“St. Petersburg will protect and enhance the natural systems that provide the resources of land, air, water and vegetation…St. Petersburg will reflect an awareness of ourselves as part of the larger systems upon which we are dependent for our mental, physical, spiritual and economic well-being.” (Vision 2020)

For its efforts in stewardship of the environment, St. Petersburg has been designated as the FIRST and ONLY Green City in the state of Florida.

The challenges are many in protecting and providing a sustainable community for the future in St. Petersburg. The city is located on a peninsula, surrounded by 260 miles of highly desirable shoreline. St. Petersburg is also located in the most densely populated county in Florida (three times more densely populated than the second county on the list). As a result, protecting Florida’s delicate ecosystem, providing for land management and managing resources – clean air, quality drinking water, transportation and housing needs – is paramount.