Baby, It's Cold Outside...

In the News: Our Cities in Recovery

Since the hurricanes impacted the barrier islands in late September and early October 2024, several Tampa Bay news outlets have featured stories highlighting the challenges faced by residents of St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, and the Gulf beaches in Pinellas County. Here is a selection of news items covering the recovery:

1. "See what the Tampa Bay coast looks like after two hurricanes" – Spectrum Bay News 9 (Published: November 12). This feature provides a visual tour of the Tampa Bay coast one month after Hurricane Milton, showcasing the ongoing recovery efforts in communities from Pass-a-Grille Beach to Madeira Beach. Read more

2. "St. Pete Beach residents impacted by Hurricane Milton still waiting for permits: 'Extremely frustrating'" – FOX 13 Tampa Bay (Published: December 9). This report discusses the delays and frustrations experienced by St. Pete Beach residents as they await permits necessary for repairing their homes damaged by Hurricane Milton. Read more

3. "Madeira Beach residents still awaiting permits for hurricane repairs" – Yahoo News (Published: December 10, 2024). This article highlights Madeira Beach residents' challenges in obtaining permits to repair their homes following the hurricanes. Read more

4. "Residents voice frustrations after hurricanes" – FOX 13 Tampa Bay (Published: December 15). This video report covers a meeting where Treasure Island residents demand answers from city leadership regarding the ongoing recovery efforts months after the hurricanes. Watch here

5. "Tampa Bay locals hope for a better year after hurricanes in 2024" – WFLA News Channel 8 (Published: December 31). This segment features interviews with St. Petersburg residents reflecting on the challenges of the past year and their hopes for recovery in the coming year. Watch here

Reader Feedback: Talk to The Tortuga!

“Thanks, Tortuga, for maintaining your Citizen Beach. We all need help, warmth, hugs, a smile & a friendly hello wave. Even those who’ve lost little have still lost neighbors and friends, and most have PTSD just from the experience of 2 whammy storms that hit us in the heart. You certainly help. Thank you! - Saray.”

The Tortuga Responds: Thank you, Saray. I appreciate it! I am grateful that I have friends and neighbors with whom I can talk, share stories, and gain insights and information on navigating the madness of Post-Hurricane Permitting.

I worry, though, about neighbors who do not have those networks of caring people they can rely on. In this new year, look for a new program that the Life Intervention Focus Team (LIFT) will be starting to address the issue of social isolation and loneliness among our communities’ elderly and handicapped.

In Memoriam: Margaret McGarigle

Following Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024, Margaret M. McGarigle, a 93-year-old widow, was found deceased in her home on Paradise Boulevard, in Paradise Island, Treasure Island, Florida. Authorities believe she drowned in her home when the house flooded.

Margaret was born in Ireland on October 18, 1930. She immigrated to the United States and met the man she would marry at a YMCA dance in Chicago. They married in 1954 and moved to Florida in the 1980s. She would have celebrated her 94th birthday in three weeks.

Source: https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/he-tried-to-resuscitate-her-pinellas-families-mourn-amid-rising-helene-death-toll/

Happiness Beach: “Cities Must Respond with Compassion and Empathy”

By Gary King

I’ve lived in St. Petersburg since 1952 when my parents moved here. I was seven years old then, and I remember every hurricane that brushed past the Pinellas County coast without causing severe damage. There’s even local lore about the area being protected by Native American blessings and two significant Indian mounds, which some believe shield the county from harm.

The reality, however, is that weather is unpredictable, and living in a coastal area carries inherent risks. After the catastrophic 1926 hurricane “John,” many people were reluctant to settle along Florida’s coastline. Over time, memories of such disasters faded, and communities grew, perhaps underestimating the risks.

Today, as we face the aftermath of severe hurricanes, local governments are heavily responsible for residents' and businesses' safety. These entities, funded by significant real estate taxes, are tasked with ensuring the well-being of their constituents. Yet, reading the comments on platforms like Nextdoor, it’s evident that many residents feel their hardships are compounded by city policies and bureaucratic red tape, particularly around building permits and disaster recovery.

This is a moment for reflection, especially for city officials—mayors, members of our city commissions, city managers, and permitting staff—who hold the power to ease or exacerbate this suffering. As the saying goes, power can corrupt, but it can also be wielded with compassion and understanding. Decisions made without empathy risk alienating and harming the very people officials are meant to serve.

Over my 30 years as an international risk manager and 25 years managing a medical team, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of kindness and decisive action in the face of human suffering. For many in our beach communities, the stress and challenges of rebuilding after disasters are overwhelming. Some residents have even voiced despair severe enough to consider giving up altogether. This highlights the need for local officials to approach their duties with humanity and care.

Imagine if, during times of widespread trauma, building permits were streamlined or provided at no cost to affected residents. Such gestures would show that local governments prioritize people over procedure, fostering trust and hope. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect, transforming lives in the most profound ways. On Christmas Day, for example, I handed out “Happiness” signs and small monetary gifts to homeless individuals in downtown St. Petersburg. Their gratitude was humbling and reminded me of the power of empathy and generosity.

My book, The Happiness Experiment, has a chapter titled "Anyone Can Become Homeless." This isn’t just a hypothetical—it’s a reality many face unexpectedly. No one plans to lose their home, yet life’s challenges can place anyone in such a vulnerable position. Those in positions of power must remember this truth, as abusing authority to create unnecessary hardships can have consequences. The universal law of cause and effect reminds us that actions motivated by harm often bring harm in return.

Kindness, empathy, and humanitarianism should be our guiding principles in these challenging times. Let’s strive to support one another, not add to each other’s burdens. For those who seek power without compassion, perhaps it’s time to reflect on the responsibility that power entails—or consider a different path altogether.

History Beach

Happy New Year, Treasure Island Historical Society (TIHS) Members and Friends! Membership dues for all existing members are waived in 2025! Here’s an update on several key initiatives:

• Memorabilia: We are continuing to organize and catalog our collection.

• The TI City Hall Wall Coverings: We are actively gathering images for the next installation on the second floor of City Hall. If you haven't seen the current display, we highly recommend visiting – it’s a fascinating look at our island's history.

• Island Naming Restoration: We are continuing our efforts to officially restore Elnor Island's original name instead of its current incorrect listing, Eleanor Island, reflecting a desire to honor local history and cultural accuracy.

• Tocobaga Recognition: We are developing a permanent recognition of the Tocobaga people who inhabited the barrier islands 500 years before us.

• Member Engagement: We are coordinating field trips and developing a new website exclusively offering TIHS members online access to our interviews with long-time residents.

Your continued support of the TIHS is invaluable. We are always seeking volunteers to assist with our various projects. If you're interested in getting involved or know someone who might be, please reach out! We welcome new members and volunteers alike.

Barbara Driscoll, TIHS President, [email protected], or PO Box 66454, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736