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Council proclaims Arbor Day, Earth Day and National Small Business Week; city highlights tree giveaways and local entrepreneurship
Summary
Council adopted Arbor Day and Earth Day proclamations and recognized National Small Business Week; staff and community partners announced a 500‑tree giveaway, youth farm activities, and local small‑business supports including city and Chamber grant programs.
The St. Petersburg City Council presented proclamations recognizing Arbor Day and Earth Day and formally declared May 5–9 as National Small Business Week in the city.
Councilmember Brandy Gabbard read proclamations on behalf of the mayor and highlighted city sustainability programs. Maven Rogers, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Resilience, told council the city and partners will give away 500 native shade trees and 400 fruit trees across East and West Side locations and are organizing community plantings and an Arbor Day festival. Rogers said the University and city will hold events and an Arbor Day planting adding, “we will be giving away 500 trees.”
Representatives from community partners described youth and community programming. Jada Kelmick, a youth farm ambassador, outlined seedlings and volunteer opportunities tied to Earth Day events. Carla Bristol of the St. Pete Youth Farm and Tara Hubbard of Take MAR (More Action for Regeneration) invited residents to Earth Day activities and described plans to engage volunteers and host events on the Pinellas Trail.
Council also recognized small‑business leaders. Renee Edwards (Saturday Shops) reported $273,000 in economic impact connected with recent events; Chris Donacker, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, encouraged participation in pitch night and noted combined support including $200,000 from the city paired with $100,000 in Chamber grants to help entrepreneurs.
Council members praised local programs and encouraged community participation in upcoming events including the Green Thumb Festival and Small Business Week activities. No formal council action beyond the proclamations was required.
