Belleair Shores adopts two beach ordinances, approves county mitigation plan and sets budget hearing date

Vice Mayor Storie presided as the Town of Belleair Shores commission on April 15 adopted two beach-related ordinances on second reading, approved a county mitigation resolution and set dates for the FY2026 budget process.

Attorney Lewis read Ordinance 2025-03 (amending Chapter 30, Waterways, camping prohibited) by title and said it was amended to align with a new state statute. Commissioner Tolbert moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-03 on second reading; Commissioner Cain seconded and the voice vote was unanimous. Attorney Lewis then read Ordinance 2025-04 (amending Chapter 30, Waterways, digging holes on beach) by title; Commissioner Cain moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-04 on second reading, Commissioner Tolbert seconded and the voice vote was unanimous.

The commission also adopted Resolution 02-2025 to adopt the Pinellas County Local Mitigation Strategy. When Vice Mayor Storie asked whether the resolution would limit private property rights, Attorney Lewis replied that it did not. The resolution passed by unanimous voice vote.

Town Clerk Mary Palmer reviewed the March treasurer's report. After discussion, Commissioner Tolbert moved to hire Andy Tess on an ad hoc basis to address accounting issues for up to 10 hours; Commissioner Cain seconded and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The commission approved the treasurer's report by voice vote.

Public-safety and code-enforcement updates preceded the votes. Sergeant Boulton reported 120 events with 130 unit responses and 12 parking citations for March; Vice Mayor Storie asked that beach gates be secured at night. Deputy Trump said he is working to clean Gulf Boulevard, has issued a few compliance letters, and noted one sign at the 600 Street access lying on the ground that needs reinstallation. Deputy Trump also requested volunteers for landscape work at the 19th Street beach access on April 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

District Chief Raisch reported no fire or EMS calls during March and said the new Fire Chief, Ken Grimes, would be starting soon; he noted plans to rebuild Station 28 and that staff were evaluating property in Belleair Beach and on the north side of Indian Rocks Beach for a new station.

In non-agenda comments Commissioner Tolbert thanked Deputy Trump for his cleanup work. Deputy Trump asked whether residents may install fence extensions or bushes on private seawalls to deter trespassing; the commission discussed the issue and Attorney Lewis said he would report back at the next meeting.

The commission agreed on the FY2026 budget meeting dates and set the final hearing for Sept. 29 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.