St. Pete Pushes for Local Crane Safety Control

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, which caused a crane collapse in St. Petersburg, Florida, local officials are pushing for more robust crane safety regulations. The collapse resulted in significant damage but no injuries, highlighting vulnerabilities in current safety standards. Currently, Florida law preempts local governments from enacting their own crane regulations, a restriction heavily influenced by construction lobbyists. St. Petersburg City Council members are advocating for the repeal of this preemption and the establishment of uniform state safety standards, similar to those developed after the Surfside condominium collapse. Councilmember Gina Driscoll emphasized the urgency of this issue, expressing frustration at the inability to protect residents under current laws. A proposed bill by state lawmakers aims to restore local control over crane safety, allowing municipalities to implement regulations tailored to their needs.