Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge Pinellas County not to cut funding for Wheaton Island and Shell Key
Summary
Dozens of residents and local advocates told the commission that proposed FY2027 cuts to funding for Weedon/Wheaton Island Preserve and Shell Key would threaten archaeological resources, habitat, and public access; several urged the board to seek state funding or delay any lapse to July.
Dozens of residents and advocates urged the Pinellas County Commission to preserve funding for Weedon Island Preserve, the Wheaton Island Cultural Center and Shell Key after staff listed the sites as candidates for cuts in the proposed FY2027 budget.
"Defending these spaces is not a cost saving measure. It is an outright surrender of our 50 year lease back to the state," Marge Lorand told the commission, asking the board to remove the proposed cuts and protect local stewardship of the preserves. Stuart Vogel highlighted the small savings the cuts would achieve versus the large cultural and ecological loss, saying the proposed reductions would save roughly $847,000 against an estimated $42,000,000 shortfall.
Speakers noted the preserves' archaeological importance, educational programs and role in flood mitigation and local tourism. John Arthur, the president of the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, warned that eliminating funding could increase looting and degrade archaeological sites. Young residents and volunteers, including an Eagle Scout, said the preserves offer unique outdoor and educational opportunities they fear losing.
County staff characterized the sites as state-owned properties managed under a county lease; Barry Burton, county administrator, said the recommendation to classify Wheaton Island differently stems from the state's ownership and the need to prioritize core mandated services amid a large budget gap and rising unfunded state mandates. Commissioners and some members publicly proposed alternatives: delaying any transfer until the state budget year begins (July 1), seeking state funding or legislative help, or shifting reserves to maintain operations while the county seeks a longer-term solution.
No formal decision was taken at the meeting; commissioners scheduled further budget workshops and public hearings where the item will be revisited.
