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 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!

Another Hurricane Tragedy: Iconic Thunderbird Resort to be demolished! The Thunderbird has been a fixture on the beach for 68 years, but the owners say the damage from back-to-back hurricanes last year was too much for them to remodel existing structures. Some are worried the progress will change the character of Treasure Island. “Treasure Island was great because it had all these little mom-and-pop motels here, and it wasn’t really built up like Madeira Beach was in the 70’s, so this is a sad day.” (WFLA News Channel 8)

Off-Duty Gulfport Firefighter arrested for recklessly driving through a residential area, reaching speeds exceeding 100 MPH. (Pinellas Sheriff)

Pinellas County joins Hillsborough in inviting DOGE oversight (Tampa Bay Times). Let’s hope officials extend DOGE to the city level too.

Treasure Island City Commissioners discuss providing $12 million for a 12,000-square-foot combined facility for the Fire and Police Departments, located on prime real estate next to City Hall on Gulf Boulevard. To pay for it, the City would need to raise taxes or take on debt (or both). (Spectrum News)

New data pulled from a recent count of homeless people throughout the Central Florida region shows that more than 40% of those found living without stable housing are children under 18 and older adults, 55 and up. (Orlando Weekly)

Gov. DeSantis: “Property taxes effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government. Constitutional protections for Florida homeowners require voter approval in 2026. In the meantime, Floridians need relief. I am proposing a plan today that will result in, on average, $1,000 rebate checks for each homestead as a discount on their property taxes. If the Legislature acts on this plan now, we can complete this task by the end of the year. (FLGOV)

Florida’s Live Local Act (intended to address the state’s affordable housing shortage) introduces tensions with municipalities’ ability to make local decisions by granting developers tax exemptions and zoning benefits that can override local authority, particularly through its ambiguous "mixed-use" zoning language, which leaves room for interpretation and inconsistent application across regions. (Sun Sentinel/paywall)

Taste a wide range of flavors, from mild to fiery, with hundreds of bites at the annual Pinellas Pepper Fest, held Saturday and Sunday in Pinellas Park. Highlights include the intense "Lolli Lick-A-Thon" and a jalapeno pepper-eating competition. The fest is open from 10 am to 5 pm, with free admission. Find it at England Brothers Park (5010 Dave McKay Way), Pinellas Park. (Love the Burg)

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to educate our Pinellas County community and support survivors. Over the past five years, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported 145 rape cases to the FBI, averaging 29 cases annually. Only 7 (about 5%) involved a stranger, meaning 95% of these assaults were likely committed by someone known to the victim. In comparison, Hillsborough County reported 993 cases, with 8.5% by strangers, showing a similar trend. National data suggests only 1 in 3 sexual assaults are reported so that the true impact may be even greater. Let’s use this month to raise awareness, foster prevention, and stand with survivors in our community.

In Pinellas County, several key organizations are actively involved in addressing sexual assault awareness, prevention, and support for survivors, particularly relevant during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Here are the primary ones based on available information:

• Suncoast Center: This is Pinellas County's certified Sexual Assault Services Center, recognized by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence. It offers a 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline (727-530-7273), forensic evidence collection, trauma therapy, support groups, and advocacy. Services include free sexual assault victim examinations (SAVE) and support regardless of whether the assault is reported to law enforcement. It also hosts events like the "Art Heals" exhibit during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to showcase survivor artwork.

• Pinellas County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART): A collaborative network of agencies focused on education, prevention, and a coordinated response to sexual assault. SART prioritizes survivors’ needs, offender accountability, and public safety. They provide annual reports on sexual violence trends and host community meetings to engage partners and residents.

• Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) Victim Advocates: The Sheriff's Office offers victim advocacy services, providing crisis intervention, assistance with filing for crime compensation, and referrals to social services. Their advocates support sexual assault survivors through the reporting and recovery process, ensuring no victim navigates the aftermath alone. The victim advocates can be reached at 727-582-6259. Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873. Click here to visit the Department of Children and Families Abuse website.

