Latest news with #SamanthaBequer
Axios
7 days ago
- Business
- Axios
St. Petersburg preps for Tropicana Field roof installation
City officials have begun laying the groundwork — er, ceiling work — to install a new roof on Tropicana Field. Why it matters: The city is on a tight timeline to repair the Tampa Bay Rays ballpark in time for Opening Day next spring. State of play: Workers are currently installing blue netting that will serve as a base from which to build out the roof, city spokesperson Samantha Bequer said in an email. The city will build out the new roof in phases beginning next month, with expected completion in December. Also that month, repairs to the interior and the addition of turf are slated to begin. The project's expected completion date is April. By the numbers: The repairs are projected to cost about $56 million, with $22.5 million allocated for the roof alone. Between the lines: The renovation comes amid a potential sale of the team to a group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski, who The Athletic reported wants to see the team relocate to Tampa.
Axios
03-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
How St. Pete plans to spend $160 million in hurricane recovery aid
St. Petersburg leaders are seeking public feedback on how they plan to spend $160 million in hurricane recovery grant funding. Why it matters: A draft action plan published last week calls for the money to go toward programs that help with home and apartment building repairs, home elevation, resident relocation and more. The big picture: The $159.8 million disaster recovery fund was allocated to the city by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help with recovery from Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricane Helene last year. The grant doesn't cover impacts from Hurricane Milton. HUD decides which disasters qualify "based on federal data assessing unmet needs after disasters," city spokesperson Samantha Bequer told Axios. At least 70% of the funds will be designated for low- and moderate-income households within the city. For a family of four, that's less than $83,450 per year Zoom in: The plan calls for two-thirds of the funding ($105 million) to go toward housing programs, which city officials identified as the biggest area of need. Those include: Up to $375,000 per household to reconstruct or replace or up to $100,000 to rehabilitate a storm-damaged property. That includes building elevation. Up to $50,000 per household for reimbursement of rehab work completed before the grant application. Up to $80,000 per household for homebuyer assistance, such as coverage for closing costs or a down payment. Buyouts of up to $400,000 for the city to acquire homes or commercial properties in flood-prone areas, allowing residents to relocate to lower-risk areas. The plan calls for the remaining funding to go toward financial hardship grants of up to $15,000; nonprofit aid; public infrastructure mitigation projects; and post-disaster planning improvements. The fine print: Each program has eligibility requirements based on income, extent of damage and other factors. What's next: The city will have a virtual public hearing at 2pm Tuesday for residents to learn about and provide feedback on the draft plan. Register here.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Owners of former Tampa Bay Times building hit by crane want to tear it down
The owners of 490 First Ave. S, the former Tampa Bay Times office building hit by a crane during Hurricane Milton, have told St. Petersburg officials that they would like to tear it down. City spokesperson Samantha Bequer confirmed that the owners of the building have told city building officials their intentions in early, informal conversations. 'We know that they have expressed interest in wanting to demo the building,' Bequer said. The owner would have to apply for a demolition permit, which has not been submitted, she said. Because the building is located downtown, the owners must either provide development plans for what would replace it or submit a report that says the building is structurally unsafe. The building is owned by a limited liability corporation registered to an Atlanta-based real estate investor, Robert Mason, who did not immediately return a call, voicemail and text message seeking comment. A spokesperson for Lincoln Property, which manages the property, also did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. A call and a text message to a communications phone number for Lincoln did not yield a response. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Axios
04-04-2025
- General
- Axios
See inside St. Petersburg's Barack Obama Library, expected to reopen late summer
An end is in sight for construction at St. Petersburg's President Barack Obama Library. Why it matters: The city's main library has been closed since 2021 for renovations that have taken far longer — and have grown much more expensive — than expected. State of play: Officials anticipate the library to reopen late this summer, city spokesperson Samantha Bequer told Axios. The work has been delayed by the pandemic, rising construction costs, and the discovery and removal of asbestos in the 1960s-era building, the St. Pete Catalyst reported. The price tag has ballooned to about $16 million, per the Catalyst. The latest: In a recent Instagram post, the city gave residents a glimpse into what the nearly finished library looks like inside and what new amenities they can expect. Among them: Dedicated teen and kid spaces. A computer lab and private offices. An outdoor reading garden with a view of Jorgenson Lake.
