Local businessman criticizes Pinellas Park police response at council meeting; chief offered to meet

Gregory Adematis used his public comment time to describe several incidents tied to his business — video he said showed people removing parts from a vehicle and multiple occasions when windshields were smashed — and to question Pinellas Park police handling of those incidents.

Adematis said he provided audio and video evidence to officers and reported that in at least one encounter an officer characterized the situation as a "miscommunication." He said a supervisor he later sought was "very disrespectful" and that, during a subsequent contact, he was told by an officer not to call Pinellas Park Police or the county sheriff or he could be arrested for misuse of the 911 or direct lines. Adematis said he had consulted the state attorney’s office and was advised to contact the Pinellas County Sheriff’s direct line when necessary; he said county deputies later assisted.

Council members and attendees urged Adematis to meet with the chief after the meeting. An audience member who identified as a retired police officer and council representatives said the chief (present in the meeting) was willing to speak with him outside the chambers. A council member emphasized the commission's limits, saying the council cannot adjudicate individual law‑enforcement investigations, and city staff suggested follow‑up via the clerk’s office and town‑hall formats when more time is needed.

Adematis said he was fearful of calling Pinellas Park Police given his experiences and urged more consistent assistance. The meeting record shows officers and the chief’s office were present and that staff offered to have a follow‑up conversation; no formal action or finding was made at the meeting.