• Pinellas County 211 Helpline: A general multilingual helpline available 24/7 to connect residents with needed services.

These organizations form the backbone of sexual assault support in Pinellas County, offering a mix of direct services, community outreach, and coordinated responses.

50 Days to Hurricane Season!

I know you don’t want to hear that. Until “H” Season starts again, I’ll run a hurricane preparedness features to help us plan how to avoid the unthinkable…again.

Hurricane Preparedness & Resilience: Flood Prevention Options for Coastal Florida Homes

As of Saturday, April 12, 2025, we’re 50 days from the start of hurricane season on June 1. Preparing now is critical for coastal Florida residents still grappling with Hurricane Helene’s flooding. Helene’s storm surge and torrential rains overwhelmed communities, leaving homes underwater and lessons in their wake. Here’s a practical review of flood prevention options to keep water out of your home, tailored to Florida’s coastal realities and the experiences of those hit by Helene.

1. Sandbags with Plastic Sheeting: A Reinforced, Affordable Defense. Sandbags are a staple for flood protection, and during Hurricane Helene, they helped many divert shallow water from doorways and garages. To boost their effectiveness, layer heavy-duty plastic sheeting (6-mil, $10-$20 for a 10x25-foot roll) behind the bags. This creates a watertight barrier, stopping water from seeping through gaps—a common failure point in Helene’s floods. Stack 50-60 bags per small home ($3-$5 each) in a pyramid shape for stability, as recommended by Redington Shores. Available at local sites like Madeira Beach’s City Hall, they’re a budget-friendly option, though filling and placing them takes effort. They shone against minor flooding but struggled with Helene’s deeper surges, so act early.

2. Flood Barriers: Quick and Reusable Portable flood barriers—like Quick Dam’s water-activated bags ($25-$35 for 5 feet)—offer a lighter, reusable alternative. During Helene, residents who deployed these at entry points kept moderate flooding at bay, especially when paired with sealing cracks, per Redington Beach advice. They’re faster to set up than sandbags and store compactly, but they falter against high-velocity surges or uneven surfaces. Test their fit now, as Jeff Fuller, a Tampa Bay floodproofing pro, warns: waiting until a storm hits is too late. Helene showed their limits in extreme conditions, so they’re best for lower-risk zones.

3. Door Dams and Seals: Precision Protection Door dams, such as Dam Easy Flood Barriers ($80-$100 per door), clamp onto frames to block water up to a foot deep. Adding rubber stripping or silicone sealant ($10-$20) around doors and windows—suggested by Madeira Beach—stops seepage. These held up for some during Helene’s initial rise, but were ineffective once water topped thresholds. Easy to install, they’re a smart pick for homes facing shallow flooding. Fuller’s tip: stock clear peel-and-seal caulk (15 tubes minimum) for quick sealing vents and outlets, a DIY fix that saved homes in past storms.

4. Permanent Floodproofing: Elevate or Seal Elevation on pilings is Florida’s ultimate flood shield, proven by homes that stayed dry above Helene’s surge. Costs range from $100,000-$500,000, but it’s transformative for surge zones. For a cheaper fix, seal walls with waterproof coatings like Drylok ($30-$50 per gallon) or install flood vents ($20-$50 each) to ease foundation pressure, as Redington Shores advises. These cut damage in Helene’s aftermath but need planning—start now with permits. Madeira Beach stresses elevating appliances (water heaters, AC units) above flood levels, saving some from total loss.

Rescue Beach

Rescuing and protecting our companion animals

Helping Stray Animals in Pinellas County

In St. Pete and even in our coastal cities, the sight of stray cats and dogs is all too common. These animals face hunger, illness, and the constant threat of abuse or injury. Nationally, millions of homeless pets enter shelters each year, with many euthanized due to overcrowding. The root of this crisis lies in pet overpopulation—a problem that can be addressed through spaying and neutering. Here in Pinellas County, local organizations are stepping up to tackle this issue, but they need our support to make a lasting impact.

