News

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is pleased to announce the appointment of William "Bill" Tapp to the honorary position of Board Member Emeritus. Bill retired from his position on the Board of Directors in March 2025 after an extraordinary 25 years of service and leadership.

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg announced today that David W. Jezek, President and Chief Executive Officer, will retire at the end of the year, closing an extraordinary 42-year professional career with YMCA organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Florida.
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg recently hosted its 7th annual Celebration of Impact, honoring the dedicated employees and volunteers who went above and beyond in 2024 to bring the Mission of the YMCA to the greater St. Petersburg community.
New classrooms for infants and toddlers planned as Speer YMCA Preschool Academy expansion begins
February 19, 2025

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg announced the start of construction on a significant expansion of its Speer YMCA Preschool Academy at a kick-off event Feb. 19, 2025. The new classrooms will address the critical need for infant and toddler care in south St. Petersburg. The project will add four new classrooms, allowing an additional 32 children ages 6 weeks to 2 years to receive high-quality early childhood education.
YMCA’s sale to strategic developer allows for renovation and creates new mixed-use village
February 6, 2025
The YMCA is excited to announce the closing of a 4.5-acre property sale to GS Blake Owner, LLC, for the creation of a vibrant, community-focused mixed-use residential and retail development. The sale, which officially closed Jan 30, will provide the proceeds needed to modernize the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA, ensuring it can continue to serve the community with expanded programs and services for years to come.
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The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is proud to announce the addition of Caroline Kwiatkowski, CFA, to our Board of Directors. Caroline’s exceptional career in finance and investment management, combined with her dedication to community service, aligns perfectly with the YMCA’s mission to empower individuals and families to thrive.
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Welcomes Seth Milbrand as new Chief Operating Officer
January 6, 2025

Seth Milbrand joined our team as Chief Operating Officer in January 2025. Seth has more than 20 years of experience with three YMCA Associations and is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to strengthening communities through innovative programs and collaborative leadership. Seth is known for cultivating high-performing teams and fostering a culture of service that supports the YMCA mission.
5 Reasons to Give a YMCA Membership this Holiday Season
December 13, 2024

Whether your holiday shopping list includes a college-age nephew just starting his fitness journey, the sister who just discovered pickleball, or the grandmother who already has everything, there is––quite literally––something for everyone at the Y.

We are thrilled to introduce our new Lealman YMCA Preschool Academy Director, Ulas Butler, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to our team. With a distinguished career spanning over 18 years in the field, Ulas has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing educational environments and fostering strong community connections.