Life at the Beach This Week!

It’s summer — the weather is hot, and so is the news coming out of the City Halls in our beachside communities!

• Madeira Beach Mayor Rostek Resigns

• Treasure Island Selects a New City Manager

• St. Pete Beach is missing $6 million

Mayor James Rostek Resigns, Citing Lack of Support and Policy Issues

It has become international news (see UK’s Daily Mail, “Florida Mayor Resigns in a Blaze of Glory”), Madeira Beach Mayor James Rostek announced his resignation last week, effective June 14, 2024, at 1 p.m., citing a lack of support from the City Commission and ongoing issues with city management. In his resignation letter, Rostek expressed his frustration with being the only elected official representing the residents while others in the government were not elected and pursued their own interests. Vice Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks steps in as mayor, according to the City of Madeira Beach.

"This decision has not been an easy one," Rostek wrote. "As I was the only elected official to be elected by the people and represent you. Whereas others just walked in the door (names not even on the ballot). And represent themselves and their special interests as evidenced by their actions and votes."

Rostek highlighted his continuous efforts to advocate for residents' interests and his battles with the City Commission. "With the help of you, the residents, I have been fighting day and night to level the playing field. I have no support from the Commission. Only you, the residents," he stated.

In his letter, Rostek detailed several policy issues he had raised with City Manager Mr. Gomez, which he felt were ignored. These included employee smoking policies, life jacket usage for city marine craft operators, and cell phone usage policies for city equipment operators. "I met with the city manager about these issues and my suggestions were completely disregarded by him," Rostek wrote. He emphasized that these basic policies are crucial for protecting the city from liability, lawsuits, higher medical premiums, and ensuring employee safety.

Rostek also cited discriminatory enforcement practices by the City Manager and his staff as a significant concern. He provided examples of inconsistent handling of code violations, such as illegal signs on waterways and different treatments of properties with illegal structures. "A citizen reported this and sent a copy of the ordinance to the city manager. When questioned by me about why nothing was being done, he argued with me," Rostek noted.

Further, Rostek pointed out issues within the Code Enforcement/Building Permit Department. He recounted instances where residents faced prolonged delays in obtaining permits and how his attempts to improve service and transparency were dismissed by the City Manager. "It took the resident six months to get a permit to replace an existing fence. The city manager could not answer why," Rostek explained.

As Mayor Rostek steps down, he leaves a legacy of persistent advocacy for residents' interests and a call for greater accountability and transparency in city governance. The City of Madeira Beach now faces the challenge of addressing his concerns and ensuring a fair and effective administration for its residents.

Who is Former Mayor Rostek?
In March 2023, political newcomer Jim Rostek won the heated race for mayor of the city, beating his opponent by less than 50 votes. Development, or over development was a key issue. In a Fox 13 news story at the time, Rostek said residents told him they don’t want overdevelopment and want projects to stay within the parameters of the city’s ordinance, meaning buildings wouldn’t be over a certain height.

"What their voices have told me during my walking campaign is we need to curtail the development," Rostek was quoted as saying. "Development is needed because it is the natural evolutionary process where buildings start to become dilapidated and the best thing to do is rebuild, but rebuild within the current confines of the ordinances is best for all," he reportedly said.

Reportedly, Rostek also said he ran on making the city’s government more transparent and communicative with citizens, and simplifying the process to get a permit.

Treasure Island Selects a New City Manager

Earlier this week, the Treasure Island (TI) mayor, commissioners, and executive city staff interviewed each finalist, toured the community and held a meet-and-greet for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to get to know the candidates. At Thursday’s Special TI City Commission Meeting, the city commissioners publicly interviewed each candidate before unanimously hiring Charles V. (Chuck) Anderson.

Chuck Anderson, the new TI City Manager, becomes the new city Manager for Treasure Island. Previously, he was deputy city manager for Great Falls, Montana. Before that, he served as the Public Works Director for the City of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. His career in local government was preceded by his service as the Command Chief at the Malstrom Air Force Base in Montana from 2011-2012 and the Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia from 2009-2011.

Some residents say he is less experienced than the other candidates. For example, he has no experience managing a beach community.

