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Resident urges council to take earlier, stronger action in Belleair Shore dispute with DEP appeal looming
Summary
A representative of homeowners east of the causeway criticized the city for reacting late to Belleair Shore’s moves, saying residents have raised funds and retained counsel and urging the council to act proactively on beach access and DEP issues.
A lengthy public comment from a resident at 115 Causeway Boulevard criticized the city’s handling of repeated disputes with the neighboring community (referred to as Belleair Shore), saying the council had been too reactive to issues including umbrellas, gate locking and removal of an ACL. The commenter said homeowners have formed an alliance of over 200 homeowners, raised more than $5,000 and retained attorney Joe Manzo to prepare appeals and responses to Belleair Shore’s filings with the Department of Environmental Protection.
The speaker asked the council to put residents’ interests first and to prepare representation earlier rather than waiting for the other party to act. Councilmembers acknowledged the passion and grassroots organization but reiterated staff plans to review any filed administrative petition and to decide on intervention once the petition's content is available.
