St. Petersburg mayor embarking on fact-finding trip to Cuba

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman is headed to Cuba today.

Kriseman and a group of city leaders are headed to the island nation in hopes of enticing Cuba to open a consulate in St. Petersburg.

The mayor also said he wants to learn more about the country and its people, especially in light of the ongoing improving climate between Cuba and the United States.

Kriseman said he will make a pitch that Cuba should pass over rival Florida cities Tampa and Miami for a local consulate.

During the three-day trip, the delegation plans to meet with Cuban government officials, business and academic leaders and officials in Cuba's arts and culture community.