St. Petersburg hires new spokesperson, third under Welch administration

St. Petersburg has appointed Samantha Bequer as the new public information officer, marking the third individual to serve in this role during Mayor Ken Welch's administration, which has been characterized by instability in communications leadership. Bequer, 27, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as the communications director for Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation, where she managed crucial public communications during disaster response efforts. Mayor Welch highlighted her proven expertise in public relations and critical event communications, emphasizing her commitment to serving the community. She was chosen from a competitive pool of 100 applicants, showcasing her credentials with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science, along with a master’s degree in political science.

Bequer's first day will be September 23, 2024, and she will earn an annual salary of $130,000. The article also reflects on the previous spokespersons under Welch, including Janelle Irwin Taylor, who resigned under contentious circumstances, and Erica Riggins, who left to return to her reporting role at Bay News 9. This hiring comes at a critical time as the city seeks to communicate its message of inclusive progress and equity effectively. Overall, Bequer's appointment is seen as a positive step toward stabilizing the communications office.