On July 2, 2026, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch officially announced his selection of The Burg Bid team, led by St. Pete-based Blake Investment Partners (in partnership with Related Group), to take over the massive redevelopment of the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District.

This decision marks a major turning point for the city following the collapse of the previous Hines-Rays stadium and mixed-use agreement earlier in 2025.

Key Elements of Blake Investment Partners' "The Burg Bid" Proposal:

• Massive Housing Commitment: The estimated $8 billion plan promises the largest delivery of affordable and workforce housing in city history, projected at more than 3,600 units (to be delivered both on- and off-site).

• Cultural & Public Space: A planned 15-acre central park anchored by a "Museum Row," featuring a brand-new building for the Woodson African American Museum of Florida as its centerpiece.

• Economic & Community Focus: The plan features a dedicated workforce training and small-business success center, 400,000 square feet of retail space, and office space managed alongside partners like Stadler Development.

• Honoring the Legacy: The team established a "Historic Gas Plant Visionary Panel," a volunteer advisory committee made up of leaders from over 20 local organizations to ensure the site honors the predominantly Black neighborhood that was displaced decades ago.

A Two-Pronged Approach

In addition to the Blake Investment Partners selection for the main 58-acre portion of the property, Mayor Welch simultaneously selected the Pinellas County Housing Authority to develop a standalone, 7-story, 80-unit affordable senior housing community on a city-owned parcel at 1659 Third Ave. S.

What Happens Next?

The selection moves the project into its next formal phase. Mayor Welch and city staff will now begin negotiating a formal term sheet and contract. The proposal will then head to the Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) for vetting before going to the St. Petersburg City Council for final approval. Audio from City of St. Petersburg. Picture: Spectrum Bay News 9. #stpete #stpetefl #historicgasplant #blakeinvestmentpartners #tampabay #radio #radiostpete

• Tire them out: Go for a long run or play an extended game of fetch earlier in the day. A physically exhausted dog will be much more relaxed.
• Potty early: Get all bathroom breaks out of the way well before dusk. Never leave a stressed dog outside during a fireworks show.
• Prep the environment: Close all windows, blinds, and curtains to block out the flashes of light. Layer two forms of background noise (such as a TV show combined with a box fan) to help mask the sudden pops.
• Create a safe den: Set up their crate or a cozy corner in a central, interior room like a bathroom or closet with their favorite blankets.
• Try calming gear: Put on a gentle compression vest like the ThunderShirt to provide a swaddling effect. You can also try noise-canceling ear bands.
• Offer high-value treats: Keep their minds occupied with treats in a toy to distract them.
• Stay normal and neutral: Dogs look to their pack leaders for cues. Act as though nothing unusual is happening. While you can gently comfort them, avoid overly dramatic, high-pitched soothing, which can accidentally reinforce their fear.

#petips #petsafety #dogs #nanettewiser

Playwright Wendy Graf’s The Cross and the Saber is a sobering drama set in the not-too-distant future. The play, now through July 19 at LAB Theater Project in Ybor City, gives us an America ruled by a totalitarian government that does not tolerate dissent of any kind. That’s a problem for Rev. Isaiah Proffit, who sees the separation of church and state becoming ever-narrower. As The Cross and the Saber begins, Proffit has been jailed for his “extremist” ideas, which go against the strict edicts of the country’s Great Leader and his creepily mechanized minions. Host Bill DeYoung talks with LAB founder and executive producer Owen Robertson about the production, and why it’s onstage during America’s 250th birthday celebrations (hint: it was on purpose). He discusses the cast, the use of stage technology, and the LAB manifesto: putting up plays that have never before been produced anywhere (this is the world premiere of Graf’s show). There are lighthearted moments in The Cross and the Saber, but at its core it’s a red flag about what could conceivably result from a massive, governmental mind-and-body takeover.

#billdeyoung #owenrobertston #LABtheaterproject #YborCity #theater #artsalive #stpetecatalyst #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete #dtsp #downtownstpete

& we’re back. This week, America celebrates 250 years and we are celebrating with fireworks if it's legal or not. A woman is tragically taken out by an alligator swimming in Florida. A friend of Anna's is thinking about adopting a kid but the wife is unstable at best. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

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