Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, July 22, 2026 —

St. Petersburg, FL – St. Petersburg City Council member Corey Givens Jr. is facing scrutiny for his absence from critical votes concerning a potential municipal utility. Constituents in Givens’ district have voiced significant concerns regarding the performance of Duke Energy, citing issues such as high utility bills and insufficient tree trimming around power lines. Despite these constituent worries, Givens missed key deliberations and votes on the matter, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason for his absences.

However, questions have been raised about the validity of these cited conflicts, as his official calendar reportedly did not consistently reflect the stated scheduling issues. The Duke Energy study, a focal point of these discussions, ultimately passed by a narrow margin.

The absence of Council member Givens during these crucial decision-making processes has drawn criticism not only from residents within his district but also from his fellow council members. They have underscored the importance of consistent attendance and representation, particularly when addressing issues that directly impact the community’s well-being and financial burdens. The lack of his vote on a matter of significant constituent concern has led to discussions about accountability and the necessity of engaged participation in council proceedings.

While the Duke Energy study moved forward, the episode highlights ongoing tensions regarding utility services and the role of elected officials in addressing resident concerns. The matter of consistent representation during pivotal votes remains a key point of discussion among city leadership and the public.



Story summarized from the original created by By Emily L. Mahoney, Times staff on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.

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