Citizen Beach This Week

Citizen Beach: 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 our lives. We aim to empower and encourage resident 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 coastal communities this week, so you don’t miss anything important!

Pinellas County seeks residents’ input through a quality-of-life survey. Residents can take the survey by visiting the County’s website. It will be available online in English and Spanish until April 10. In the 2024 survey, county residents reported high satisfaction with public safety and parks, indicating that these are well-regarded aspects of life in Pinellas County. However, concerns about transportation and housing affordability were raised, suggesting the county may need to address these challenges. Top Priorities: Residents identified economic development, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure improvements as key focus areas for the future.

Residents of Envoy Point Condominiums in St. Pete Beach renew the Secret Garden. Nestled on the northern tip of Upham, where a jetty marks the mouth of Blind Pass, it’s a perfect setting for photos, hangouts, and dates. (Axios Tampa Bay)

Gulfport will soon make history as the first all-women city council in Florida. Right on schedule for Women’s History Month, the city will also have a female mayor for the second time since its founding in 1910. Karen Love won the race for Gulfport mayor with 55.29% of the vote. Long-time incumbent Sam Henderson garnered 39.20% of the vote. Marlene Shaw, whom I met on Thursday, won her district contest with nearly 60% of the vote. Kudos to all! (Fox13)

In Mad Beach, the Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival is this weekend, from Friday, March 28, through Sunday, bringing three days of fresh seafood, live music, and local art to the Gulf. It’s one of the most beloved traditions in Pinellas County. (TBN Weekly)

Our state senator, Nick DiCeglie, is proposing to raise speed limits. In an amendment to SB 462, a transportation bill, Sen. DiCeglie proposes increasing Florida’s speed limits, boosting limited-access highways from 70 mph to 75 mph, and four-lane roads with medians from 65 mph to 70 mph. It also allows the Florida Department of Transportation to set a 65-mph cap on other state roads if deemed safe. As of March 28, 2025, the bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is moving through additional Senate reviews, with a House companion bill (HB 567) in progress. Aimed at aligning Florida with states allowing higher speeds, the amendment reflects modern road capabilities but faces debate over safety risks. If approved by both chambers and signed by Gov. DeSantis, the changes could take effect July 1, 2025, potentially impacting Pinellas County commuters. Sen. DiCeglie’s Phone: (850) 487-5018; Email: [email protected].

Reader Feedback

Talk to the Tortuga!

Chris F: “Hey Carlos. SPB local here and so happy to see (and read) Citizen Beach! Appreciate your efforts at holding these folks accountable. Helene revealed long-concealed corruption we have been forced to endure. A free press is an important component in restoring a vibrant, free, and healthy community. Thanks again!”

The Tortuga Responds: Hi Chris, Thanks so much for your note—I’m thrilled to hear you’re enjoying Citizen Beach! As a fellow local, it means a lot to know the newsletter’s hitting home for you. You’re spot-on about Helene peeling back the curtain on issues we’ve tolerated for too long—accountability is overdue. I’m with you: a free press isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for keeping our community vibrant and honest. Appreciate the encouragement—it keeps me going! Do you have any thoughts on what else you’d like to see covered? Always good to hear from readers! 

Pam & Steve in TI wrote: “You really have your finger on the pulse of residents. My idea for a story is the huge water bills many are receiving after Helene and Milton when some aren’t even in their homes. Pinellas County turns a deaf ear on questions and complaints. Especially once you’ve checked and found no leaks. Thought it was just ours but have seen on Next Door there are lots of disgruntled residents making their voices heard. Keep up the great work!!!”

The Tortuga Responds: Thank you, Pam and Steve, for your kind words and for sharing your idea for a story—it’s clear you’re not alone in feeling the sting of those sky-high water bills after hurricanes Helene and Milton. I’ve gotten the runaround from both the city and Pinellas County Utilities, too! Your story echoes what I’ve been seeing more and more, from Nextdoor to conversations with neighbors: residents displaced or still recovering, yet facing inexplicable charges. It’s a real head-scratcher why some bills are spiking when homes sit empty. I’ll look into writing an article on this topic. Thank you!

