Parents and volunteers urge city to address T-Birds field conditions and porta-potty sanitation

Several parents, coaches and volunteers for the Pinellas Park T-Birds youth football organization urged the City Council on July 10 to address sanitation and safety issues at the community's practice field, including unsanitized portable toilets, lack of handwashing, water shutoffs related to demolition and debris on or near practice areas.

Why it matters: Speakers said about 150 children practice at the fields with families present; they described porta-potties as "disgusting" and said the lack of handwashing and running water is a health hazard. The group asked the city to ensure debris from demolition is cleared and to help find a long-term solution for field access and facilities.

Public comments and staff response: Tia Collins, identified as president of the Pinellas Park T-Birds, told council that porta-potty units at the practice site were "very unsanitized" and open to passersby; she said the absence of handwashing stations and the shutdown of water because of demolition created a hazard for roughly 150 kids who practice there. Jaren Cole, who described himself as working in the organization and connected to the program's history, urged the council to "give us a chance" to keep the T-Birds in Pinellas Park and said the team is a longstanding community institution. Other speakers, including Carol Stanton and Autumn, described similar concerns and asked whether alternate bathroom access could be provided.

City staff said they would take several steps in response. A staff member (Heidi) said all debris would be picked up and the city would "look into putting some handwashing stations" and consider providing locks or keys so the porta-potties could be secured during the day. Staff also said arrangements could be made for the group to use a bathroom at the Boys & Girls Club while renovation work proceeds, and confirmed demolition-area debris would be cleared before practices resumed on affected fields.

What was not decided: The council received the comments during the public-comment period; there was no formal council action recorded on the field or long-term facility arrangements during this meeting. Speakers were encouraged to stay engaged and coordinate with staff.

Community context: Several speakers noted the program's long history in Pinellas Park and described the T-Birds as a community outlet that keeps children engaged. Staff acknowledged the group's contributions and promised interim measures while longer-term plans for the site proceed.