St. Petersburg is one step closer this weekend to becoming home to a Cuban consulate.
- Cuban Embassy delegates touring St. Pete this weekend
- Delegation visited Rays game Saturday
- No word on how many other cities are being considered
Diplomats from the Cuban Embassy in Washington are in town this weekend to tour the city as they consider where to place the consulate.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” said St. Pete Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin. “They’re really trying to understand the culture of the city and see some of our assets and get a first hand look for themselves about what makes St. Petersburg special.”
On Saturday, the delegation took in a Rays game. On Sunday they’re scheduled to tour the Dali Museum.
St. Petersburg has been courting Cuba for the last year in hopes of being selected, according to Tomlin.
“[Mayor Rick Kriseman] is so progressive in his thoughts about the connections that could be built, not only diplomatically, but culturally as well," said Tomlin. "Connections through arts and all sorts of things. And we think because of that openness, that we can really maximize the relationship between the two countries."
There’s no word on how many other cities are being considered. City officials have also not been told when a decision will be made.