Hero Beach: Gary King

Heroes of our Gulf beach communities!

Political Stress and Suicide Risk: A Hidden Mental Health Crisis

Introduction: The Overlooked Danger of Political Distress

In today’s polarized society, political bias and legislative discrimination have quietly emerged as significant contributors to the growing suicide crisis, particularly among vulnerable populations. While politics may seem unrelated to personal well-being, research reveals a direct link between political stress and mental health deterioration—including suicidal ideation. This presents an urgent opportunity for interventions like The Happiness Experiment to offer healing and hope.

1. Suicide Linked to Political Discrimination

• LGBTQ+ Youth Impacted by Anti-Trans Laws: A 2024 study in Nature Human Behavior revealed that anti-trans legislation led to a 7%–72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth aged 13–17 in affected U.S. states. The cause wasn’t personal identity, but rather the external stress of societal rejection and political targeting.

• Policy = Mental Health Risk: Political decisions, especially those that marginalize specific groups, significantly elevate psychological distress, particularly in teens already at risk. The burden of discrimination manifests as anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and suicidal behavior.

2. Suicidal Thoughts from Political Polarization

• 5% of Americans Have Considered Suicide Because of Politics: A survey shared in PsyPost revealed that over 12 million Americans—5% of the adult population—reported suicidal thoughts directly linked to political events or divisiveness.

• Political News Addiction & Mental Health: Constant media exposure to conflict, crisis, and fear-based messaging leads to chronic emotional dysregulation. Individuals become trapped in cycles of hopelessness, emotional fatigue, and panic.

3. The Physical Toll of Political Stress

• 13% Higher Risk of Heart Disease in Politically Polarized Areas: A 2024 study from ScienceDirect revealed that counties with higher political polarization showed increased heart disease mortality. Emotional stress from political division doesn’t just affect the mind—it harms the body too.

• Chronic Fight-or-Flight State: Political chaos activates survival mechanisms, triggering fight-or-flight responses that become chronic. Over time, this can lead to mental collapse and suicidal despair.

4. The Role of The Happiness Experiment

• Reprogramming Political Pain: The Happiness Experiment offers a system for healing that bypasses political narratives and restores emotional control through subconscious reprogramming, positive auto-suggestion, and the power of the word “HAPPINESS.”

• Neutralizing Toxic Messaging: By introducing high-frequency words, environments, and emotional training, the movement creates a buffer against the low-vibration chaos of political conflict.

• Suicide Prevention Through Inner Peace: When individuals reclaim inner peace—regardless of external chaos—they become emotionally resilient, and suicide becomes a far less likely outcome.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Change the Narrative

Politics should never cost a life. Yet millions suffer silently from the emotional violence of polarization, discrimination, and fear-based messaging. The Happiness Experiment can lead the world to shift that narrative—one mind, one word, one life at a time.

Let us restore the frequency of humanity—starting with HAPPINESS.

Hero Beach: NAMI

Heroes of our Gulf beach communities!

NAMI Pinellas: A Beacon of Mental Health Support in Our Community

On Thursday, I attended a board meeting of Treasure Island’s Life Intervention Focus Team (LIFT). The group is a unique public/private partnership focused on helping the homeless and others at risk in Treasure Island. The group is working on creating a community-centered network called Friends4Friends, intended to help older or handicapped people living alone without family nearby or involved. During the meeting, I watched a great presentation from the NAMI Pinellas County, Florida—an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization.

In a world where one in five adults faces a mental health condition, finding accessible, reliable resources can feel like a lifeline. For residents of Pinellas County, that lifeline is NAMI Pinellas. Since its founding over three decades ago, NAMI Pinellas has been steadfast in its mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, support, advocacy, and awareness. Today, it is a vital resource hub for our community, offering tools and hope to those who need it most.

A Wealth of Free Resources
NAMI Pinellas offers a range of no-cost services tailored to meet diverse needs. Their Information & Resource HelpLine (727-791-3434) is a go-to for anyone seeking guidance, whether you’re navigating a loved one’s diagnosis or looking for treatment options. While not a crisis line, it connects callers to relevant contacts in both public and private sectors, ensuring no one feels lost in the system. For immediate crises, NAMI Pinellas directs individuals to the local PEMHS Crisis/Suicide Hotline (727-791-3131) or the national 988 lifeline.

The organization’s website (https://nami-pinellas.org) is a treasure trove of practical tools. From a detailed Resources page listing national and Pinellas County-specific providers—such as BayCare Behavioral Health for outpatient care or Evara Health for children’s services—to downloadable guides, it serves as a starting point for anyone seeking help. The site also highlights advocacy efforts and upcoming events, keeping the community informed and engaged.

Support Groups: A Space to Heal
Peer-led support groups are a cornerstone of NAMI Pinellas’ offerings. The NAMI Family Support Group welcomes adult loved ones of individuals with mental health conditions, meeting virtually every other Thursday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM and in-person on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Clearwater. Facilitated by trained family members, these sessions foster empathy, share successes, and build resilience in a confidential setting. Similarly, the NAMI Connection group supports individuals living with mental illness, providing a safe space to connect and cope.

Education That Empowers
Knowledge is power, and NAMI Pinellas delivers it through award-winning programs. NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, multi-week course designed for families, providing insights into mental health conditions and effective coping strategies. NAMI Basics targets parents of children with mental health challenges, while Ending the Silence brings presentations to schools, breaking stigma among youth. These evidence-based programs equip participants with practical skills and hope, all at no cost.

Community Impact and How to Get Involved
Beyond direct services, NAMI Pinellas advocates for systemic change, collaborating with local partners to enhance access to mental health services and reduce involvement in the justice system for individuals in crisis. Their NAMIWalks Pinellas County event—next slated for 2025—raises funds and awareness, drawing hundreds to walk together for mental health.

Would you like to tap into these resources or lend a hand? Visit https://nami-pinellas.org to explore support groups, sign up for programs, or make a donation. You can also contact their office by calling 727-826-0807 or emailing [email protected]. Whether you’re seeking help or offering it, NAMI Pinellas proves that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.

Rescue Beach

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

Trooper’s Law Gains Traction After Dog’s Rescue Inspires Florida Legislation

A heart-wrenching incident during Hurricane Milton has spurred legislative action in Florida. Lawmakers are pushing for “Trooper’s Law” to protect pets during natural disasters. Inspired by a bull terrier named Trooper, the bill aims to make abandoning a restrained animal during a state of emergency a third-degree felony.

Trooper captured national attention in October 2024 when Florida Highway Patrol troopers found him tied to a fence along Interstate 75 in Tampa, chest-deep in floodwaters as Hurricane Helene approached. The dog was abandoned near the Bruce B. Downs Boulevard exit in the northeastern part of the city, an area heavily impacted by evacuation orders and rising waters. Video footage of Trooper’s rescue went viral, sparking outrage and prompting swift action from animal advocates.

The dog’s former owner, 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin, about 20 miles south of Tampa, faces felony animal cruelty charges. Garcia claimed he left Trooper tied up because he couldn’t find anyone to take the dog, a defense that has fueled calls for stricter laws. Since his rescue, Trooper has found a new home with a Parkland family and overcome health challenges, including cancer, endearing him further to the public.

The legislation has bipartisan backing, with lawmakers citing Trooper’s story as a wake-up call. The law could set a precedent for pet protection nationwide, ensuring no animal is left defenseless in a storm’s path.

The trooper’s journey from abandonment to advocacy highlights a growing push for accountability. His legacy could potentially be etched into Florida law by the end of 2025.

