In a recent county commission meeting, discussions centered around the funding of lifeguards and the legal implications of using certain funds for this purpose. The board explored the possibility of seeking an opinion from the Department of Revenue regarding the legality of using Tourist Development Council (TDC) funds for lifeguard salaries, a move that has raised concerns among some commissioners.

The county attorney provided insights into the statute, indicating that while the board can request an opinion from the Department of Revenue, such matters typically escalate to the attorney general. The conversation highlighted the historical context of funding allocations, with some commissioners expressing dissatisfaction over the decision to use non-life safety funds for lifeguard payroll.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the equitable distribution of costs between the county and its cities. One commissioner questioned why the county was willing to fund lifeguards in unincorporated areas without similar contributions from city governments, emphasizing the need for a fair share from all municipalities involved.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by the approaching beach season, with one commissioner stressing the potential negative impact on tourism if lifeguards were not present, particularly given the area's reputation as one of the most dangerous beaches in the United States.

As the meeting progressed, commissioners acknowledged the complexities of the funding issue, with some suggesting that if the current funding approach is deemed illegal, alternative methods could be explored in the future. The discussion concluded with a consensus that any decision regarding the funding of lifeguards would ultimately require approval from the county commission, leaving the door open for further debate and potential legal scrutiny.