Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Beach Access Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Belleair Shores approves night locks for beach accesses, directs trespass form be posted online
Summary
At its March 18 meeting the Town of Belleair Shores commission voted unanimously to lock beach accesses at night with uniform bike-chain locks and asked the town clerk to post a trespass authorization form after a reported trespassing incident.
On March 18, 2025 the Town of Belleair Shores commission voted to secure all beach accesses at night using bike chains and locks with a uniform combination, and directed Town Clerk Mary Palmer to place a trespass authorization form on the town website.
Deputy Trump, who said he is catching up on code enforcement work after medical leave, reported the office is addressing cleanup along Gulf Boulevard and on private property. Mayor Blume noted the town contracts with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for code enforcement.
Commissioner Tolbert recounted a recent private-property trespassing incident and said deputies responded swiftly but informed him that, to issue a trespassing citation, deputies need an owner-signed trespass authorization form. The commission instructed Clerk Palmer to post that form online so property owners can complete it if enforcement becomes necessary.
Vice Mayor Daniel Storie moved to implement the uniform-lock plan for nighttime beach access security; Commissioner Tolbert seconded. The voice vote was unanimous.
Commissioner Tolbert also raised a question about walls taller than four feet at beach access lots near the seawall. Town Attorney Lewis said he will research the legal effect of the Erosion Control Line (ECL) and property-line implications and will report back at the April meeting.
Next steps: Town Clerk Palmer will post the trespass authorization form on the town website. Attorney Lewis will investigate the seawall/wall-height issue and return findings at the April commission meeting.
