Mayor-elect Charlie Crist will retain St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway, who has led the department since 2014, has agreed to stay on under the incoming administration. The decision offers some continuity at City Hall as transition plans are percolating and unveiling.
“He’s done a very good job. If that’s the case, then why not keep him on?” Crist told Poliverse. “In my humble opinion, he deserves support from the new administration.”
The announcement marks the first major departmental decision of Crist’s transition, signaling that public safety will remain a priority for the incoming mayor. It has recently come under scrutiny since the passing of Amendment 3 (property tax exemptions, the primary revenue generator for local municipalities), which is predicted to shrink available city funds and may impact essential services.
“I have always had great admiration and respect for the men and women of law enforcement,” Crist said in a prepared statement. “They put on the uniform every day to keep our families and our neighborhoods safe.”
Crist added that Holloway’s steady leadership made him an obvious choice to continue overseeing the department.
While the two have agreed to continue working together, Crist acknowledged that they have not yet discussed any changes or new initiatives for the police department.
“But,” Crist said, “I’m sure we’ll have those conversations soon.”
Crist said that he does not anticipate reducing funding for the city’s police or fire departments, despite the passage of Amendment 3.
“I don’t envision any police and fire cuts. I think those are crucial and important and I believe Holloway is up to the task,” Crist stated.
The comments offer an early indication of how Crist intends to approach public safety spending, although his administration has yet to outline specific budget proposals or explain how it would address potential revenue losses.
Holloway, meanwhile, welcomed the opportunity to continue leading the department.
“I am deeply honored and excited that Mayor-elect Charlie Crist has asked me to continue serving as Chief of Police for the City of St. Petersburg,” Holloway said in a prepared statement.
He added that he looks forward to building on the department’s progress and continuing its commitment to public safety.
Holloway began his law enforcement career with the Clearwater Police Department in 1985. He later served as police chief in Somerville, Massachusetts, before returning to Clearwater as chief in 2010. He took over the St. Petersburg Police Department in August 2014.