Revitalized a Downtown

According to his resume, one key area of interest for the City in selecting this candidate is his tenure as the Public Works Director in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where he reportedly worked with developers, local landowners, and staff for an $11.4M redevelopment initiative on Yampa Street. This prime downtown real estate had declined but had great potential. This three-year effort “transformed the area into a vibrant dining, entertainment, and strolling hub, which has now become the City’s ‘go-to’ destination,” Anderson wrote in his letter of interest to TI.

Yampa Street becomes new vibrant downtown hotspot: Yampa Street has become Steamboat’s newest hotspot. The revitalization includes a new riverside park, riverbank improvements, refreshed bike lanes, a pedestrian-friendly promenade, a riverside amphitheater, and more — perfect for the whole family, whether you’re heading out for a quick bite, bike ride, or full-course meal. 

“It’s a beautiful, new bike- and pedestrian-friendly promenade, creating a great restaurant corridor right next to the river,” says Lisa Popovich of Mainstreet Steamboat Springs. “It’s become a vibrant destination and a unique section of downtown.” The downtown street has “street has everything you need for an afternoon or evening’s outing,” including “quaint streetside patio” restaurants.

Can the New City Manager Revitalize Treasure Island’s Downtown?

The question on our minds is: Can the new City Manager revitalize Treasure Island’s dreary downtown area?

The main downtown street is 107^th Avenue, bordered by Gulf Boulevard to the east and the bridge leading to Treasure Island Causeway to the west. On the north and south of 107^th Street are two prime properties – the north side has a dreary, decades-old strip mall, and the south side buildings were recently bulldozed to accommodate a…wait for it…parking lot. The adjacent, City-owned parkland (between 106^th Avenue and 104^th Avenue) – which could be a real pearl as a community park if maintained and improved -- is primarily used as an overflow parking lot by Treasure Island. On the north, around 108^th Avenue, more decades-old buildings are desperately calling out for renovations.

Like Yampa Street before its renovation, Treasure Island's downtown has huge potential and awaits leadership and vision from the city administration and the City Commission.

No, we’re not saying: “Let’s pay outside consultants gobs and gobs of taxpayer money to create cookie-cutter plans that will go nowhere.” What we are saying is that we need real leadership by the City Administration and City Commission – working collaboratively with LOCAL developers and TI’s residents – to revitalize one of the City’s treasured assets.

Can newly appointed City Manager Chuck Anderson get this done? Only time will tell, but we’re hoping – like the Yampa Street revitalization – TI’s revitalized downtown will be yet another feather in Chuck Anderson’s cap. 

St. Pete Beach Residents Demand Investigation into Possible Misuse of Gulf Blvd. Project Funds

Residents of St. Pete Beach are calling for a thorough investigation into the possible misappropriation of funds allocated for the Gulf Boulevard improvement project after discovering that the multi-million dollar venture ran out of money before completion, according to published news reports. The revelations came during a recent city budget meeting, where it was disclosed that the project might have been subject to financial mismanagement.

The project, funded by Pinellas County’s "Pennies for Pinellas" sales tax revenue, aimed to move existing overhead electrical and communication lines underground along Gulf Boulevard. The initiative was divided into three phases, but funding dried up before the third phase could begin, potentially requiring an additional $6 million from taxpayers to finish the work.

"We’re sitting here with two-thirds of a project that was fully funded and doable from the beginning. It’s a very sad tale, but that’s the bottom line," stated Public Works Director Mike Clarke in a Fox 13 article. According to Clarke, the county awarded St. Pete Beach approximately $12.5 million for the project, which should have been sufficient. However, project costs unexpectedly ballooned by $10 million under the previous city manager.

"A number of payments were not accounted for properly. The commission never saw those," Clarke reportedly said during the meeting, adding to the concerns of mismanagement.

The former city manager, who resigned last fall amid allegations of creating a toxic work environment, is now at the center of these financial discrepancies. The issue has alarmed many residents, including BJ Lawson, who voiced his concerns: "Where did that money go? We cannot be wasting money or even worse: losing it to fraud or shenanigans."