Lifestyle Beach

What’s it like to live in our cities? Here, we’ll tackle different issues, both good and not so good, that impact our communities.

Homeownership and Rental Statistics: Where Things Stand

Based on recent data (primarily from 2022), here’s a snapshot of homeownership and renting across these four cities:

• Treasure Island leads with a 77.8% homeownership rate, reflecting its status as a desirable spot for permanent residents and retirees.

• Gulfport follows closely at 74.5%, bolstered by its tight-knit community and coastal charm.

• At 67.6%, St. Pete Beach exceeds the national average (64.8% in 2022), though its rental market is notable and likely tied to tourism.

• Madeira Beach has the lowest rate at 59.5%, suggesting a stronger rental presence, possibly due to seasonal or investment properties.

These figures set the stage, but recent cost trends and hurricane damage are shifting the ground beneath them.

Housing Cost Trends: Rising Prices Meet Storm Fallout

Housing costs in these cities were already climbing before the hurricanes struck, driven by Florida’s population growth and appeal as a retirement and vacation destination. Here’s how things look now, with the storms adding a new layer of complexity:

1. Ownership Costs

• Treasure Island Example: The median home price here has risen to $771,250, up 7.1% from last year. This reflects broader demand, but the hurricanes are muddying the waters. Some properties, especially those hit hard by flooding, may see values drop as buyers weigh repair costs and future risks.

• Insurance Crisis Worsens: Florida’s insurance premiums were already among the nation’s highest, with increases of up to 400% over five years in some areas. Post-hurricane, costs are expected to climb further as insurers account for heightened risks. For homeowners, this could add thousands annually to the cost of ownership.

• Property Value Shifts: In St. Pete Beach, homes in flood-prone areas like Shore Acres have been listed at steep discounts. One property, bought for $660,000 two years ago, is now on the market for $399,000 after storm damage—a sign that values may soften in vulnerable zones.

2. Rental Costs

• Post-Storm Demand Surge: Hurricanes often displace residents, pushing them into rentals while homes are repaired. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, Fort Myers saw rental occupancy jump from 95.2% to 98.2%, with rents rising accordingly. A similar spike is likely in these cities, especially in Madeira Beach and St. Pete Beach, where rental markets are robust.

• Tourism Effect: Areas with short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) may see long-term rental supply shrink, driving up costs for locals. Treasure Island’s high ownership rate might temper this, but renters could feel the pinch elsewhere.

The Hurricane Impact: A Turning Point

Recent hurricanes have left a lasting mark on these communities, influencing both housing costs and residents’ decisions about owning versus renting.

• Physical Damage: Storm surge and flooding have hit hard, damaging homes and infrastructure. In Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach, some properties are now uninhabitable without major repairs, forcing owners to sell at a loss or temporarily rent elsewhere.

• Insurance and Risk Perception: With premiums soaring and storms growing more frequent, the financial burden of homeownership is rising. Some residents are reconsidering their commitment to coastal living, especially as climate risks loom larger.

• Emotional and Practical Toll: “It’s tough to see your home flooded and wonder if it’s worth rebuilding,” said a St. Pete Beach resident. Others, like a Treasure Island homeowner investing in storm-proof upgrades, are digging in. This split reflects a broader uncertainty shaping the market.

Trends in Ownership: Growth Meets Resistance

Florida’s population is projected to hit 25 million by 2030, typically a boon for homeownership. Yet, the hurricanes and rising costs are creating headwinds:

• Affordability Challenges: High home prices, insurance costs, and property taxes are pricing out some buyers, particularly younger ones or those without significant savings. This could boost rental demand over time.

• Inventory Uptick: More homes are hitting the market, partly as owners sell after a storm. This could ease price pressure, but damaged properties may deter buyers unless heavily discounted.

• Hurricane-Driven Decisions: Some homeowners sell to escape future risks, while others stay and fortify their properties. In Gulfport, community resilience might preserve ownership rates, while St. Pete Beach’s tourism focus could tilt toward rentals.

