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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Following years of deliberation and stalled initiatives, the future of the former science center on 22nd Ave North appears to be reigniting with potential.
On Thursday, the St. Petersburg City Council is set to cast their votes on a pivotal agreement aimed at revitalizing this once thriving educational center. A major obstacle has been cleared, as an independent consultant confirmed that the transaction will not interfere with the city’s utility bond obligations.
“This is a significant victory for St. Pete,” proclaimed John Hoke, president of the Jungle Terrace civic association.
The path is now clear for St. Pete for STEAM, LLC. to proceed with a $1.6 million acquisition, with the city providing the majority of the financing—approximately $1.47 million—at an interest-free rate.
The proposal has sparked considerable discussion within the local community.
Mayor Ken Welch says his previous hesitancy came from hurricanes Milton and Helene showing holes in the infrastructure, and the need for increased storm water capacity.
“That’s why I made the decision that I didn’t want the maximum capacity at that plant in case it is again the only running plant in the city. We’re going to take a little bit less in terms of capacity building, but there are other ways that we’re going to try to mitigate that,” said Mayor Welch.
However, those in support of the new STEAM center argued using the brush site behind the center for those needs instead.
“The question is what’s more important, moving a pile of palm fronds so you could build the tanks there and have the science center? Or not moving the pile of palm fronds and tearing down the science center so you can build the tanks there? You don’t kill the $20 million project that is a gift to the city because you don’t want to move brush site,” said Joe Hamilton with St. Pete for STEAM.
If approved today, the mayor can move ahead with the paperwork, setting the stage for the site to be transformed into a hands-on STEAM destination for the community.
