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10/3/05 St. Petersburg Named one of
100 Best Communities for Young People
At one of the city's new playgrounds, Mayor Rick Baker
announced that St. Petersburg was honored as one of the 100 Best
Communities for Young People. St. Petersburg was selected from a field of
1,200 interested communities by America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth.
This national program was launched by America's Promise Founding Chairman
General Colin Powell, in partnership with Capital One Financial
Corporation.
In making the announcement, Mayor Rick Baker said there
is not just one reason for this designation - there are many. Joined by
members of City Council and youth services leaders, he cited dozens of city
and community initiatives that are working to provide a rich quality of
life for youth in our community. These include a national model mentoring
initiative and the solicitation of private funds to provide 500 students in
need with college scholarships. Also, the city offers award-winning parks
and recreation programs, where character-building is reinforced through
"St. Pete Values" activities, and new state-of-the-art facilities
including skateboard parks. St. Petersburg has also committed to build a
playground within a half mile of every child in the city and to building
the largest network of pedestrian-friendly bike and pedestrian trails in
the Southeast. These city efforts are enhanced by organizations such as the
YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club and the Juvenile Welfare Board that have left
a legacy of outstanding youth services in St. Petersburg.
A complete list of winners can be found at www.americaspromise.org. Members of America's Promise Alliance - including the United Way of America, the U.S. Conference of Mayors,
Junior Achievement, the YMCA and others - took leading roles in the 100
Best competition.
Judges evaluated St. Petersburg's entry based on the
city's efforts to fulfill five essential promises critical to the
well-being of young people: caring adults who are actively involved in
their lives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy start toward
adulthood; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and
opportunities to help others.
"As a mayor, and as a father of two young children,
I know that St. Petersburg is a great place for kids to grow up and start
meaningful lives," said Baker. "We are a child-friendly,
family-friendly city. This award puts to rest the outdated reputation that St. Petersburg is solely a retirement community," said Baker. "While we are a
great place to retire, we are also a great place to grow up. St. Petersburg offers something for everyone in a dynamic, diverse climate that is second
to none."
For more information on this award or to inquire on
other City programs related to youth contact Gail Eggeman at (727) 892-5189
or email her at Gail.Eggeman@stpete.org
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