Deputy Mayor Position Eliminated After Resignations: St. Pete Mayor

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Mayor Ken Welch has eliminated the city’s deputy mayor position after two members of his administration resigned last week amidst bullying allegations made against former Deputy Mayor Stephanie Owens.

Communications Director Janelle Irwin Taylor stepped down from the role Sept. 1, accusing Owens, her direct supervisor, of creating a hostile work environment.

“After our discussion on August 30, 2022, I have determined that the disclosed hostile work environment, lack of communication or guidance, and overall culture of bullying, all related to my direct supervisor, were not adequately addressed, and thus warrant my immediate departure from this administration,” Irwin Taylor wrote in her letter to the mayor.

Owens resigned the next day, telling Welch that her last day would be Sept. 9. She was already placed on administrative leave after the mayor became aware of the accusations against her.

• Also Read: Deputy Mayor Accused Of Bullying Resigns: St. Petersburg

In her resignation letter, the deputy mayor said that “recent events distract from our impactful and intentional work to move our great city forward, and therefore I resign in the spirit of progress.”

During a news conference Tuesday morning, Welch said, “I am disappointed in the nature of their departures and the allegations made by Ms. Taylor in her resignation letter.” (Watch the news conference below.)

He added, “I do not believe that there is a pervasive hostile work environment in our city. But as mayor, I need to base my decisions on facts and data, not solely on my beliefs.”

He also said that Irwin Taylor never filed a complaint against Owens, who “disputes that charge.” The mayor also said he was unaware of any issues until the day before the communications director’s resignation.

“It’s important to respect Ms. Taylor’s allegation even without any official complaint,” Welch said. “However, it’s also important to respect the statement of former Deputy Mayor Owens, who refutes those allegations.”

In addition to eliminating the deputy mayor role, Welch said he’ll seek feedback from employees about their workplace environment and hinted to other changes coming.

He also plans to have the city’s human resources department develop a plan for employees to report workplace bullying.

“I see this an opportunity to improve our employees’ awareness and our processes,” he said, adding, “If a high-ranking employee didn’t have faith in the current process of an understanding of their options, then, perhaps, other employees don’t either and we will address that.”

Watch Mayor Welch's news conference: