St. Petersburg approved its FY2027 South St. Petersburg redevelopment budget, with $15.1 million for housing, $11.6 million for affordable-housing loans and $180,000 for repair aid; residents say repairs to older homes are harder to afford.
WFLA reported that more than 250 rehabilitation applications are in progress. City Chief Community Impact Officer George Smith said more than $35 million in requests for affordable units are pending review, and he expects more applications in the coming fiscal year.
Mahalia “Blue” Feliu, who has lived in her South St. Petersburg home for 40 years, said she intends to stay but has repairs that can no longer wait; she also questioned whether current residents can afford nearby new homes. Council member Gina Driscoll said existing residents should benefit more directly from redevelopment money. WFLA reported increases for single-family housing programs, down-payment assistance and facade improvements. Feliu wants greater awareness of the programs and an application process that works for seniors.
