Parks committee to plant poinsettias and mulch in three Gulf Boulevard medians for holidays

Patty, chair of the Belleair Beach Parks & Recreation Committee, moved Wednesday that the committee take responsibility for all three medians along Gulf Boulevard and install holiday plantings, including mulch and poinsettias; the motion was seconded by Michael and the committee agreed to proceed.

The motion grows out of recent volunteer and contractor work on the medians — members credited a local contractor for recent plantings — and a desire to improve three sites (noted by street access at 19th Street, 12th Street and near the marina). The committee discussed whether to invite residents, businesses or the adopt‑a‑park program to take on maintenance and whether to pay staff to perform the work. Committee members said the current operating line for Gulf Boulevard supplies is $500 for the year and that amount has not been spent; members indicated they do not expect the holiday plan to exceed that allocation if donations or sponsorships reduce costs.

Committee members also flagged an unresolved liability question with Belleair Shores. A committee member said the mayor and attorneys from both parties are exchanging language because Belleair Shores indicated its insurance may cover only its residents; staff said the town’s adopt‑a‑park program is normally covered under the town’s insurance umbrella but the Belleair Shores concern has paused adoption of additional accesses until attorneys confirm coverage.

Patty framed the motion as a short, affordable seasonal effort: “I move that Parks and Rec take all 3 medians and do a Christmas planting,” she said. Michael seconded the motion and members discussed low‑maintenance perennial plantings, the placement of planters near stairways, and theft or trip hazards associated with movable pots.

The committee agreed to pursue the planting this season, seek discounts or donations from local nurseries, and to use staff and volunteers where possible. Kathy will draft any required sponsor or vendor letters and staff will confirm irrigation/timer connections where present. The committee did not record a roll‑call tally for the motion; discussion and the second followed by consensus to proceed.

What happens next: staff and volunteers will collect prices and contact potential donors; committee members will bring final planting proposals and cost estimates to the next meeting.