Some residents will ask whether a longer lease means less accountability. It’s a fair question. A “yes” vote does mean voters would no longer get a direct say on Port leases between 10 and 25 years. But those leases would not be rubber-stamped. Under the City Charter, long-term waterfront leases need the votes of at least six of the eight City Council members, not a simple majority, and voters keep the power to hold those officials to account. The 10-year limit was set for a different era and now works against the city’s own goals.
This is also a modest request. A 50-year term was floated early on, but the council steered toward 25 years to align with the airport and keep the ask simple for voters. St. Petersburg voters have approved limited waterfront lease extensions before. The Sailing Center’s long-term lease passed with 84 percent, because residents saw that thoughtful, bounded extensions serve the public.
A more resilient Port means a stronger local economy, more maritime research and a better-prepared waterfront.
St. Pete Rising recommends voting ‘Yes’ on the City of St. Petersburg’s Charter Amendment #2 to authorize a 25-year lease limitation for the Port of St. Petersburg.
For more information on the November 3, 2026 General Election, visit the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections website.