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Belleair Shore opens 12th Street for walk-on beach access; discusses bike racks, gates and seawall repairs
Summary
The commission agreed to open the 12th Street beach access for walk-on use only, heard resident praise for the move, and discussed adding bike racks that would be viable only if gates restrict access to Belleair Beach residents; seawall damage and gate contracting remain unresolved.
On Feb. 18, 2025 the Town of Belleair Shore commission voted unanimously to open the 12th Street beach access for walk-on access only after Mayor Blume relayed a request from Kyle, City Manager of Belleair Beach.
Commissioner Lally moved to allow the access to be open for walk-on access only; Commissioner Tolbert seconded and the voice vote was unanimous. During public comment Barry Gray of Belleair Beach thanked the commission for opening the access.
The commission revisited a prior discussion about placing bike racks at beach accesses. Commissioner Tolbert said racks make sense if gates can limit access to Belleair Beach residents; without gates he warned racks could encourage broader public use and associated issues. Frank Bankard told the commission he supports bike racks provided there is a way to control usage. The commission tabled the bike-rack decision pending further consideration of gates and control measures.
Mayor Blume said he has consulted several contractors about new gates and has found it difficult to identify one contractor willing to perform the full scope of work; he plans to prepare a consolidated proposal to present to Belleair Beach. Commissioners also discussed hurricane-related damage to some empty lots and certain access walls and said the town must determine who is responsible for repairs.
Commissioner Lally asked that current water restrictions be posted on the town website to reduce calls to the police department; Town Clerk Mary Palmer agreed to post the information. Mayor Blume also reported that a state contractor had come out to spread sand at the accesses.
The decision to open 12th Street is effective immediately as a walk-on-only access; no action was taken on bike racks, gates or seawall repairs at this meeting.
