ST. PETE, Fla. — Council Member Brandi Gabbard added a new business item to the Feb. 12 meeting, requesting a referral to the Health, Energy, Resilience and Sustainability committee for an update on the Duke Energy Franchise Agreement negotiations and potential extension.
Last month, community members in St. Pete gathered to rally against Duke Energy because of high costs. Reporter Mary O'Connell went to the event on Jan. 28 to speak with residents.
Jason Scott, an organizer with the Dump Duke campaign, said they're calling on the City of St. Pete to pursue public power, noting that the first step is to conduct a feasibility study to assess the options.
These are conversations Tampa Bay 28 has been following since last summer, from St. Pete to Clearwater.
The city council meeting will start at 3 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Pasco County mom of 5 takes in 3 children left without food or power whose mother faces neglect charges
Jasmine Young, a mother of 5, opened her home to three neglected girls as their mother faces child neglect charges for leaving them without food, power or water.