Mayor Adrian Petrila, among those calling for the former city manager’s resignation in 2023, expressed his concerns regarding the potential misappropriation of funds. "Those are serious allegations that warrant further looking into. I’ll be speaking with the city manager and the city attorney to discuss next steps," Petrila told FOX 13.

Residents like Lawson are demanding transparency and accountability. "As residents and taxpayers, we don’t know what happened, but we need to know what happened. We are entitled to answers," he said.

The community’s concerns are not limited to St. Pete Beach alone, as the "Pennies for Pinellas" funds impact all residents of Pinellas County. The potential misuse of these funds has prompted FOX 13 to contact Pinellas County officials to inquire whether there will be an investigation or audit into the expenditure of county dollars on the project.

Former Treasure Island resident Gary King isn't your average citizen. You might spot him around St. Pete or Gulfport, not walking his dog or grabbing groceries but hammering in a bright red sign with one simple word: happiness. Gary King is the mastermind behind the "Happiness Experiment," a movement that's taken root across Pinellas County and spread happiness worldwide.

Gary’s journey began with personal tragedy. After losing his son to suicide in 2012, Gary, who himself battles Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), sought a path toward healing and hope. In 2019, that path led him to an unconventional experiment: surrounding himself with the word "happiness."

Gary started small, putting up signs around St. Petersburg. He believed that simply seeing the word could trigger a positive shift in people's minds. His hunch proved correct. The signs sparked curiosity and conversation. People commented on feeling a lift in their spirits, a reminder to choose joy amidst daily challenges.

The "Happiness Experiment" blossomed. St. Pete is getting a constant dose of positivity with over 600 signs the 79-year-old personally posted (plus 400 more others) throughout our area, near schools, hospitals, and busy intersections. King has become a local celebrity, an "international speaker and author" who found a way to turn his pain into purpose.

Gary's mission extends beyond spreading cheer. He sees the experiment as a mental health awareness campaign. By prompting conversations about happiness, he hopes to silently shed light on people's struggles. The red signs remind us that happiness is a choice we can make daily and that help is available for those who need it.

Gary's experiment isn't just about St. Petersburg. He travels the country, sharing his story and inspiring others to create their own happiness experiments. His book, "The HAPPINESS Experiment: The Experiment That Can Change the World," chronicles his journey and offers guidance for those seeking greater joy.

So, the next time you see a bright red sign with a simple message, remember the man behind it. Gary King's "Happiness Experiment" is a testament to the power of positivity and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, a little bit of happiness can go a long way.

Gary King is the author of the new Amazon release “The Happiness Experiment” and his life story documentary film, which will be released in theaters in July 2024. 

Coming Soon! Bookmark the YouTube Channel to Receive a notification when the video of Gary King’s Heroes interview is published.
httCps://www.youtube.com/@CitizenBeach

Keeping your pets safe during the summer

By Monica Pugh

Florida has long, hot summers, so most of these recommendations apply almost year-round. Soon, we’ll celebrate the 4th of July, and social gatherings are common over the summer, too.

1. Cover the basics. Secure an up-to-date tag on your pet’s collar, and make sure to use a leash when you head outdoors with them. Consult your veterinarian for flea and tick control options, and always keep your pet’s vaccinations current.

2. Party with prudence. Be wary of what your cats and dogs can get into when you celebrate. Chocolate, raisins, and onions can be bad for dogs and cats, and alcohol is also a no-no. If your pets get anxious or fearful around fireworks or big crowds, keep them away from the sparklers and concerts. Keep your pets safe at home.

3. Never Leave Your Pet in a Car. On a 90-degree day, temperatures can reach 108 degrees inside your vehicle after only 10 minutes. On hot days —windows up or down—your pet is at risk of heatstroke.

4. Taking your pet on a ride. Keep dogs’ heads in the car while driving; inner ear damage, lung infections, and injury can happen when a dog sticks his head out the window. Buckle up your dog with a harness or seat belt for dogs or a crate or carrier secured with a seat belt. And never let dogs ride in the back of trucks. A crate in the truck bed keeps dogs from bouncing out in an accident or being hit with debris on the road. When transporting your cat, always keep it inside a secure pet carrier. Only open the carrier when the pet has arrived at its destination.

