Charlie Crist Hits the Streets to Thank St. Pete After Big Election Victory

St. Petersburg has chosen its next mayor, and Charlie Crist isn't wasting any time reconnecting with the community that elected him. Just hours after defeating incumbent Mayor Ken Welch in the November 3rd election, former Florida Governor Charlie Crist was back on the streets of St. Petersburg, personally thanking residents for their support.

Crist secured approximately 62% of the vote compared to Welch's 38%, marking a decisive victory in one of the city's most closely watched political races. On Wednesday morning Crist greeted residents near 4th Street and 22nd Avenue North, sharing a simple message of gratitude inspired by a lesson from his mother: saying thank you matters. For Crist, the election also represents a return to serving the community he has called home for much of his life, this time from City Hall.

With his inauguration approaching in January 2027, Crist is already looking toward some of the biggest issues facing St. Pete, including neighborhood flooding, aging infrastructure, city spending, and the future of the Historic Gas Plant District. Voters also approved a $600 million bond referendum intended to help fund critical infrastructure improvements, including stormwater and wastewater upgrades. Crist acknowledged the financial responsibility involved while emphasizing the importance of addressing persistent flooding problems across the city.

The mayor-elect will also face new budget challenges following the passage of Florida's Amendment 3, which expands homestead property tax exemptions. As St. Petersburg prepares for a transition in leadership, Crist's first public appearance following the election centered on something simple: thanking the people who put him in office.