Citizen Beach - Community Journalism

Be a Holiday Hero this Labor Day Weekend!

As you enjoy the holiday weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public that sea turtles and shorebirds are still reliant on our Pinellas beaches for nesting.

Both sea turtles and shorebirds can benefit when beachgoers take a few simple actions when at the beach. Be a holiday hero this Labor Day weekend and help our vulnerable sea turtles and shorebirds:

• If staying at the beach, close curtains after dark to help ensure nesting turtles are not disturbed by interior lights as they come ashore, and hatchlings are not disoriented as they emerge from their nests. Avoid using any color flashlight, or cell phone lights and taking flash photos after dark on the beach.

• Clear the way at the end of the day to help nesting sea turtles, emerging hatchlings, and shorebirds. Obstacles on the beach and holes in the sand can trap or prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water and adult sea turtles from being able to nest, so it is important to remove all beach toys and furniture before leaving.

• Trash and food scraps attract predators that can prey on sea turtle hatchlings and flightless shorebirds, so it is important to properly dispose of these items after a day at the beach.

• Give sea turtles, emerging hatchlings, and shorebirds space. Getting too close to sea turtle hatchlings or nesting sea turtles can prevent them from getting to where they need to go. If an animal changes its behavior when you approach, that is a sign that you might be too close.

• If you find a sea turtle hatchling or adult sea turtle in distress, immediately call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

For more information about nesting sea turtles and how you can help, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle or see the FWC’s “Be a Beach Hero” brochure. For more information about nesting shorebirds, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure.

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!

• That Sinking Feeling: A vehicle drives into the Intracoastal waterway in St. Pete Beach on the 3300 block of W. Maritana Drive. A Good Samaritan pulled the driver to safety.

• City Fires Attorney: St. Pete Beach City Commissioners fired City Attorney Andrew Dickman in a 3-2 vote Tuesday as those in favor, including Mayor Adrian Petrila, sought a clean slate. Meanwhile, Mayor Adrian Petrilla proposed a temporary moratorium on development.

• St. Pete Beach Election News: Populist candidate Lisa Robinson wins the District 2 Commission seat in St. Pete Beach in a landslide! (TBN Weekly)

• Elevate TI Deflated: Thanks to a massive resident response, the “Elevate TI” program is “shelved”, says the Tampa Bay Weekly newspaper.

Upscale Beachfront Condo to Break Ground in Treasure Island: Arriving in late 2025 at 10126 Gulf Boulevard, The Pearl will feature four full-floor penthouses boasting over 4,000 square feet of space with unobstructed 180-degree ocean views and private access to one of the widest sections of the barrier island. According to a Zillow listing, the units are $5.5 million each.

Scam Beach

This section will equip you with the knowledge and tools to protect yourself from the ever-evolving world of scams. We'll uncover the latest tactics scammers use, provide tips on identifying suspicious activity, and offer advice on safeguarding your personal and financial information.

Mary in Greater Harbor reports she “received a text from Florida Toll Services today. They said their records show I have a $7.59 toll charge, and I should click on the site “mysunpasstollsinvoices[dot]com” to prevent further fees of $75.59. The text was from 819-724-2229. I was taught to always go to the source first, and sure enough, Sunpass never sends such text invoices.”

SunPass responds: “To our valued SunPass customers, please note that SunPass does not ask customers via text to make a payment or to take immediate action on their account. If SunPass needs to contact customers, it will appear as follows: Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Text: 786727

“SunPass has been made aware of a phishing scam targeting the general public. To our knowledge, SunPass has not been compromised, and we are diligently monitoring the system. The scam uses text messages requesting prompt payment to avoid fees. The messages also contain a link to a fraudulent website in an attempt to collect information. SunPass does not send these messages.