5. Keep pets indoors. Especially between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Provide plenty of shade and fresh, drinkable water if they go outside during this time. Bring them indoors often to avoid overheating.

6. Properly Groom Your Pets. Many breeds of cats and dogs have fur coats that grow during the colder months. Frequently brushing them helps to remove excess hair and keep them cool.

7. Avoid Hot Asphalt/Pavement. Because we wear shoes, we don’t realize how hot some surfaces get. Animals don’t wear shoes, so pavement and asphalt can be painful and potentially dangerous. Walking your pets in the grass or avoiding taking them outside during the hottest part of the day can help.

8. Be wary around water. Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Watch your pet when you’re near the pool, beach, or lake. On trips to the beach, make sure your pets don’t drink the salt water—it upsets their stomach. And watch those currents; the best paddling dog can struggle against an undercurrent.

9. Know the Signs of Overheating. Early intervention and knowledge of the signs and symptoms can prevent death from heatstroke.

• Excessive panting.

• Rapid heartbeat.

• Seizure.

• Purple tongue.

•  Vomiting.

•  Excessive thirst.

• Unconsciousness.

Update from the Turtle Lady

 By Lisa Reich, Hero of the Gulf Beach

Exciting News! The Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance is being Updated!

The City of St. Pete Beach, with the active participation of our community, is making significant strides towards updating the Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance in the Land Development Code, Division 44. This update is crucial to meet modern standards for sea turtle-friendly lighting guidelines, compliance, and enforcement and is a testament to our shared commitment to environmental protection.

Several workshops have been held to discuss these updates, and the city is now preparing a draft for review and implementation. We were fortunate to have the Sea Turtle Conservancy present to the Beach Stewardship Committee and the City Attorney and Beach Manager. The Sea Turtle Conservancy is a fantastic resource and has pledged to support and guide the city through the necessary amendments.

I have advocated for these updates since 2019, and I am thrilled to see progress finally made. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated city staff members and our community, who have been instrumental in starting this process. Your support and commitment have been invaluable. You know who you are!

More Good News!  Volunteer Beach Ambassador Program! 

Coastal Wildlife Advocacy Group and the City of St Pete Beach have joined forces to implement a Volunteer Beach Ambassador Program. 

REQUEST: We are seeking volunteers to help make a difference on St Pete Beach. 

If you are interested, there will be a mandatory training session on Saturday, June 29, at 10 am in the Raymond Room at the city’s community center.   

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Lisa Reich (The Turtle Lady) [email protected],727-415-6333. Website: savingwildlifenow.org

Dive into the World of Reef Prisms: Central Florida’s Underwater Marvels!

By Ginger Goepper

What Exactly Are Reef Prisms?

Imagine stumbling upon a hidden city beneath the waves, where fish dart through intricate structures, corals bloom like underwater gardens, and marine life thrives in every nook and cranny. That’s the magic of reef prisms! These are not your average underwater rocks; they are carefully designed structures that mimic the beauty and function of natural coral reefs. Picture them as eco-friendly, marine-life-friendly Lego blocks stacked and shaped with materials like concrete and limestone to create a vibrant underwater habitat.

Dr. Mark Clark designed reef prisms in the University of Florida Soil and Water Sciences Department. The prisms are made from jute fiber mats and concrete. The jute mat is soaked in the concrete and then draped around a prism form. Once dry, it is removed as a sturdy prism structure filled with oyster shells where oysters will settle and thrive. The reef prisms are biodegradable while promoting oyster growth, contributing to sustainable shoreline restoration. 

Crafting Reef Prisms: The Underwater Architects

Creating reef prisms is like baking the perfect cake but with a splash of marine science. Here’s the recipe:

1. Design & Engineering: First, we gather a team of marine biologists and engineers. They sketch out designs that are sturdy and inviting for our finned friends. These designs ensure the prisms can withstand the ocean’s whims while providing cozy nooks for marine life.

2. Material Selection: We choose our ingredients—mainly eco-friendly concrete and limestone. These materials are safe for marine life and perfect for mimicking the textures of natural reefs.

3. Manufacturing: We shape the prisms using giant molds, adding textures and holes that make them irresistible to fish and corals. Think of it as creating a luxurious underwater apartment complex!

