Councilor Wengay "Newt" Newton was just sworn in at City Hall, after for St. Petersburg City Council. Newton also was elected as Council Vice Chair.
“I’m truly humbled and blessed being born and raised in this city,” Newton said at the Jan. 2 Council meeting.
On Saturday at Dell Holmes Park in South St. Pete, Newton showed his appreciation for supporters by hosting a barbecue.
Newton said the sixth annual barbecue celebration was a success, with Newton's family, friends and supporters all under one roof.
Newton was dubbed "The People's Advocate" over the years in his District 7 position.He was elected to City Council in 2007 and re-elected in November 2011.
With a special interest in the community and its development, Newton says he is grateful to be serving another term on the St. Petersburg City Council.
At the Jan. 2 Council meeting, Newton struggled to hold back tears as he thanked and his family and friends in attendance. “Only wish my mom was here to see it,” he said.
The appreciation barbecue was organized by Newton himself, and he even got in the assembly line to serve food and drinks.
After everyone else had a plate, Newton made a plate for himself. Ribs, rice, beans, potato salad and homemade barbecue sauce were some of the tasty treats served.