What’s Next?

The interplay of cost trends and hurricane impacts will shape these cities’ housing futures:

• Ownership Viability: High costs and risks may erode homeownership in vulnerable areas, though retirees and investors could sustain demand in places like Treasure Island.

• Rental Pressure: Rising rents and short-term rental competition could strain affordability for renters, especially post-storm.

• Market Evolution: Property values may diverge, with hurricane-resistant homes holding steady while others falter. Local efforts to bolster infrastructure could also sway the balance.

Key Takeaways: In these coastal havens, the dream of homeownership persists—but the hurricanes have made it a costlier, riskier proposition than ever. Whether owning or renting, residents face a new reality where resilience and adaptability are as crucial as the numbers.

• Homeownership Varies Widely: Treasure Island (77.8%) and Gulfport (74.5%) lean heavily toward ownership, while Madeira Beach (59.5%) and St. Pete Beach (67.6%) show stronger rental markets.

• Costs Are Up, with Hurricanes Adding Strain: Home prices (e.g., $771,250 in Treasure Island) and rents are rising, but storm damage and insurance hikes are hitting owners hard.

• Storms Are a Wild Card: Physical destruction, financial pressures, and shifting perceptions force residents to rethink their housing choices.

City Beach

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

ELEVATE OR RELOCATE?

Treasure Island is wrestling with a big decision: the Terrain Modification Manual. Currently under review by the city, this policy would set rules for elevating homes to combat flooding—an optional process that, once started, locks residents in. The catch? Costs hit homeowners unevenly, sparking debate over affordability, property values, and the town’s very identity. Check out this Facebook exchange for a raw take from locals—what’s your view?

Bill G wrote: “These are excellent points. Let me add a real estate professional’s take: If the Terrain Modification Manual is approved, homes in Treasure Island will become far less desirable and take a price hit compared to neighboring communities—especially if they’re not facing similar rules.”

Carlos Miro responded: Thanks, Bill. I asked an AI for a Realtor’s analysis based on your comment. Here’s what it said: “Your Realtor’s spot-on: this manual could make Treasure Island a tough sell. Buyers will dodge the cost and hassle, forcing sellers to slash prices—matching my $200K-$400K cost estimate with a $200K-$400K drop. Neighboring areas without these rules will look like bargains, draining demand in Treasure Island unless the city offsets the burden on owners.”

Bill B: “Carlos, glad you ran that. It’s sad our leaders don’t see this coming—especially since one’s a Realtor. Should be obvious. We need better leadership.”

Ginger G wrote: “Bill, coastal resiliency mandates from federal, state, and county levels are driving this, as I understand it. Municipalities like ours are just the messengers.”

Bill G: “Ginger, maybe, but we seem to be the only community pushing it this hard. It’s not affordable—many current residents will lose their homes and take a financial beating doing it. “

Carlos Miro: Bill, there’s no doubt this will transform our community’s character. Treasure Island owes its small-town charm to a diverse mix of residents—spanning ages and incomes. Picture modest bungalows with longtime locals who’ve been here decades, alongside younger folks just starting out with toddlers underfoot. Now imagine the “Brave New World” Treasure Island that some envision: a landscape of elevated McMansions, catering almost exclusively to wealthy part-timers.

Bill G: “Exactly. If you want that, go to Boca or Naples, it's not for me, I love our little island just the way it's been. I lived in Boca Raton for 10 years...others can have it.”

What do you think? Can Treasure Island (or St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach, or Gulfport) adapt without losing its soul, or are we pricing out the very people who make our communities special? Your voice matters here. The City of Treasure Island’s Terrain Modification Manual isn’t just a policy—it’s a pivot point for our community’s future. Getting involved now, whether through feedback to the city or joining the conversation, helps shape whether we stay a diverse, small-town haven or drift toward something very different. Drop your thoughts below or reach out—what’s at stake for you?

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; Gulfport City Contacts (and more!)

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