4. Curing & Quality Control: The prisms need time to cure and gain strength after casting. We ensure each one is as tough as a superhero before it heads to the ocean.

5. Deployment: Finally, it’s moving day! Divers and specialized equipment carefully transport the prisms to their new underwater homes and place them on the seafloor. It’s like a housewarming party for marine life!

So, next time you enjoy our stunning Pinellas Gulf Coast, remember the incredible reef prisms working tirelessly beneath the waves. They’re not just blocks of concrete—they’re the foundation of a thriving underwater community, a shield for our shores, and a beacon of hope for marine conservation. Dive in and discover the wonder of reef prisms!

Laughter is the Secret Sauce to a Strong Community (Seriously!)

Ever noticed how a good laugh feels like a mini vacation? Well, it’s also key to building a strong, happy community. Here’s why giggles and guffaws are the glue that holds us together.

Laughter is Contagious

Picture this: You’re at a community picnic, someone tells a joke, and suddenly, everyone’s laughing. Laughter spreads faster than juicy gossip, creating a sense of togetherness.

Icebreaker Extraordinaire

Remember moving into your neighborhood and not knowing anyone? A joke can break the ice and spark new friendships. Humor bridges gaps between different backgrounds and ages, making connections easier.

Stress Relief for All

Life is stressful, but laughter is a great stress buster. It releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals, easing tension and reminding us that we’re all in this together.

Boosting Community Spirit

Laughter fosters community spirit. Fun events like block parties and comedy nights unite people, strengthening bonds and creating hilarious stories we’ll share for years.

Sparking Creativity

A laughing community thinks better together. Humor sparks creativity and innovative thinking. Next time there’s a problem, start with a joke—you might just find a “eureka” moment.

Reducing Conflict

Humor fosters inclusivity. Staying angry is hard when you’re laughing at a silly pun. Laughter can diffuse conflicts and bring people closer, promoting harmony.

Making Memories

Laughter creates lasting memories and traditions. Whether it’s a pie-eating contest or a holiday prank, these shared moments become the fabric of our community’s identity.

So, there you have it. Laughter is the secret sauce to a strong community. It’s the spice that flavors our interactions and the glue that binds us. So go ahead, share a joke and spread those giggles. Your community will be all the stronger for it—seriously!

Tips for Laughing More

1. Watch Comedy Shows and Movies: Spend time watching your favorite comedians, funny TV shows, or movies. Laughter is guaranteed, and it’s a great way to unwind. Here’s one suggestion: Best Compilations of Jerry Seinfeld on YouTube.

2. Read Humorous Books and Articles: Pick up a funny book or browse humorous websites and blogs. A good read can provide endless laughs. Here are a few favorites: The Book of Terribly Awesome Dad Jokes; or Jokes for Kids.

3. Play with Pets: Pets, especially dogs and cats, can be incredibly entertaining. Playtime with them often leads to spontaneous laughter. Also, reading comedy books about pets: How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety; or A Comedy Book of Rescue Dogs.

4. Practice Not Taking Yourself Too Seriously: Learn to laugh at yourself and see the humor in everyday situations. It lightens your mood and makes life more enjoyable.

5. Attend Live Comedy Events: Go to a stand-up comedy show or an improv performance. The live atmosphere amplifies the laughter experience. In St. Pete Beach, be sure to check out the Sunshine City Comedy Club, at 5501 Gulf Blvd. (727-435-0327). If you fancy yourself a comedian, check out their Open Mic Night, every Tuesday, from 8 pm (entry fee is only $5).

6. Share Jokes and Funny Stories: Share jokes, funny stories, or hilarious memes with friends and family. Their reactions can be just as funny as the jokes themselves. Many of Joel Osteen’s jokes are pretty good. Here’s a webpage with several.

7. Engage in Playful Activities: Play games, engage in fun activities like karaoke or dance-offs. Being playful naturally leads to more laughter. For card games, I’m partial to Exploding Kittens and Zombie Kittens.

Thank you for subscribing and reading! I would love your input. Send comments to The Tortuga at [email protected]. If we publish your letter, we’ll send you a $5 Starbucks gift card!