A community reception with the city’s new city council members will follow at Williams Park from 1-3 p.m.
ST. PETERSBURG —On the steps of City Hall, on Thursday, Jan. 6, Ken Welch will make history when he is sworn in as St. Petersburg’s first African-American mayor.
The inauguration ceremony for the city’s 54th mayor begins at noon. It will include the sounds of Lakewood High School’s Marching Band, University of South Florida sophomore Jordan Bolds on saxophone, and a special tribute by Katrina Welch, sister of the mayor-elect.
All events are open to the public, and the theme #WeAreStPete will be on display throughout the day’s festivities. The inauguration will be live-streamed on the City of St. Petersburg’s government channel and social media channels such as Facebook and the city’s website.
“This is a day to celebrate St. Petersburg — every unique fiber of our city that makes us who we are,” said Mayor-Elect Welch. The historic nature of this celebration humbles me and is close to my heart. I want to share the day with the community. St. Petersburg put its trust in me to lead us into tomorrow, but I have not and will not lose sight of all those who built the rich foundation we stand on today,”
The day will begin with a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. inside City Hall Council Chambers with the swearing-in of the new and re-elected St. Petersburg City Council Members.
Following the mayoral inauguration at noon, the marching band from Lakewood High School, Welch’s alma mater, will lead the new mayor and council members from City Hall to Williams Park for a community celebration. The community meet and greet from 1-3 p.m. will feature food and drinks, a DJ, and much more.
Those participating and covering the events are asked to use the hashtag #WeAreStPete to follow festivities throughout the day.
