum, Florida Orchestra, the Downtown Partnership and neighborhood stakeholders. Staff said the refined plan would present a narrowed set of options and anticipated next steps and costs when it returns to committee.