Ken Welch, a 1987 FAMU MBA grad, will be sworn in as the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg, FL, at noon today.
Welch will be sworn in virtually after he recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Welch will give a live, virtual speech at 12 p.m. The speech can be watched on the city's TV channel or its Facebook page.
“While this is disappointing, I am incredibly thankful that my current symptoms are not serious, and I keep in my thoughts and prayers all the families who have lost so much more to this pandemic. Though we will not be able to celebrate in person, let us keep front of mind the significance of the day – the day that we begin a journey together, as one community in one city, toward inclusive progress. We will have much more to celebrate together in the years to come."
There are several things he says he'll be focusing on as mayor. Those include:
- Controlling gun violence
- Rebuilding again infrastructure
- Redeveloping Tropicana Field
- The lack of affordable housing
People in the community say Welch's promise to focus on inclusive progress and making sure that as St. Pete grows, residents and businesses can afford to stay in the city and thrive, is top of mind.
"What we’re really hoping to do with the incoming administration and all residents of goodwill. Whether they’re renters or landlords or what have you, is to put our hearts and minds together and have a conversation about how we secure that right to housing for all of our people," said Aaron Dietrich, from People's Council of St. Petersburg.