ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The St. Cloud City Council approved several significant measures during its June 11 meeting, including amendments to a major development agreement, new permit requirements for commercial use of city-owned property, and updates on the long-delayed downtown hotel renovation project.
One of the most notable actions involved the Roan Bridge development, a large mixed-use project planned west of Old Hickory Tree Road, south of 19th Street, north of Nolte Road, and east of Orange Avenue.
The development, which already holds development entitlements, will include 1,207 residential units and 100,000 square feet of commercial space constructed in three phases.
Council approved an amendment to an existing agreement between the City of St. Cloud, Osceola County, and Roan Bridge Properties, LLC. The revised agreement addresses transportation improvements requested by the city, including extending Orange Avenue beyond the project frontage to Nolte Road. The extension is expected to create an alternative north-south transportation corridor that will eventually connect Mildred Bass Road to U.S. Highway 192.
Under the amended agreement, the city will offset up to $16.9 million in developer costs associated with designing, permitting, and constructing transportation improvements along Fertic Road, Orange Avenue, and Old Hickory Tree Road through mobility fee credits. The final credit amount will be determined after construction is completed and documented costs are submitted to the city. The agreement now moves to the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners for consideration.
Council members also approved a new ordinance establishing permit requirements for individuals and businesses seeking to use city-owned parks and facilities for commercial purposes. The ordinance applies to activities such as classes, camps, and other for-profit events and includes penalties for violations.
During the meeting, City Attorney Dan Mantzaris provided an update on the privately owned St. Cloud Hotel in downtown St. Cloud. Mantzaris reported that after years of delays, a new building permit has been secured, and property owners now have until March 2027 to complete renovations and obtain a certificate of occupancy. Council also requested additional information on the possibility of creating a code enforcement board to replace the city’s current special magistrate process.
In other business, the council recognized City Arborist Keith Sabisch as Employee of the Month for his efforts in preserving and relocating trees that otherwise would have been removed. Sabisch serves in the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Council also adopted proclamations recognizing June as Home Ownership Month in St. Cloud and declaring June 11, 2026, as June Renick Day. Additionally, St. Cloud Police Department Sgt. Corey Targia was reappointed to the city’s Fire and Police Pension Board.
During closing discussions, City Manager Veronica Miller highlighted the recent accreditation earned by the city’s Code Enforcement Department and announced that two city projects—improvements to Hopkins Park and enhancements to St. Cloud’s lightning alert system—have been included in the state budget through the efforts of State Senator Kristen Arrington and Representative Paula Stark, pending approval by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Council Member Jennifer Paul addressed resident concerns regarding litter throughout the city and discussed her recent completion of a Florida League of Cities leadership course. Deputy Mayor Ken Gilbert encouraged residents to learn more about the workings of local government, while Mayor Chris Robertson shared details from a recent visit by U.S. Senator Ashley Moody and discussed upcoming debates surrounding property tax exemptions.
Robertson also spoke about efforts to restore St. Cloud’s historic “Soldier City” motto, replacing the current slogan, “Your Centerplace for Life.”
The next St. Cloud City Council meeting is scheduled to take place later this month at City Hall.
