Citizen Beach

• Mission: Our mission is to strengthen and unite our communities by delivering positive, community-driven journalism that highlights local heroes and fosters connections. We strive to be a trusted resource that encourages, uplifts, and strengthens our neighborly bonds while keeping residents informed of local and state legislative activity that can impact their lives. We aim to empower and encourage involvement and participation in our city governments, fostering an engaged and connected community.

In the News This Week

I’ve captured all the key news impacting our beach communities this week, so you don’t miss anything important!

“I SEE DEAD PEOPLE” – A new report revealed there are at least ten possible graves on the Tropicana Field property. Now, St. Petersburg city leaders must determine what they will do with that information. (Spectrum News)

CONDO RELIEF MAKES IT PAST THE FINISH LINE – “The Florida Legislature on passed a sweeping bill designed to give condo owners breathing room from rising costs associated with mandates put in place after the collapse of a Surfside condominium tower that killed 98 people.”  The Legislature “unanimously approved the bill that would enact a temporary two-year pause in setting aside money for reserves to pay for repairs identified by what is called ‘milestone inspections.’ Condo associations will additionally be allowed to tap into lines of credit or loans to use as reserves.” (WUSF)

50-STORY CONDO TOWER IN ST PETE – Sales have begun for Waldorf Astoria Residences, set to become St. Petersburg's tallest condominium. “It’s going to change St. Pete, no question,” the developer said. (Tampa Bay Times)

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT: DOES THAT MEAN OVERTURNING HEIGHT LIMITS? – After Helene’s flooding, many commercial property owners are eager to rejigger local height limits to sell their properties for millions more. In Indian Rocks Beach, city commissioners are moving forward with plans to explore tweaking the city's land development code to encourage more mixed-use projects. “Everything is negotiable, and everything can be discussed,” according to Forward Pinellas. (TBT)

IMPORTANT: TREASURE ISLAND RESIDENTS: BE SURE TO WATCH OR ATTEND THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 6. We want to keep our city’s height limits where they are now! Also, City Manager Review is on the agenda!

IN ST. PETE, HURRICANE VICTIMS TRYING TO REBUILD their homes are now fighting a new mortgage company that is threatening to take their homes away.(Fox 13)

NEW STATE LAW MEANS COMMUNITY CAN’T STOP DEMO OF HISTORIC HOTELS. A controversial year-old state law that gives property owners in coastal areas unfettered power to tear down historic buildings, overriding local regulations designed to protect structures designated as architecturally or historically significant. (Miami Herald)

‘I’VE LOST EVERYTHING’: 87-YEAR-OLD WIDOW IN MADEIRA BEACH still waiting on storm repairs. Hurricane season starts on June 1. Right now, several of the condos remain unlivable, and many of them are homes of seniors who are still without permits. (WFLA)

LUCK RUNS OUT! A $150 million lottery jackpot winner arrested at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach (Yahoo! News).

THE WASHINGTON POST STALKS OUR HURRICANE DEBRIS: Hurricanes Helene and Milton left Treasure Island, a 1.54-square-mile area, with 128,000 cubic yards of debris—equivalent to 2 million kitchen trash bags. The Washington Post used Air Tags to track our garbage and wrote an interesting feature story based on their data. The cleanup cost $1.3 billion in FEMA reimbursements. The Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex, a 700-acre facility, typically incinerates 80-90% of its municipal waste at its waste-to-energy plant but was overwhelmed by the storm debris volume. Helene’s storm surge reached up to 15 feet in some areas, exacerbating the destruction. (The Washington Post)

Reader Feedback

Talk to the Tortuga!

From Larry W.: Carlos, Thank you for your efforts in compiling and sharing accurate information with our community. There is so much incorrect information shared from other sources. You are very appreciated.

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Community Beach: Cinco de Mayo

This is a slightly modified version of an article we published in September of last year — before the hurricanes!

A Rich Tapestry: The Spanish and Cuban Legacy in Pinellas County

Pinellas County, located on the western edge of the Tampa Bay area, has a storied history shaped by its diverse settlers. The Spanish explorers and Cuban fishermen played pivotal roles in the region's early development. Their influence is particularly evident in the County’s western edges along the Gulf Coast, a region where the echoes of their legacy still resonate today.

Local Spanish Foundations

The history of Pinellas County begins with its early European explorers. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Tampa Bay area as early as 1513, with Juan Ponce de León's expedition marking the start of European contact in the region. However, the ill-fated Narváez Expedition in 1528 first touched down on the Pinellas Peninsula. Led by Pánfilo de Narváez, the expedition aimed to establish a colony but soon abandoned their efforts due to the lack of promised riches and conflicts with local, indigenous tribes

Despite these early setbacks, the Spanish left an enduring mark on the region. The name "Pinellas" itself originates from the Spanish words "Punta Pinal," meaning "point of pines," aptly describing the area's lush pine forests when it was first mapped. The Spanish explorer Panfilo de Narvaez first documented this name, which has persisted through the centuries.

Cuban Fishermen and Transient Camps

As time progressed, the influence of Spanish settlers was joined by Cuban fishermen, who began arriving in the early 19th century. These Cubans established temporary fishing camps along the Pinellas shores, primarily targeting the abundant mullet in the Gulf waters. The transient nature of these camps resulted from the seasonal fish migrations and the high demand for preserved fish in Cuba.

