St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Team Up to Help Neighbors in Need During the 2026 World Series

Oct. 23, 2026 – As the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers face off in the 2026 World Series, the excitement goes beyond the baseball field! Today, St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson issued a friendly wager on their social channels that encourages their communities to step up and support their neighbors in need.

"We’re challenging our cities to harness our enthusiasm for baseball into positive impact for our community," said Mayor Welch. "I'm excited to team up with Mayor Johnson and proud to support St. Pete Free Clinic during the World Series. St. Petersburg has been through some tough times. But just like Tropicana Field, we know a thing or two about a comeback. We’re resilient, we’re strong, and this is our chance to show the world what the Sunshine City is made of."

“On the field, the stakes are high, but between mayors, it’s a friendly wager," said Mayor Johnson. "By incorporating a charitable element, everyone in both cities is a winner during this World Series.”

St. Petersburg is supporting St. Pete Free Clinic, a local community partner that operates one of the largest food banks in Pinellas County. SPFC helps thousands access nutritious food and necessary healthcare, working with other local agencies to make that support reach even further.

To donate, visit stpete.org/give (Opens in new window) and click on “Mayor’s Challenge.” Support can be a monetary donation or an in-kind Item found on SPFC’s wish list. In-kind donations can be dropped off at one of 25 city facilities into a designated SPFC donation box.

The City of Milwaukee is challenging their residents to help United Way support six local homeless shelters.

As part of the friendly wager, both mayors have pledged to exchange a selection of goods that showcase their respective city. Mayor Welch has collected items that represent an array of St. Pete’s community, small businesses, artists, and museums, including: Beech Kombucha, The Dali Museum, Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, Firestone Grand Prix, Green Bench Brewing Company, Hogg Batch Coffee, American racing driver Nikita Johnson, Kahwa Coffee, Artist Chad Mize, Artist Clancy Riehm, Shine Mural Festival, St. Pete Athletic, St. Pete Brewing Company, St. Pete Poet Laureate Denzel Johnson-Green, St. Pete (Chamber) Store and Visitor’s Center, St. Pete Youth Farm, Three Daughters Brewing, Urban Still House, Woodson African American Museum of Florida, and Zen Glass Studio.

Let's show Milwaukee what St. Pete can do! Donate generously, cheer on the Rays, and help us give Milwaukee's mayor a reason to congratulate St. Pete - while wearing a Rays jersey!

More information and a link to donate are available here: stpete.org/give (Opens in new window)

Watch Mayor Welch's challenge video on social media here: https://www.facebook.com/MayorKenWelch/