The Overpopulation Challenge

Estimates suggest that a single pair of unaltered cats can produce over 420,000 kittens in seven years, while two unaltered dogs can yield 67,000 puppies in six years. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real animals struggling to survive. In Pinellas County, groups like the Humane Society of Pinellas and Friends of Strays see daily consequences: abandoned litters, injured strays, and overwhelmed shelters. Spaying and neutering are the most effective way to prevent this cycle, reducing the number of animals born into hardship.

Pinellas County’s Local Heroes

Several organizations in Pinellas County are leading the charge against pet overpopulation:

• Humane Society of Pinellas (Clearwater): This no-kill shelter invested over $40,000 in spay/neuter surgeries in 2024 alone, preventing countless unwanted litters. They also run community programs to provide affordable sterilization and vaccinations, keeping pets healthy and reducing strays.

• Friends of Strays (St. Petersburg): Since 1978, this no-kill shelter has offered trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) programs, like Pinellas Cats Alive!, which sterilizes feral cats to curb population growth. The shelter relies entirely on donations and receives no government funding.

• SPCA Tampa Bay (Largo): As Pinellas County’s only open-admission, for-all shelter, SPCA Tampa Bay cares for nearly 8,000 animals annually, including strays and surrendered pets. Their spay/neuter clinics help ensure adopted animals don’t contribute to overpopulation.

• Pinellas County Animal Services (Largo): This county-run shelter offers low-cost spay/neuter services and partners with rescue groups to save more animals. Their Animal Welfare Trust Fund donations support surgeries and special care for strays.

These groups often use personal funds or small grants to cover costs, highlighting the critical role of community involvement. For example, a single spay/neuter surgery at the Humane Society of Pinellas costs about $72, a small price to prevent years of suffering.

The Power of Community Support

Every dollar donated in Pinellas County stays local, directly impacting animals in our neighborhoods. A contribution of just $2 can help fund food, vaccines, or sterilization for a stray. In 2023–2024, community donations helped the Humane Society of Pinellas sterilize hundreds of animals, while Friends of Strays’ TNVR program reduced feral cat colonies across St. Petersburg. By supporting these efforts, residents of Citizen Beach can prevent animals from facing starvation or cruelty on our streets.

Here are ways to get involved locally:

• Donate: Give to the Humane Society of Pinellas (humanesocietyofpinellas.org), Friends of Strays (friendsofstrays.org), SPCA Tampa Bay (spcatampabay.org), or Pinellas County Animal Services’ Animal Welfare Trust Fund (pinellas.gov). Even small amounts make a big difference.

• Volunteer: Help with TNVR programs, walk dogs, or attend adoption events. Contact Pinellas County Animal Services at (727) 582-2600 or Friends of Strays at (727) 522-6566 to start.

• Adopt or Foster: Visit SPCA Tampa Bay or the Humane Society of Pinellas to give a stray a home or temporary care, easing shelter overcrowding.

• Spread Awareness: Talk to neighbors about spaying and neutering their pets to prevent unwanted litters.

A Call to Action

The stray animals of Pinellas County are counting on us. We can reduce homelessness, prevent suffering, and build a more compassionate community by supporting local spay and neuter programs. Whether it’s donating to a shelter, volunteering your time, or adopting a pet, your actions can change lives. Let’s ensure no animal in our communities is left to beg for help.

Together, we can create a brighter future for Pinellas County’s animals.

Florida, There Is Hope

Hope Florida: Transforming Lives in Coastal Communities

Since its launch in 2021 by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Hope Florida has emerged as a vital resource for Floridians, guiding thousands toward self-sufficiency. The program has made a significant impact by connecting residents with tailored support through Hope Navigators, particularly in coastal areas like Gulfport, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach.

Hope Florida partners with private businesses, faith-based groups, nonprofits, and state agencies to offer personalized solutions—job training, childcare, or disaster relief. Statewide, it has assisted over 115,000 residents, with nearly 30,000 reducing or eliminating reliance on public assistance as of 2025. This shift has saved taxpayers an estimated $200 million over a decade, proving its economic value.

