Press Releases

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) joined a bipartisan call for robust funding to address the issues of algal blooms plaguing communities like Pinellas. Crist hosted multiple roundtable discussions this summer regarding the crisis in local waterways, with a key takeaway being the need for more funding to research and mitigate the impact of harmful algal blooms on the environment and economy. (Please find a copy of the letter attached and below). "There is a clear need for all l... Read more

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) announced the award of $1.2 million in federal funding for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) to kick-start the development of the county's Central Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The BRT project will create an 11-mile corridor connecting Pinellas beaches to downtown St. Petersburg to the benefit of residents, tourists, and workers. Crist has fought for full funding of the Federal Transit Administration, which awarded this ... Read more

Leaders in the fight against climate change, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Charlie Crist (FL-13) wrote to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change offering Tampa Bay as a host of the 2019 Conference of the Parties (COP 25). Given the COP 25's focus on global efforts to combat climate change, and with the region not only one of the most impacted communities but also leading efforts in this fight, the members are echoing the invitation made by Pinellas County Commi... Read more

U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Charlie Crist (FL-13) released the following joint statement in the wake of resignations at All Children's Hospital following serious allegations of abuse and neglect reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Last week, the members called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to account for inaction and lack of federal oversight of this troubling situation. (Please find a copy of the letter attached and below). "While we welcome the change i... Read more

Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) was joined by Pinellas County’s elected leaders in offering recommendations to the University of South Florida regarding the consolidation of the St. Petersburg campus, providing feedback on how the reconfiguration of the USFSP campus could best strengthen the university and community. Please find a copy of the letter below: Dr. Judy Genshaft President, University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CHS 401 Tampa, FL 33620 Dear Dr. Genshaft, As th... Read more

Last week marking Veterans Day, Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) joined U.S. Reps. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), and Lou Correa (D-CA) in introducing legislation aimed at reforming VA medicinal cannabis practices. The Department of Veterans Affairs Policy for Medicinal Cannabis Use Act amends and codifies the VA's medicinal cannabis policy, protecting a veteran's benefits if they disclose medicinal cannabis use. A second bill, the VA Survey of Cannabis Use Act, requires the... Read more

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) is calling on the Department of Transportation to initiate a study regarding carbon monoxide poisoning linked to keyless ignition technology in vehicles in an effort to improve consumer safety. This request follows reporting by Tampa Bay's 10 News that found Florida to have the highest rate of such incidents. Please find a copy of the letter attached and below: November 15, 2018 Secretary Elaine Chao U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New ... Read more

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg), a member of the powerful House Financial Services Committee, released a response letter from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), indicating that the Bureau is reviewing allegations against Marlin Financial. The letter is a response to Crist’s September 25th letter calling for an investigation into unfair, deceptive, and abusive behavior by the company. In the response, CFPB Acting Director Mick Mulvaney describes the allegations ... Read more

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) introduced the State Flood Mitigation Revolving Fund Act (H.R. 7037) to drive down flood insurance premiums by creating a low-interest loan program to help property owners better protect their homes and businesses from storm damage, ultimately reducing post-disaster claims. Crist is a member of the House Financial Services Committee that oversees the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). He was joined by U.S. Representative Roger Williams (... Read more

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) announced his office has helped return more than $3 million in federal benefits to Pinellas residents since January 2017 when his first congressional term began. This includes VA benefits in excess of $700,000 with the district home to more than 70,000 veterans. During Crist's first 22 months in office, 2,378 constituents were assisted, 147,464 constituent inquiries were responded to, and 1,047 individual tour requests were filled. "There is n... Read more