St. Pete Beach residents voice concerns over Freebie service changes

The St. Pete Beach City Commission held a community meeting on April 22, 2025, focusing on the FreeBee contract and the city's noise ordinance. The meeting began with a congratulatory note to Commissioner Robinson on their recent election, followed by a presentation on the FreeBee service, which provides free transportation around the city.

Residents expressed overwhelming support for the FreeBee service, with one community member submitting 20 pages of positive feedback from a local Facebook group. However, concerns were raised regarding the operational efficiency of the service. A resident highlighted issues with the current payment structure, noting that the city pays for FreeBee vehicles by the hour, regardless of whether they are actively transporting passengers. This has led to inefficiencies, particularly when drivers are dispatched to distant locations instead of picking up nearby passengers.

Suggestions were made to empower drivers to make better decisions about their routes, as the current algorithm has resulted in longer wait times and increased reliance on alternative transportation options like Uber. Residents also discussed the pricing model, questioning how charges would be applied if multiple passengers were using the service simultaneously.

Another resident raised a legal concern regarding the funding of the FreeBee service, suggesting that subsidizing rides for non-residents may violate the city’s comprehensive plan policy, which prohibits financing new transportation corridors within high hazard areas.

The discussion transitioned to the noise ordinance, with City staff preparing to present updates on regulations aimed at managing noise levels in the community. The meeting concluded with a commitment to consider resident feedback as the city moves forward with recommendations regarding both the FreeBee service and the noise ordinance.

Overall, the meeting highlighted community engagement and the need for adjustments to improve local transportation services while ensuring compliance with city policies.