The administrative staffs for our three cities—St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach—manage the day-to-day functions of our city governments. The tension that's playing out at the national level—between an unelected bureaucracy, sometimes called the "permanent state," and the people elected by popular vote—is similarly evident here at the local level. It's actually a tension that has existed almost forever. For my readers, I'll ask for forbearance. I'm making some use of the master's degree in political science I earned long ago.

The City Manager as “Philosopher King”

Philosophically, the idea of a permanent state is rooted in Plato’s idea of the “philosopher-king”…

Read More Here: https://citizenbeach.beehiiv.com/p/the-tortuga-speaks-f7f0

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

Madeira Beach American Legion Post opens after five months (Fox 13)

Lock your car doors! Thieves are checking for unlocked car doors in Bradenton and Madeira Beach (Fox 13)

A St. Pete Beach developer wants to build 162-unit luxury condos on nearly five acres at Corey Landings, with 12K sqft retail and restaurant space. The plan is the latest attempt to activate the waterfront site. Almost 20 years ago, local developer William Karns purchased several parcels and planned to build 110 condos, a pier, a high-end restaurant, shops, a public park, and a parking garage. The site has since gone through the foreclosure process and has been targeted for several other developments. Under the new plan, condo units are expected to be split between four buildings, with 111 situated in the two buildings south of Corey Avenue. Kolter also plans to build 39 boat slips, 334 parking spaces, a public park, and a public plaza along the water. The community meeting discussing the project is scheduled to be held on Feb. 17 at the Sirata Beach Resort. Tampa Bay Business Journal (Paywall)

With Spring Break just weeks away, the City of Treasure Island wants to help businesses and restaurants open. According to Mayor John Doctor, the City will likely pass an ordinance that helps businesses cut through red tape next week. If passed, it would allow them to set up tents, food trucks, and porta-potties temporarily outside their establishments for longer periods. Currently, they can apply for such exemptions in nine-day increments, up to 36 days in total. The ordinance would lengthen the special event permits. The exemptions would be permitted for six months, with extensions available after that period if needed. “We want them to be back open. We want tourists to come back here,” Doctor said.

Life and living on the beach — activities and fun to enjoy along the Gulf Beaches.

Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights

After a challenging few months of recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Treasure Island is announcing a “sand-sational” event that will combine two of its most popular attractions: sand sculptures and kite flying! Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights will revive Treasure Island Beach on March 8-9, ushering in a spirited celebration of resilience, community, and coastal beauty.

This festival will offer something for everyone. Visitors will be amazed by a giant sand sculpture symbolizing Treasure Island’s journey of recovery and renewal. Above, the sky will come alive with colorful and creative kites. Throughout the day, the festival will buzz with live music, delicious food truck offerings, and unique goods from local vendors, creating a festive atmosphere for families, friends, and beach lovers alike.

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

Elected or Entrenched? The Power Struggle in Our Cities

In our small coastal communities—St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach—local government should reflect the people’s will. We residents elect City Commissioners to represent our interests, advocate for our needs, and ensure that city policies align with the priorities of those who live and pay taxes here. But increasingly, a troubling pattern has become evident: a growing disconnect between the electorate and the decision-makers who shape our cities.

At the heart of this issue is the presence of a permanent bureaucracy—unelected city managers, department heads, and advisory boards—who wield considerable influence over local governance. While these individuals play an important role in ensuring continuity and administrative efficiency, they often operate with little transparency and minimal direct accountability to the voters. Decisions that significantly impact residents’ daily lives—such as permitting, zoning changes, infrastructure priorities, and local regulations—are frequently made behind closed doors, with little public input or remedy.

Even more concerning is…

Read More Here: https://citizenbeach.beehiiv.com/p/elected-or-entrenched

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?

Pictures from local residents: With this picture…