“Missing in Action?” Mayor Welch Faces Heat Over Hurricane Response as Former Ally Eyes His Seat
St. Petersburg, FL – July 1, 2025
The winds may have died down, but the political storm is just beginning. As St. Pete braces for another hurricane season, questions are swirling—not about the next storm, but about whether Mayor Ken Welch is the leader residents can count on when disaster strikes.
Former State Rep. Ben Diamond's Poll Rattles the Mayor’s Office
A recent poll quietly commissioned by former state Rep. Ben Diamond didn’t just measure public opinion—it ignited a political firestorm. The poll, which gauged support for a potential mayoral run by Diamond, called out Welch’s handling of record-setting hurricane seasons—and it clearly struck a nerve at City Hall.
Welch, who has previously enjoyed strong support across St. Pete, said he was “surprised” by the poll. But for many residents who watched their neighborhoods drown in debris, the only surprise is how little the Mayor seems to have done.
Where Was Welch During the Storm?
That’s the question being asked across the city—and in Diamond’s poll. During Hurricane Ian, when leaders were expected to coordinate response efforts from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Mayor Welch stayed home. His defense? That he “didn’t need to sleep there.” But in the eyes of critics, his absence was a glaring example of performative leadership—choosing optics over action when lives and property were on the line.
City workers later cleared more than 2.1 million cubic yards of storm debris—an effort Welch cited as proof of success. But the overwhelming consensus in the poll? The city was caught unprepared, and residents were left to clean up the mess—both literally and politically.
Ben Diamond Steps In: A Fact-Finding Mission or Soft Launch?
Diamond, who previously served in the state legislature and maintains deep ties to the community, confirmed he personally authorized the poll. While he hasn’t officially declared his candidacy, his move signals growing dissatisfaction with Welch’s leadership—especially among voters who once considered the Mayor a reliable public servant.
Diamond’s statement was clear:
“I’ve been encouraged to run… I’m still in the fact-finding stage, but residents have real concerns—and they deserve to be heard.”
Translation? The groundwork for a 2026 challenge is already being laid—and hurricane preparedness could be the battleground issue.
Welch’s Spin Can’t Hide the Cracks
In his response, Welch focused on “his record”—but critics say that’s exactly the problem. From slow debris removal and ineffective emergency communication, to a visible absence during critical hours, his leadership during major storms has drawn consistent criticism.
What’s more, the term “Welch piles” has made its way into local vocabulary—referring to massive, weeks-old mounds of storm debris clogging streets and gutters. While the mayor brushed off the term as “a non-issue,” residents in South St. Pete and other underserved areas feel otherwise.
Friends No More? Welch’s Relationship with Diamond Fractures
Welch and Diamond weren’t just political allies—they were friends. But the poll has driven a wedge between them. “Based on that survey, I’d have to question what kind of friendship that actually was,” Welch remarked.
But the real question may be this: Why is the Mayor more concerned about a political poll than public safety failures?
Is St. Pete Ready for Another Season Under Welch?
With another hurricane season underway, many in the community are asking if they can trust this administration to lead. If the last two years are any indication, storm prep may be left up to volunteers and neighborhood groups while City Hall scrambles to catch up.
Key Takeaways for Voters:
Mayor Welch stayed home during Hurricane Ian while emergency teams were in the field.
Debris removal delays left vulnerable neighborhoods overwhelmed.
A poll from former ally Ben Diamond suggests major voter discontent.
The Mayor appears more focused on defending his record than addressing preparedness gaps.
Final Word: St. Pete Deserves Better
Mayor Welch may be “ready to rock and roll,” but St. Petersburg residents want more than soundbites! They want leadership in the room when crisis hits—not press conferences after the fact. And if Ben Diamond’s fact-finding mission turns into a full-blown campaign, Welch may soon learn that political storms are the hardest to weather.