Safety Harbor city manager Matt Spoor takes job in St. Petersburg

SAFETY HARBOR — Matt Spoor will start his new job as director of management and budget for the city of St. Petersburg on Jan. 9.

He will oversee the development of a $600 million annual budget.

Spoor will replace Tim Finch, who leaves his post Tuesday for a job in Miami Beach. Spoor, 34, has worked for Safety Harbor for seven years, four of those as city manager. He said accepting his new post is a "career decision" but also cited strong ties to St. Petersburg. A native, Spoor still lives in the city with his wife and three children.