NewsCreative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsAugust 17, 2026Hillsborough
St. Pete City Council rejects prison-made paper products and previews utility rate increases
The St. Pete City Council voted to reject a proposal to purchase paper products manufactured using prison labor during their August 6, 2026 meeting. The council also received a presentation regarding upcoming utility rate increases that will affect city water costs in the next fiscal year.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsWhy It Matters
Residents face potential increases in water utility bills for the upcoming , while the city has formally declined to enter into a contract involving prison-made goods.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
organizationU.S. House of Urban Development“Provided updates on funding during the meeting.”personMike Harting“City Council Member (District 3) who voted in favor of the contract.”organizationSt. Pete City Council“The governing body that rejected the contract.”organizationCreative Loafing Tampa“Source of the news report.”personCorey Givens“City Council Member (District 7) who voted in favor of the contract.”personAlec S Wilcosky“AFL-CIO representative who spoke against the contract.”organizationPrison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises, Inc.“The company that proposed the paper supply contract.”personRichie Floyd“City Council Member (District 8) who pulled the item for discussion and voted ag”personAlfredo Patiño“Public speaker who urged the council to vote no.”personRandy Fisher“Representative for PRI Enterprises who testified at the meeting.”personBrandi Gabbard“City Council Member (District 2) who voted against the contract.”personRob Gerdes“City Administrator who stated the city has other options for paper supplies.”