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Belleair Shores approves first reading of ordinance prohibiting shark fishing
Summary
On June 17 the Town of Belleair Shores approved Ordinance 2025-05 on first reading to prohibit shark fishing after commissioners cited swimmer safety and reports of chumming; the ordinance was read by the town attorney and passed on first reading.
The Town of Belleair Shores Commission on June 17 approved on first reading Ordinance 2025-05, which would prohibit shark fishing within the town's jurisdiction.
Attorney Lewis read the ordinance by title. Vice Mayor Storie said he requested the ordinance after observing fishermen chumming from the beach and expressed safety concerns for swimmers, including his own children. Commissioner Tolbert said other municipalities that have similar ordinances reported anglers relocating to towns without such bans. Commissioner Lally moved to approve Ordinance 2025-05 on first reading; Commissioner Tolbert seconded, and the motion passed on first reading by voice vote.
The ordinance passed its first reading; the commission did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes and all procedural steps for first reading were completed at the meeting. Next steps typically include publication and scheduling a subsequent reading per town ordinance procedures before final adoption.
