By Miguel Octavio
Soon, John Turner will be leaving St. Petersburg and heading to Jacksonville.
“St. Pete is a beautiful city. It’s a great place to live but it’s just not affordable for workers anymore,” he said.
Turner moved to the city 20 years ago and said he never thought he’d ever have to leave.
The 71-year-old said he recently retired after working as a server for 20 years, however, his Social Security isn’t enough to keep up with the bills.
Turner said the rent on his efficiency apartment went from $800 in 2020 to now $1,500 a month.
“I feel a lot of sadness because I know that there are many people that don’t have a support system like I do,” Turner said.
Turner was among those who attended First Baptist Church on Monday night and called for the city to build more affordable housing units.
Organizers from FAST, Faith and Action for Strength Together, held the event and said more than 1,500 people attended.
They are demanding that city leaders pledge to build a minimum of 500 units every year for five years and that they be affordable for those making 80% or less of the area median income.
Council Members Richie Floyd and Corey Givens Jr. pledge to bring forth a resolution for the city council.
Pastor Oscar Banks of Palm Lake Christian Church said while he acknowledges that city leaders have amped up their plans, he believes that “the city can do more.”
“When you meet with people who are struggling, you know that your fight and your words and your actions are for a greater purpose,” Banks said.
Banks said his church is in the process of building affordable housing units as well and wants that reflected in the entire community throughout the city, too.
Those who attended are also calling for more plans to reduce flooding and prevent red tide in the city of Dunedin through “Green Stormwater Infrastructure.”
Commissioner Rob Walker pledged to support the proposal. Organizers are planning to bring it forward to city commissioners at a later date.
10 Tampa Bay reached out to the city of St. Pete for comment and is waiting to hear back.
View the original story here.
