Episode 104: Is St. Pete Building the Future on Yesterday's Infrastructure? Jim Large Weighs In
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Jim Large never planned on becoming a firefighter.
At 18 years old, he originally wanted to join the police department, but after age restrictions led him to the St. Petersburg Fire Department instead, he discovered a career that would shape the next five decades of his life. What began as a temporary opportunity became 50 years of public service, including 18 years as Fire Chief and Emergency Manager for the City of St. Petersburg.
After retiring, Jim says he expected to step away from city government. That changed following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, when conversations with residents and longtime friends convinced him that his experience could still serve the community.
In Episode 104 of Talkin' St. Pete Ryan Bogden sits down with Jim Large to discuss why he's running for Mayor, why he believes leadership should come before politics, and how 50 years of public service shaped his vision for St. Pete.
Is St. Pete Growing Faster Than Its Infrastructure Can Handle?
One statement from Jim becomes the central theme of the conversation:
"We're putting tomorrow's development on yesterday's infrastructure."
Jim argues that the city's roads, sewer systems, stormwater infrastructure, and permitting processes haven't kept pace with that growth.
Ryan and Jim discuss some of the biggest issues residents continue to raise, including:
Aging infrastructure and flooding
Road maintenance and stormwater improvements
Housing affordability
Permitting delays
Public safety
Balancing growth while preserving St. Pete's character
Rather than opposing growth, Jim believes development should move alongside long-term investments that benefit every neighborhood, not just new projects.
For anyone wondering how St. Pete can continue growing without sacrificing quality of life, this conversation offers an inside look at one candidate's perspective.
The Future of the Historic Gas Plant District and the Tampa Bay Rays
Few topics generate more discussion in St. Pete than the future of the Historic Gas Plant District.
Ryan and Jim spend significant time discussing the proposed redevelopment, Mayor Ken Welch's endorsement of the Blake Investment Partners proposal, and why Jim believes the city should reconsider how the property is developed.
Jim shares why he supports a more strategic, long-term approach that he believes could create greater financial value for residents while protecting existing business districts like Central Avenue and the Edge District.
The conversation also explores:
Whether the Tampa Bay Rays could still remain part of the discussion.
How redevelopment decisions could impact future city finances.
The importance of balancing economic growth with community priorities.
Why major decisions should be evaluated with both today's residents and future generations in mind.
Whether you follow local politics closely or simply care about where St. Pete is headed, this section provides valuable context behind one of the city's most important redevelopment projects.
What Did Hurricanes Helene and Milton Reveal About St. Pete?
Having managed emergency operations throughout his career, Jim offers a perspective few people can.
Ryan asks what he would have done differently following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, leading to an in-depth discussion about disaster recovery, communication, and emergency planning.
Jim explains why he believes debris removal should have prioritized sewage-soaked belongings before vegetation, why communication with residents needed to be more transparent, and why cities across Florida should work together through a statewide resource deployment plan before the next major storm arrives.
The conversation also explores flood mitigation, Shore Acres, Dammit Defense flood barriers, infrastructure improvements, and the difficult reality of protecting vulnerable neighborhoods while preparing for increasingly severe weather.
For St. Pete residents still recovering from recent storms, it's one of the most insightful parts of the episode.
Leadership Beyond Politics
Toward the end of the conversation, Ryan asks Jim what 50 years of public service taught him about leadership.
His answer goes beyond campaign promises.
Jim explains that leadership isn't about having every answer, it's about building the right team, adapting as circumstances change, listening to different perspectives, and continuing to grow throughout your career.
He reflects on leading multiple generations of firefighters, navigating changing technology, and preparing future leaders to take on new challenges.
Above all, he says his goal is simple: leave St. Pete in a better position for the next generation than it is today.
Whether you agree with every position discussed or simply want to hear another perspective, this episode offers an opportunity to better understand one of the candidates hoping to lead St. Petersburg into its next chapter.
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