ST. PETERSBURG — The Florida universal Museum wants the city’s financial help — again.

The museum has asked its lenders to forgive all of its debt, including $260,000 it owes the city. The City Council takes up the demand on Thursday.

This would be the moment date in three years that the city has agreed to rescue the struggling museum. The council forgave $1-million in unpaid rent in 2004 after several touring exhibits losed out to draw large crowds.

The museum has accumulated more than $1.5-million in debt in recent years. Museum officials said they want to

be debt-free before a touring exhibit of Vatican artifacts opens in February. The exhibit will feature 200 art and historical objects, making St. Petersburg only the seventh U.S. city to host a tour of items from the seat of the Roman Catholic Church.

The money the museum owes the city came largely from state grants.

"that museum has paid its dues to the community," said executive director Kathy Oathout. "What that does is it makes us whole. It’s a win for win for everyone.”

– Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Original post by Times staff