Michele Rayner Condemns ‘Political Retaliation’ by DeSantis Against St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG — Florida State Representative Michele Rayner is accusing Governor Ron DeSantis of abusing state power in what she describes as “political retaliation” against the City of St. Petersburg. The criticism follows a letter sent by the DeSantis administration to Mayor Ken Welch demanding two-day, on-site access to City Hall, city data systems, and staff under threat of financial penalties.

The letter is part of the Governor’s copy of Elon Musk’s Division of Governmental Oversight and Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. The Florida version, also called DOGE, targets local governments for alleged fiscal mismanagement. Rayner, a Democrat representing House District 62, said the request from Tallahassee is not about fiscal accountability but political punishment.

“Working Floridians are drowning under low wages and soaring costs just to call this state home,” Rayner said in a statement. “Instead of confronting the real crises hurting our people, the Governor is dispatching state agents to punish local communities like St. Petersburg for doing their job: serving their communities.”

She argued that if the administration were serious about reducing wasteful spending, it would begin by cutting tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, not by undermining local governments. “This isn’t fiscal oversight, it’s political retaliation,” she said, adding that the cost falls on working families who rely on local services.

Mayor Ken Welch responded in a more measured tone, stating that the city will “fully cooperate” and will provide any additional information or clarification requested. “We will address any questions that may arise from the State’s process and move forward with clarity and accountability,” Welch said.

Rayner urged state leaders to focus on real issues affecting Floridians, such as housing affordability, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and underfunded public education. “That’s how we build a Florida that works for all of us,” she said.