St. Petersburg voters cleared the way Tuesday for up to $600 million in borrowing to strengthen flood protection and upgrade water and wastewater systems.
With all precincts reporting, the bond referendum passed with 74% support, 73,280 votes to 25,811, according to unofficial Pinellas County election results.
The measure authorizes the city to issue general obligation bonds backed by property taxes, with up to 30 years to repay the debt. Projects include drainage improvements, stormwater pump stations and upgrades to drinking water and wastewater systems.
Voters also narrowly approved a charter amendment removing nine vacant city-owned lots near Jamestown from the city’s protected Park and Waterfront Map. The measure passed with 53,708 votes, or 53%, compared with 47,561 against, the closest margin of the five measures.
The change allows the city to pursue separate land-use and zoning changes and potentially sell the lots for affordable or workforce housing. The proposal previously prompted debate over preserving neighborhood green space.
A separate referendum allowing a lease of up to 30 years for Harborage Marina passed with 75% support, 74,307 votes to 24,637. The measure requires the marina operator to fund improvements, including new docks, boat lifts and expanded restrooms, with the city retaining ownership when the lease expires. The planned investment is estimated at $2.15 million.
Voters also approved extending the maximum lease term at the Port of St. Petersburg from 10 to 25 years without requiring a citywide referendum. The measure passed with 64% support, or 64,059 votes to 35,597.
Voters also approved a final charter amendment making technical changes following their 2022 decision to move municipal elections to even-numbered years. The measure received the strongest support at 78%, with 77,701 votes in favor and 21,466 against.