The City of St. Pete Beach is proud to announce that it has been awarded $5.325 million in new state appropriations to support three critical community projects: the reconstruction of Fire Station 22, Pass-A-Grille wastewater maintenance improvements, and the Boca Ciega Drive Reconstruction Project.
These vital investments represent a significant step forward in enhancing public safety, strengthening the City’s infrastructure, improving resiliency, and supporting the long-term needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
The awarded funding was included in the State of Florida’s $117.6 billion budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, which was officially signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. The City of St. Pete Beach extends its sincere appreciation to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for recognizing the importance of these projects and for continuing to invest in local communities.
The City is especially grateful to its dedicated legislative partners, including State Representative Linda Chaney and Senator Nick DiCeglie, whose ongoing advocacy, sponsorship, and commitment have been instrumental in securing this critical funding.
“Projects of this magnitude require strong partnerships,” said City Manager Frances Robustelli. “We are incredibly thankful for the continued support of our state delegation and their commitment to helping St. Pete Beach address our many infrastructure needs. These appropriations demonstrate what can truly be accomplished when local and state leaders work together toward a shared goal.”
State Representative Linda Chaney shares: “I am proud to have secured this appropriation for the City of St. Pete Beach. This significant investment reflects our commitment to strengthening local communities and ensuring they have the resources needed to address critical priorities and plan for the future. I appreciate the collaborative efforts in making this funding a reality. I look forward to seeing these dollars put to work in ways that enhance public safety, improve quality of life, and benefit both residents and visitors who enjoy St. Pete Beach each year.”
The new $1.5 million appropriation for Fire Station 22 brings the total amount of state funding secured for the project to $6.5 million—toward the estimated $9.5 million reconstruction effort. The reconstruction of Fire Station 22 has been an urgent priority following the significant impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused extensive damage and highlighted the need for a modern facility capable of supporting emergency response operations for decades to come.
“Fire Station 22 is a vital part of our community’s safety network. Rebuilding this facility is about more than replacing a building, it is about ensuring our firefighters have the proper resources and environment they need to protect our community,” said Acting Fire Chief Adam Poirrier. “We are deeply grateful to our local legislative partners for recognizing the importance of this project and helping us move closer to delivering a stronger, more resilient station.”
The appropriations will also support critical wastewater system maintenance in Pass-A-Grille and the reconstruction of Boca Ciega Drive. These projects are key components of the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining reliable infrastructure, improving resiliency, and protecting the quality of life that makes St. Pete Beach a special place to live, work, and visit.
As the City continues its recovery efforts, maintaining strong relationships with state leaders remains a top priority. Continued collaboration with elected officials is essential to securing the resources needed to address the unique challenges facing coastal communities. The City of St. Pete Beach remains committed to pursuing every available funding opportunity to ensure these and other vital projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in a manner that serves the community for generations to come.
For more information, please contact Communications Manager Marc Portugal at 727-363-9266 or mportugal@stpetebeach.org.