Hanowitz sworn in as council chair; Floyd sworn in as vice chair in St. Petersburg

Lisette Hanowitz was sworn in as 2026 chair of the St. Petersburg City Council and Richmond J. Floyd took the oath as vice chair during the council’s January meeting. The clerk announced both confirmations passed unanimously.

The meeting opened with an invocation from Provost Michelle Robert Shaw of the Cathedral of Saint Peter and a moment of silence for Sergeant Thomas Battinger and Officer Jeffrey Yazluitz. A short video preceded the oath administration. Council members presented a gavel and remarks to the council’s outgoing chair, thanking that member for a year of leadership and public service.

Mayor Ken Welch and council members offered brief remarks of appreciation. Chair Hanowitz thanked colleagues, staff and family after taking the oath. The council then moved on to routine business, including approval of the consent agenda and subsequent public hearings.

The ceremonial actions concluded the first substantive agenda item of the new year; there was no contested vote on the leadership confirmations.