Port of St. Petersburg Charter Amendment

October 7, 2026

Dear Chamber Members,

On behalf of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, I write in support of Charter Amendment No. 2, which would increase the Port of St. Petersburg’s lease limitation from 10 years to 25 years without requiring a separate citywide referendum for each lease within that limit.

The Port is an asset to St. Petersburg’s maritime economy and Innovation District. Its current lease limitation can make it difficult to plan and finance facilities that require substantial investment over time.

Allowing leases of up to 25 years would give the City and prospective partners more flexibility to evaluate those opportunities. It would also bring the Port’s lease limitation in line with the adjacent Albert Whitted Airport.

The Chamber supports growth in maritime research and technology, including the proposed expansion of the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub. This amendment could help make projects of that kind feasible, but it would not approve the Hub expansion, authorize a particular lease, or change the Port’s permitted use. Those decisions should receive their own review, with attention to financial terms, compatible Port operations, public benefit, and the City’s continued stewardship of its waterfront property.

We encourage St. Petersburg voters to approve Charter Amendment No. 2. It is a practical change that would give the City more room to pursue maritime investment and workforce opportunities while retaining responsibility for the terms of each agreement.

Sincerely,

Chris Steinocher
President and CEO