Neighborhood News Bureau

Author: Carly Romano

  • A Walk Through Midtown

    A Walk Through Midtown

    BY CARLY ROMANO
    NNB REPORTER

     

    Use this map as your guide to take a walk through historic Midtown of St. Petersburg.

    The marked destinations highlight thriving places, attractions, and restaurants within the progressing area.

    Click on each hot spot for pictures and information, including addresses!

     

     

    Note: Zoom in for larger view.

  • Kids cause disturbance on Election Day

    Election Day at Polling Location for Precinct 225

    BY CARLY ROMANO
    NNB Reporter

    ST. PETERSBURG—During midday, the polling location for voting precinct 225 was having problems with kids throwing rocks and pine bark not only at cars in the parking lot, but also at a poll-worker and his motor bike.

    This caused a disturbance, which lead to the volunteer poll workers to go outside and ward off the kids who were dropped off at a nearby school bus stop.

    Those working were discussing whether to move their cars in fear the kids would not leave.

    After being yelled at several times, the kids began to move away from the property.

    The polling location for precinct 225 is held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and is in close range of a school zone.

    In the midst of problems with school kids, no voters were present.

    According to Jason Latimer, spokesman for the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, only 32 people have voted for precinct 225 as of 4:19 p.m.

    Poll workers muttered that this was extremely low traffic compared to past elections.

    Regina Johnson, resident of District 5, cast a ballot on all referendum questions as well as a candidates for District 5 and 7.

    “I always vote,” she said with pride after voting.

    Election information is posted outside of all polling locations. Voters should come prepared, as poll workers are not allowed to advise or educate about the election.

    “We are able to provide press releases, voting registration deadlines and any election information,” Latimer said.

    For further information regarding elections, voters can visit www.votepinellas.com.

  • Referendum no. 2 asks voters to change district lines

    BY CARLY ROMANO
    NNB Reporter

    ST. PETERSBURG— Residents get the opportunity to vote on a referendum that could change district lines.

    Referendum question no. 2 reads:

    “Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that Council Districts do not need to follow voting precinct lines when it is not practical due to the need for the Council Districts to be compact and contiguous and the requirement that boundary lines follow centerlines of streets, railroad lines or other natural boundaries where possible?”

    “What they are proposing is to rather than follow voting precinct lines, putting along natural borders, is for those districts let that be natural border to make it more clear for constituency to reach out to the council members,” said Chan Srinivasa, City Clerk of St. Petersburg. “Because they don’t know which council individual is representing them in that particular district.”

    If approved the changes would not take effect until a redistricting commission is established, said Srinivasa.

    “Normally they are done around the time censuses are done,” he said.

    The City Council does not have the power to change lines. The Citizens Redistricting Commission only has the power to do so, which is composed of nine members. The mayor and each council member appoint members from the community, non-elected officials, who are residents of the district they represent.

    The districts would consist of contiguous neighborhoods using the centerlines of streets, railroad lines and other natural boundaries.

    “The boundaries shall follow voting precinct lines to the extent that it is practical,” according to the referendum.

    Ordinances referencing Referendum Questions on the ballot will be made available at all polling locations during the election for individuals who need clarification.

    Residents questions the lack of effort to educate voters about these potential changes.

    “I have received several phone calls regarding dissection of referendum questions,” said Maria Scruggs, president of the NAACP’s St. Petersburg branch.

    Scruggs is not alone.

    “I think it would be responsible of district leaders to ensure their constituency, educate or make awareness on changes of ballot questions,” said Brittany Harris, a St. Petersburg resident. “The irresponsibility on part of city leaders to make sure, that me as a voter, actually understands what exactly is being put on the ballot, because I believe that is part of being a public servant, gives me the impression that there could be some ulterior motives.”

  • Influential Impact The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum Has On Society

    Influential Impact The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum Has On Society

    By Carly Romano

    NNB Reporter

     

    ST. PETERSBURG— With a group of like-minded friends, Dr. Carter G. Woodson started work to educate and bring equality to unite residents of Midtown in 1915.

    He wrote more than 30 books including The Mis-Education of the Negro in 1933. Woodson developed the idea in 1926 to observe noted accomplishments made by African Americans for a week. His celebration grew to eventually become Black History Month.

    A museum to honor and commemorate Woodson opened in 2006 and continues to grow his legacy.

    “We celebrate, we remember, we embrace the history of the past, as well as cater to the present,” said Cranston Cumberbatch, Office Manager/Curator/Docent of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum.

    Inside, there are displays of significant artwork symbolizing highlights of African American culture and history. The display is also a part of Art Walk, a festive monthly tradition, held throughout Midtown and downtown.

    In order to maintain the non-profit museum, it accepts donations as well as hosts special events to help bring in money. These special occasions and events are held inside the museum or outside in the nature reserve garden.

    The museum was part of the Jordan Park housing project upgrades and financially funded by a multimillion-dollar federal grant in 2005. The space formerly served as the Jordan Park Community Center and Management Office.

    In January, there was a protest to keep the museum when concerns came up that the property would be sold back to the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. By March, due to the landmark’s sentimental value, the city of St. Petersburg started negotiations for the space. Ownership by the city is being finalized which will allow the building to remain in the same location.

    African Americans played a crucial role in the expansion and development of St. Petersburg since the late 1800s. Exhibits show the hardscrabble lives of early black families and cultural artwork. Their purpose is to uphold the value of diversification, equal rights and social justice.

    “We are a progressive museum, we don’t keep static exhibits,” said Cumberbatch. “There are constant changes displaying narratives from the past to the present.”

     

    If you go:

    What: Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum

    Where: 2240 9th Ave S, St. Petersburg

    When: From 12-5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; Saturday, by appointment

    Contact: (727) 323-1104