St. Petersburg hires new spokesperson, third under Welch administration

The city of St. Petersburg on Thursday announced the hiring of its newest public information officer, the third person to hold the job in Mayor Ken Welch’s fewer than three years in office.

Samantha Bequer, 27, has worked as the communications director for Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation since June 2022. Prior to that, she worked for the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Commerce.

Bequer was among 100 applicants for the job, including local journalists and public information officers with other agencies. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in political science from Florida State University.

Bequer’s first day with the city is Sept. 23. She will report to Communications and Community Engagement Managing Director Alizza Punzalan-Randle and make an annual salary of $130,000.

Welch’s first spokesperson, Janelle Irwin Taylor, quit abruptly in September 2022 while accusing then-Deputy Mayor Stephanie Owens of bullying. Owens denied the allegations and later resigned.

Without holding an open application process, Welch then hired Bay News 9 anchor Erica Riggins for the job. Riggins left the city in May to return to Bay News 9 as a reporter. Both Irwin Taylor, who writes for Florida Politics, and Riggins have reported on Welch’s administration in their current roles.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.