Cuba policy reversal setback for St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - President Trump’s announcement of his intention to reverse relations with Cuba is bringing disappointment to the city of St. Petersburg.

City leaders and those in the small business community are not pleased with President Trump’s plan to roll back the Obama administration’s policies with Cuba.

The Obama administration had lifted the decades old travel ban and St. Petersburg had been campaigning hard to become the first U.S. city with a Cuban consulate.

St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District was hoping to capitalize on the number one export from the Island Nation – it’s culture.  In fact, a worldwide renowned artist was even planning to open a studio in St. Pete but now that’s all been put on pause.

While St. Pete is very progressive, the Trump administration says it's listening to a large population in Florida that wants nothing to do with Cuba, many of whom came to the United States to escape the nation’s communist regime.