Episode 100: Mayor Ken Welch on The Future of The Rays, Downtown St. Pete Growth, and What’s Next for the City
In Episode 100 of Talkin’ St. Pete, Ryan Bogden sits down with Mayor Ken Welch for one of the biggest conversations we’ve had on the show so far.
From Tropicana Field and the Tampa Bay Rays to affordable housing, infrastructure, transportation, local businesses, and hurricane recovery, this episode touches on many of the conversations happening around St. Pete right now.
Mayor Welch also shares his perspective on how the city can continue growing while still protecting the culture, neighborhoods, and local feel that make St. Pete different from everywhere else in Florida.
The Future of The Rays and Tropicana Field
One of the biggest topics throughout the episode is the future of the Tampa Bay Rays and what could happen around Tropicana Field after 2028.
Mayor Welch talks about the city’s partnership with Pinellas County, the original $300 million connected to the Rays deal, and why the city decided not to continue putting additional money into the project.
The conversation also gets into how the Rays impact restaurants, bars, and local businesses around Downtown St. Pete, along with why so many residents are paying close attention to what happens next with the stadium and redevelopment plans.
Why the Historic Gas Plant District Still Matters
The episode also dives into the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District and why the promises tied to that land still matter today.
Mayor Welch talks about the importance of creating jobs, housing, economic opportunity, and long-term community impact while still honoring the history connected to the district.
One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is making sure future development benefits the people and communities that helped shape St. Pete long before the city’s recent growth boom.
Affordable Housing and Keeping St. Pete Accessible
Housing affordability continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing St. Pete.
Mayor Welch talks about workforce housing, rising living costs, first-time homebuyer opportunities, and the importance of creating ways for people who work in St. Pete to continue living near the city and the communities they’ve helped build.
The conversation also focuses on balancing growth while keeping St. Pete accessible for healthcare workers, hospitality employees, teachers, small business owners, and local families.
Hurricane Recovery, Infrastructure, and Transportation Plans
The episode also covers the city’s response following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Mayor Welch talks about the Hometown Haulers cleanup program, moving nearly 2 million cubic yards of debris in roughly 90 days, and the infrastructure improvements the city is now prioritizing moving forward.
The conversation also touches on flooding and drainage improvements, water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, the proposed $600M SPAR / GO Bond, neighborhood resiliency projects, transportation expansion, and the future of the SunRunner and ferry system across St. Pete.
Protecting the Local Feel of St. Pete
One of the most interesting parts of the episode is hearing Mayor Ken Welch talk about growing up in St. Pete and watching the city evolve over the years.
Throughout the conversation, everything keeps coming back to one big question: how does St. Pete continue growing without losing the local feel that made people fall in love with the city in the first place?
From small businesses and neighborhoods to the arts, culture, and waterfront lifestyle, the episode highlights why preserving the identity of St. Pete matters just as much as development itself.
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