Over 100 protesters gathered outside the St. Petersburg City Hall to demand rent control amid one of the worst housing crises in American history, of which St. Petersburg and other Florida cities are epicenters.
Many organizations, including Tampa Bay Party for Socialism and Liberation, St. Petersburg People’s Council, and the Allendale Methodist Church spoke at the event, condemning the city government for refusing to acknowledge the struggles of the people outside its doors.
Members of the St. Petersburg People’s Council voted to escalate if the city doesn’t take action, gathering signatures from residents willing to set up an encampment at the city hall. Despite the risk of arrest, many signed up, holding the belief that incarceration is a lesser burden than excessive rent.
Media via St. Petersburg Tenants’ Union
