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Water-Related News

Sewer system woes prompt St. Pete Beach to seek millions in funding

ST PETE BEACH — The city of St. Pete Beach is seeking at least $12 million from county and state governments to help with sewer system upgrades necessary to keep the city and tourism industry functioning at peak capacity.

“Securing that money will keep us on track,” said Mayor Alan Johnson.

The city’s sewer problems started long before Johnson became mayor. In 2016, rain from Tropical Storm Colin overloaded the sewer systems and forced sewage to discharge into the Boca Ciega Bay.

Over the last eight years, the city has invested about $10 million into upgrading and maintaining sewer systems, but $12 million more is still needed.

There’s also concern among the local hospitality industry, as a city resolution in 2016 put a hold on expansion and major renovations for hotels and multifamily dwellings.