S2 Ep1859: Community Voices in St. Pete: Franklin Alves and Andres Cintron

Host Karen Carmichael sits down with Franklin Alves (President) and Andres Cintron (Vice President & Leadership Chair) of the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) for a deep dive into how neighborhood collaboration is shaping the future of St. Petersburg.Franklin and Andres, both elected in December 2025, share how CONA serves as a unifying force—bringing together diverse neighborhoods to exchange ideas, advocate for residents, and strengthen community connections. They emphasize that every neighborhood has its own identity and challenges, and CONA helps bridge those differences by sharing knowledge and resources across the city.A key highlight is CONA’s Leadership Program, a 13-week initiative designed to empower residents with the tools to become effective, inclusive leaders. The organization also operates several committees tackling critical issues like public safety, code enforcement, flood resilience, and land development—ensuring residents have a voice in decisions that directly impact their daily lives.The conversation touches on major themes affecting neighborhoods today, including:  The ongoing struggle with social isolation post-COVID  Inequality between neighborhoods in access to resources   The pressures of rapid growth and affordability  The importance of supporting legacy local businesses Franklin and Andres stress that meaningful change starts with simple actions—getting to know your neighbors, attending meetings, and participating in local decision-making. They also highlight how CONA works closely with city leaders to turn community concerns into real progress, from improved communication to more thoughtful approaches to code enforcement.Listeners are encouraged to get involved by finding or starting their neighborhood association and becoming active participants in shaping their community.🔗 Learn more or get involved: https://www.stpetecona.org/Strong neighborhoods build a stronger city—and every resident has a role to play.#FranklinAlves #AndresCintron #StPeteNeighborhoods #CampbellPark #13thStreetHeights