Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency will be visiting St. Petersburg next week to gain insights into the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, environmental objectives, and homeless services.
The city got a seven-page letter from the state department on Friday addressed to Mayor Ken Welch. It warns the city about a 75% rise in property taxes over the past six years, while spending increased by 50% during that same timeframe.
In response to the state’s July 11 request for information—which was also sent to Clearwater, Tampa, and Hillsborough and Pinellas counties—Florida DOGE identified additional items required for its review of St. Petersburg. Auditors asked for access to conduct onsite visits on August 13 and 14.
The letter indicated that St. Petersburg might face fines for not meeting Florida DOGE’s access requests on certain dates.
State auditors pinpointed nine areas they want more information on and asked for access to related data, documents, and systems. They also requested discussions with “qualified individuals to explain the city’s actions and decisions.”
These areas include diversity, equity, and inclusion; homeless services; sustainability and environmental resilience under the state’s "Green New Deal" category; utilities; personnel compensation; procurement and contracting; management practices; grants and financial management; and transportation.
Auditors characterized DEI as “any type of preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity, gender, or similar factors (including substitute terms like ‘cultural competence’ or ‘lived experience’ to mask such preferential treatment).”
They seek details on traffic calming devices like speed tables and humps, along with bicycle and pedestrian initiatives.
Auditors named four city employees they want to interview: George Smith, chief equity officer; Lendel Bright, ADA and diversity coordinator; Kourey Hendryx-Bell, supplier diversity manager; and Sharon Wright, the city's previous director of the Office of Sustainability and Resilience.
Wright resigned in October 2022, and the city has had two directors since. Maeven Rodgers assumed the position last fall after Allison Mihalich left in July 2024.
In a statement provided by a spokesperson, Welch mentioned he is carefully reviewing the state's letter and will “fully cooperate, providing any extra information or clarification as needed.”
“My administration’s Principles for Accountable and Responsible Government continue to shape our work,” Welch stated. “We will respond to any questions stemming from the State’s process and proceed with transparency and accountability for the benefit of St. Petersburg’s residents.”
In a statement, State Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, described the state’s action as political retaliation.
“If we genuinely care about responsible budgeting, we ought to address Florida’s housing and insurance crisis, invest in quality public education, and tirelessly work to reduce everyday expenses,” she remarked. “That’s how we create a Florida that benefits everyone.”
City Council member Mike Harting, who is not affiliated with any political party, stated he believes the effort is a valuable check and balance, but feels the state’s focus is too broad. He mentioned that he wasn’t worried because St. Petersburg functions well.
“The volume of information they’re requesting is equivalent to months of work,” Harting noted. “It would make sense to restrict their oversight authority to aspects that counties and municipalities can more easily present.”