Hope Florida's presence is notable in Pinellas County, home to these coastal communities, especially in disaster recovery. Though specific stats for Gulfport, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach aren’t detailed, the program’s listing as a relief resource post-Hurricanes Helene and Milton suggests significant support. Navigators likely aided residents with employment and housing needs, which are critical in storm-prone areas.

A standout story is Ginger Faulk. Once struggling, she worked with a Navigator to become a physical therapy assistant, achieving independence. While not local to these towns, her success reflects the program’s potential impact. In 2025, a new partnership with all 67 sheriff’s offices, including Pinellas, added liaisons to enhance community outreach, ensuring even those in crisis receive help.

For Citizen Beach readers, Hope Florida offers a lifeline—whether it’s a single parent seeking stability or a family rebuilding after a storm. Residents can call 833-GET-HOPE or visit HopeFlorida.com for support. The program’s focus on pathways, not handouts, resonates with First Lady DeSantis’s vision, fostering resilience across Florida.

City Beach: Essay on “Free Money”

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

The Hidden Cost of Tax Revenue

In the coastal cities of Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Gulfport, local governments depend on tax revenue to sustain vibrant communities and tourist-friendly amenities. However, a pervasive issue emerges when legislative and administrative officials treat these funds as "free money," disconnected from taxpayers' sacrifices. This mindset ignores the real cost of taxation, which disproportionately burdens vulnerable populations like the elderly and those on limited incomes in our communities.

Tax revenue doesn’t materialize magically. It’s the product of residents’ hard work—long shifts at beachside businesses in St. Pete Beach, or retirees in Gulfport stretching pensions to cover rising costs. The revenue stream seems limitless for local governments, with funding budgets like Madeira Beach’s $36.9 million for 2024-2025 or Treasure Island’s growing budget, which supports hometown police and fire, plus a pricey City Hall on Gulf Boulevard, while needed sewer and road upgrades go unfunded. Yet, the human toll is overlooked. A single mother in Madeira Beach might skip a utility payment to afford sales taxes. At the same time, an elderly couple in Treasure Island dips into savings for property taxes—sacrifices invisible to city staffs focused on making a resume-pumping splash with expensive programs.

The elderly, a significant demographic in these cities, feel this strain acutely. In Gulfport, with a median age of 55 and incomes of around $43,000, property taxes (a key $2.8 million of the budget) don’t adjust for fixed incomes. St. Pete Beach, with 8,879 residents and a $1.35 million condo sale in 2025, sees property values soar, pushing tax bills higher for retirees who’ve lived there decades. Treasure Island’s $9.6 million in property taxes funds a robust police force, but it's a heavier load for seniors on $75,423 median incomes than for wealthier newcomers on newly built, elevated McMansions. Madeira Beach’s tourism-driven economy adds sales taxes that hit low-income households hardest, despite its smaller population of $3,895.

These cities thrive on tourism, amplifying the disconnect. St. Pete Beach’s Corey Avenue and Treasure Island’s beach parking fees ($4/hour) generate revenue officials see as low-cost wins. But these taxes erode stability for a Gulfport artist earning little from the Art Walk or a Madeira Beach worker reliant on tips. Governments prioritize visible gains—beach renourishment or Gulfport’s pier—over relief for those quietly bearing the cost.

This isn’t to dismiss the value of local services. Treasure Island’s police or St. Pete Beach’s public services are essential. Yet, the "free money" perception fosters spending without empathy. A 2023 Tax Foundation study highlights how property taxes burden older homeowners, a reality stark in these aging communities, yet policy shifts lag. Officials must reframe tax revenue as a trust earned through citizens’ labor, not a blank check. Solutions like senior tax exemptions or income-based relief could ease the load. Until then, the hidden cost of taxation will weigh heaviest on the elderly and low-income residents of Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Gulfport—those least able to pay but most tied to these cherished coastal homes.

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.