Eco Warrior Beach

Saving and protecting our natural environment — on the beach and off (Editors: Lisa Reich, Coastal Wildlife Advocacy Group) and Ginger Goepper (Audobon Society Volunteer)

Clean Beaches: What Treasure Island Did to Keep Our Beaches Clean this Fourth of July

By Carrie Auerbach, Treasure Island Adopt a Beach

In the several weeks before July 4th, Treasure Island underwent a remarkable transformation in its Independence Day celebrations, thanks to a collaborative effort between the community and local government. Here’s how this change unfolded:

• Community Engagement: The initiative began with concerned community members sharing evidence of the increasing dangers posed by the increasing number of personal fireworks on the beach each year. Residents, businesses, and visitors signed petitions. This grassroots effort highlighted the need for change and galvanized support for the city to enact new measures.

• Government Action: Treasure Island mobilized various departments, including police, fire, public works, parks and recreation, and City Staff, to address the issue swiftly. The City’s legal department found a way to abide by current laws while restraining the unfettered use of fireworks. By implementing three code enforcements already ‘on the books,’ the City can now enforce the ban on personal fireworks. These codes are Open Flame (Sec. 58-45), Leave No Trace (Sec. 58-51), and Coastal Lighting Standards (Sec. 58-45). This interdepartmental collaboration was crucial in formulating and implementing effective solutions.

• Communication Strategy: A comprehensive communication strategy was deployed. Flyers were distributed to local businesses and hotels, informing them about new ordinances prohibiting fireworks on the beach. This ensured widespread awareness and compliance.

• Social Media Outreach: The Public Information Officer led a robust social media campaign. This outreach extended beyond Treasure Island, reaching neighboring counties in Florida. The campaign educated a broader audience about the dangers of personal fireworks and the new regulations.

• Signage: In the week before the holiday, not only were there lighted traffic signs coming into Treasure Island, but temporary signs were posted at beach access points warning of the enforcement.

• Community Outreach: Beach Ambassadors were trained to identify and report violations, ensuring the new rules were enforced. Volunteers also played a crucial role by distributing 1,000 koozies stuffed with trash bags to beachgoers, promoting responsible trash management.

• Day of Holiday Involvement: All police and extra fire personnel were deployed to the beach and were highly visible. The Public Works department manually emptied trash cans on the beach throughout the day, and visitors were also reminded with collateral from the Parks and Rec Department as they parked their cars.

• Results and Impact: The efforts yielded significant results. Reports from beach cleanup efforts following the July 4 celebrations indicated a drastic reduction in personal fireworks usage and a notable decrease in beach litter. Families could safely enjoy the 30-minute, incredible, City-sponsored fireworks display, thereby enhancing overall community satisfaction.

• Reflections on Collaboration: This initiative's success underscored the power of collaboration between government agencies, community members, and volunteers. It demonstrated how proactive engagement can lead to positive, transformative changes in community behavior and public safety.

Treasure Island’s experience serves as a testament to the effectiveness of aligning community engagement with proactive government action. By leveraging shared goals and resources, cities everywhere can achieve meaningful improvements in the quality of life of residents and guests, reinforcing the adage that "it takes a village" to foster positive change. Transformative change happens at the intersection of law and an engaged community.

Rescue Beach

Rescuing and protecting our companion animals (Cats Editor: Monica Pugh; Dogs: editor needed)

Your Next Best Friends!

By Monica Pugh

It’s with great pleasure that I introduce these two wonderful kittens to our readers. Sunny (orange tabby male) and Cocoa (female dilute tortie) are eight-week-young litter mates and best buddies. They are both very affectionate to their foster “pawrents”. They spend many hours playing, and an equal amount of time napping. When they nap, they are usually found on my desk, ensuring I’ve them at easy reach to be petted. Sunny often jumps on my lap and hugs my hand. He is soon getting his lap kitty certificate. Both kittens will be spayed/neutered and will have their vaccinations according to age before their adoption. They know well how to use their litter boxes; and have good manners in general. Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you are ready to give them a loving indoors-only forever home.

Found a Stray?

By Friends of Strays

What should you do? Take the pet to a vet to see if it has a microchip (most places do not charge for this). If it does, see if you can contact the owner on record to reunite the pet with its human. You can also check social media and post the pet on the Lost & Found Pets of Pinellas Facebook page.

