St. Petersburg voters denied voice on pier referendum

Residents in St. Petersburg will not be voting on a referendum on the St. Petersburg Pier. 

Council members considered asking voters if they wanted the pier refurbished and preserved and putting it on the November 6 general election ballot.

After hours of opinions and people voicing their concerns Thursday morning, one woman was asked to leave because the discussion got so intense.  She said, "You'll have to drag me out of here! This is my city hall! I have a right to speak."

When the talks ended, council members voted six to two, striking down the referendum. Only council members Newton and Nurse voted in favor.

St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster says it's time to move forward. Mayor Foster said, "There are some hurt feelings now. But I think as we go forward, people will remember this as a wise decision."

Tom Lambdon is with the group VoteonThePier.com . Thousands of residents signed a petition to save the old pier. Lambdon said, "Many of them have said all along they'd support voters if they got the signatures. And now we've got the signatures all certified and now they're trying to figure out what to do now. It's just really irresponsible for such a long term decision." 

Lambdon says his group is considering taking legal action against the council.

Mayor Foster says people will like the new pier in the long run.