These Cuban fishermen were not alone in their ventures. Fugitive African American slaves also sought refuge in these fishing camps or integrated into native Seminole communities. This multicultural mingling contributed to the rich tapestry of the region’s early population.

The Evolution of Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing in Pinellas County has its roots in the early 19th century, with figures like Antonio Maximo Hernandez making significant contributions. Hernandez, a Spaniard, was awarded a land grant for his service during the Seminole War and established a fishing rancho at Maximo Point. His efforts and those of others laid the early groundwork for the region’s burgeoning fishing industry.

The Cuban connection continued with John Bethell, who enthusiastically pursued the mullet trade. This industry evolved over the years, becoming integral to the local economy and contributing to the area's growth.

The Cigar Boom and Immigration

The late 19th century brought another wave of transformation to the Tampa Bay area with the rise of the cigar industry. Vicente Martinez-Ybor established Ybor City in 1885, attracting diverse immigrants, including Cubans, Spaniards, and Italians. This period marked a significant population surge in Tampa, from fewer than 800 residents in 1880 to over 15,000 by 1900. The cigar industry, alongside the phosphate industry spurred by Henry B. Plant's railroads, turned Tampa into one of Florida's most prosperous cities.

Jungle Prada and Cultural Heritage

The cultural imprint of the Spanish and Cuban influence is also reflected in the name of Jungle Prada. Built in 1924 by Walter Fuller, this shopping center was originally named "Jungle Prado," after the famous boulevard in Havana, the Paseo del Prado. A typographical error led to the name being listed as "Jungle Prada" in the St. Petersburg Times in 1941, and over time, this misspelling became the accepted name. Today, the name is a testament to the enduring connection between Pinellas County and its Hispanic heritage.

Rescue Beach

Welcome to Rescue Beach, where we celebrate the dogs and cats who light up Florida’s Gulf Coast and the neighbors who give them second chances.

With May 2025 in full swing, we’re excited to spotlight Stewie’s Spring Fling, a pawsome fundraiser in St. Pete Beach that’s saving pets and uniting our coastal communities. Mark your calendar for May 24 and join us to see how local action makes our beaches a haven for animals and people alike.

A Furry Fiesta for a Cause

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Horan Park in St. Pete Beach (7701 Boca Ciega Dr) will host Stewie’s Spring Fling Benefitting Rags to Riches Animal Rescue. This free, family-friendly event welcomes you and your leashed pets to meet adoptable dogs and cats, browse local vendors, enjoy food and drinks, and try your luck at raffles with great prizes. The star attraction? A dog costume contest—picture pups in pirate hats or beach sunglasses stealing the show! All proceeds support Rags to Riches, a Tampa-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing pets from neglect and finding them loving homes.

Rags to Riches is a foster-based rescue tackling Tampa Bay’s pet overpopulation crisis. “We move heaven and earth to save one raggy rescue at a time,” they say, emphasizing vet care, spay/neuter, and training to prepare pets for adoption. In 2024 alone, they saved over 600 animals, often working with behavioral vets to help anxious or fearful pets like Bella, a 40-pound foster who found her forever home after learning to trust. Community events like Stewie’s Spring Fling fund these efforts, ensuring more pets thrive in places like St. Pete Beach.

Why It Matters for Our Coast

Pets are part of what makes our Gulf Coast special—whether it’s a rescued dog in a costume parading at Horan Park or a cat napping in a Madeira Beach bungalow. Stewie’s Spring Fling strengthens St. Pete Beach’s community spirit, just as Gulfport’s dog parks and Treasure Island’s beaches do for their towns. By supporting Rags to Riches, you ensure our coast stays welcoming for pets and people, from tourists to locals. A thriving rescue scene means fewer strays and safer beaches for all.

Ready to meet Finn, Pearl, or their furry friends? Head to Stewie’s Spring Fling on May 24 or subscribe to Citizen Beach (citizenbeach.beehiiv.com) for more rescue stories, civic tips, and Gulf Coast updates. Let’s keep our beaches tail-waggingly awesome!

City Beach

Empowering our local communities through informed and active engagement to address local challenges and foster self-reliance.

Treasure Island’s Leadership Crossroads: A Call for Change

As Treasure Island recovers from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, residents are voicing serious concerns about City Manager Chuck Anderson’s leadership. These issues, raised by many residents and echoed in community discussions, will be central to the City Commission’s evaluation of Mr. Anderson’s performance during the May 6, 2025, City Commission meeting.

Residents have highlighted several troubling allegations against Anderson. Many claim he ignored the commission’s directive to pursue “Option 2” for permitting, instead moving forward with “Option 1,” which reportedly led to months of delays and emotional distress for homeowners rebuilding after the storms. This decision, described as a “colossal failure,” has left many struggling to return to their homes — even seven months after the hurricanes.

Treasure Island deserves a city manager who aligns with commission directives, fosters open communication, and prioritizes residents’ recovery. The community urges the commission to consider fresh leadership to restore trust and guide our city forward. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting, share their experiences, and advocate for a transparent, resident-focused future.

Advocacy: Want to help your local government be more responsive, transparent and fiscally responsible? Join Protect St. Pete Beach, or Citizens’ Voice of Treasure Island. Other groups with shared interests: Florida Beaches for All,

Who Are My Elected Representatives?

• CITY: St. Pete Beach; Treasure Island; Madeira Beach; Redington Beach; North Redington Beach; Indian Shores.

• County & State: Florida Senate; Florida House of Representatives: County Commission - Search by Zip Code.