If the pet does not have a microchip or if you are unable to keep it until its owner can get it, take it to Pinellas County Animal Services (PCAS). All strays found in Pinellas County should be directed to PCAS. You can also report a lost or found pet through the following platforms:

• Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office C.A.R.E.S

• Found Pet Hotline: 727-582-2600 Option 2  

• PetCo Love Lost

PCAS will hold strays with ID for seven days. If an animal is brought in without identification, they will be held for four days to see if someone comes forward to claim them. If not, they’re released from the stray hold, and those pets will either be available for other organizations (like Friends of Strays) to pull them from PCAS or be available for adoption directly from PCAS. Not every animal will be guaranteed to be eligible for adoption from PCAS once its stray hold is completed. 

If you bring a stray to the Friends of Strays shelter, they can scan it for a microchip. However, we cannot keep them at our shelter – we will recommend you take them to PCAS. 

If You've Found Kittens: 

If you find young kittens without their mom, it does not necessarily mean they have been abandoned. Their mother could be out looking for food or finding a more suitable home for her kittens. If you find one or two kittens, mama may be in the process of moving the family and is on her way back for the others. If the kittens appear healthy, please wait and observe from a distance for an hour or two before doing anything else. 

If, after 1-2 hours of observation, you haven’t seen signs of the mother, you will ultimately have to use your judgment to decide how to handle the kittens, depending upon the litter’s needs and your time and resources. 
 
Keep the following in mind when deciding what to do next: 

• Very young kittens have the best chance of survival with their mother. 

• If you bring the cats inside, keep them separate from your other pets until a veterinarian evaluates them. 

• For proper social development, kittens should be kept with their litter (and mother, if possible) until at least eight weeks. 

• If you can care for the kittens and find new homes for them yourself, you could become a Kitten Hero! Participants in this program can get their found kittens spayed/neutered and vaccinated at no cost. Learn more. 

For injured wildlife: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Hotline - https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/injured-orphaned/. Birds In Helping Hands: https://birdsinhelpinghands.org/. Owl's Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife - https://owlsnestsanctuaryforwildlife.com/

Keeping Your Dog or Cat Safe During Car Rides

By Monica Pugh

There was a sad local post last week on social media (see below) about a pet involved in a car accident. The dog was inside the car and escaped in panic; to later be found in really bad shape with no other option but euthanasia. That, of course, is a worst-case scenario. But even in the smallest of car crashes, a dog or cat can get spooked and run for their lives. You can help prevent those kinds of outcomes by using carriers and crates.

Crash-tested crates and harnesses are ALWAYS the best option for restraining dogs in the car. And cats should be inside a pet carrier at all times. Use the seatbelt to secure the carrier.

I transport my cats inside a carrier. In addition to that, I cover the carrier with a blanket to give my cats a sense of calm. This applies to short and longer rides.

If you often travel with your pet:

• Learn about how to better prepare your pets for car trips.

• Make sure pets are covered by insurance.

• Don't leave pets unattended.

• Pack pet travel supplies.

Make sure your pet has a visible ID. Ideally a microchip too with your contact info up to date.

City Beach

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

Lisa Robinson Begins Working for District 2 Residents in St. Pete Beach

By Lisa Robinson

Happy to say that in a push for transparency and accountability, I worked with the City Clerk (Amber LaRowe) to have the lobbyist registrations and staff lobbyist logs linked on the City website.  We are also reviewing for completion and accuracy in their General, Specific, and statement of position.  

I look forward to our residents having the ability to see all Developers, organizations and persons speaking to our city officials and staff and on what topics they are lobbying.

As for other items, here’s a good start :) … (we have so much that needs attention and work):

• Comprehensive Plan review and ensure it is based on reliable data and studies.

• Support of Development Moratorium until such review is complete.

• Prioritize Beach renourishment agreements.

• Stormwater resiliency maintenance & repairs.

• Infrastructure improvements and roadway repairs.

• Customary use and Live, Local legal standings.

• Code and Sheriff enforcement to protect beach dunes, wildlife, and residents!

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,

The Protect St. Pete Beach Advocacy Group asks St. Pete Beach residents to email the City’s commissioners ([email protected]) and let them know that you support providing residents with a stronger voice in city affairs. The group is also asking for donations.

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.