For the past two decades, skateboarding in the downtown area was illegal, resulting in a $93 fine for misconduct. But now, the ban is over.
USF St. Petersburg students cruising with longboards no longer risk a fine. With the unanimous support of the St. Petersburg City Council, skateboarders may now cruise along downtown sidewalks. Riding in the street or bike lines is still illegal, as it is against Florida state law.
Only two citations were given last year on account of the ban.
City Council member Karl Nurse, who led the push to change the ordinance, shared his reasons for lifting the ban with The Crow’s Nest.
“I have a son who longboards, and so many people use them to commute to school and work,” Nurse said. “The ban was unwelcoming and it was time to make a change. Now, boarders can commute without breaking the law.”
Nurse added that he believed the ban counteracted the city’s goal to embrace young and creative citizens. Frequent skateboarders, including USFSP’s Longboarding Club, celebrate the news.
“The City Council said skateboards and longboards were safety hazards,” said Brandon Garbett, an executive board member of the Longboarding Club.“They asked, ‘What if you’re going too fast? How do you stop?’ We showed the council how boarders can stop and slow down in a moment’s notice down by the airport hangars.”
Garbett said that City Council supported their cause, especially Nurse. He hopes that the council goes through with plans for a downtown skate park, which he believes will generate revenue for St. Petersburg.
As for the Longboarding Club, night rides on Mondays and Thursdays are now legal.
The Longboarding Club meets in front of the University Student Center every Monday and Thursday at 9 p.m.
