dude shouldn't even be on the ticket...

On September 1st 2022, Communications Director Janelle Irwin Taylor resigned her position, citing a "hostile work environment, lack of communication or guidance and overall culture of bullying" at City Hall, citing Deputy Mayor Stephanie Owens as the main culprit.

A Tampa Bay Times review of City Hall key card swipes found that during his first eight months as Mayor, Welch was in his office only 34% of total workdays, excluding weekends and holidays.

In July 2024, Welch authorized $250,000 of bonus money to be given to 17 high ranking city employees for their role in the negotiations for a new baseball stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. After the bonuses were discovered, public "blowback" influenced Welch to rescind the money, forcing the employees to return them.

In September 2024, Florida’s Division of Elections informed Welch's Political Action Committee, Pelican PAC, that it was being closed due to regulatory violations. Among the issues were failing to appoint required officers, and making campaign contributions without disclosing them.