This Week at the Beach

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!

• New City Manager Begins Work: St. Pete Beach Mayor Adrian Petrilla introduces the city’s new City Manager, Frances (Fran) Robustelli. According to the TBN Weekly, Ms. Robustelli grew up in Lakeland, completed her undergraduate degree at USF, and spent much time on the gulf beaches. Congratulations and welcome, Ms. Robustelli!

• Horde of Baby Turtles Rampage: The Tampa Bay Times reported a, quote, “horde” of baby sea turtles “rampaging” toward Treasure Island’s developed coastline. Why? Bright lights competing with a waxing crescent moon led to about 60 hatchlings going astray. There were no reports of damage due to the fiery but mostly peaceful “rampage.”

• New Commissioner in Mad Beach: City Commission appoints Housh Ghovaee to fill the District 4 seat after Vice Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks, from District 4, moved up to fill the mayor’s chair after Jim Rostek resigned last month, claiming “lies and corruption” in the city government.

• PAG Beach Renourishment: Pass-a-Grille Beach, including the fishing pier, is closed from 1st Avenue to 6th Avenue for beach nourishment. Approximately 40 beach parking spaces on Gulf Way, between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue, are also closed for the project's duration. Paradise Grille remains open.  Information for boaters here.

• More on St. Pete Beach Resignation: TBN Weekly provided more information on why SPB’s district fire chief resigned. The now-former city employee was driving his vehicle on Gulf Boulevard in Redington Shores was involved in a road rage incident in May. He held numerous positions in other local cities, including Indian Rocks, then Seminole, and finally Madeira Beach, before joining the SPB fire department in November.

• Teslas for Free? Local writer Mark Schantz and the TBN Weekly tell us that City Commissioners considered upgrading the popular Freebee micro transport free service in St. Pete Beach to Tesla automobiles instead of the low-speed GEM electric vehicles. However, SPB Commissioners voted during the July 9 meeting to keep the current beach-buggy type of vehicles. City Staff had recommended upgrading to Teslas. However, the SPB commissioners decided against the proposal. It’s nice to see a local city commission being more than a rubber stamp for proposals from city staff.

• We’re Number 14!? St. Pete Beach is selected by US News as the 14^th best beach in Florida, despite erroneously listing it as in St. Peterburg. <eyes rolling> I don’t know about you, but one of my pet peeves is seeing our beautiful Gulf beaches misidentified as being in St. Peterburg.

• Speaking of the Best Beaches in America: USA Today counts Fort De Sota as the seventh-best dog beach in the country! Fort De Soto has the only official dog park in Pinellas County where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area. There are also two fenced-in areas with water stations near the beach for large and small dogs. The beach entrance is at the far southwest corner of the dog park.

• Shark Attacks Rare in SPB: According to The Travel magazine, St. Pete Beach is the fourth least likely beach in Florida where you may encounter a shark. Ironically, the kayak company, See Through Canoe, posted a video last month on its Facebook page of a massive Hammerhead shark swimming in area waters (again, identified as “St. Petersburg”).

• For those of you who may be hearing the theme music from Jaws, rest assured that there have only been 11 documented shark attacks in Pinellas County since the 1800s, according to a review of data published by Indian Shores. Most attacks (60%) occur in the Atlantic waters off Volusia, Brevard, and Palm Beach counties.

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)

Underwater Gardens

By Ginger Goepper

Watering gardens makes flowers grow. But what about underwater gardens? Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the wonderful world of "Vertical Oyster Gardens," designed to clean water and attract fish beneath your dock!

Free Program! Treasure Island's Isle of Capri Civic Association and Tampa Bay Watch are presenting a free program on how to do this.

Vertical oyster gardens (VOGs) are made of recycled oyster shells from local restaurants and are suspended from docks to create a hard substrate to which juvenile oysters can attach and develop. As these oysters mature, they become a vital food source for various birds and fish. Many small fish, crabs, shrimp, and other critters live among the oysters, providing food for large fish, dolphins, and wildlife. Oysters are natural filters, cleaning up to two to five gallons of water per hour. The more oysters we cultivate, the cleaner and healthier our bay becomes!

Come to this free event to learn how to install vertical oyster gardens yourself. There will be free giveaways so you can start your underwater garden this summer. See you on August 3rd!

1. info source: "Tampa Bay Watch"; Isle of Capri Civic Association, [email protected].

Rescue Beach

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

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Your Pets

By Monica Pugh

Summer in Florida potentially brings storms and hurricanes. Whatever the case, learn what to do to keep your pets safe! In an emergency, your pets will be even more dependent on you for their safety. Your household’s disaster response must include them, too.

Make a plan for where you will take your pets during a hurricane. Never leave your pet behind, as dangerous conditions may prevent your return for days or even longer. Know your zone so you know whether you are required to evacuate. Some shelters may allow pets, but not all do.

If you plan to evacuate in case of a flood threat, now is the time to research hospitality services that welcome you and your pets. Many hotels and shelters do not accept animal guests other than service animals. Our county government also offers shelters for people with pets. Read about their requirements; prepare ahead!

For pet-friendly shelter information and pre-registration, visit pinellascounty.org/emergency/petpreparedness.htm. You MUST pre-register, and mobile home residents are given priority.

What to do/pack:

• Food. Keep several days' supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Each pet needs food and water for at least five days, bowls, and a manual can opener if you pack canned pet food. People need at least one gallon of water per person per day. While your pet may not need that much, keep an extra gallon on hand to use if your pet has been exposed to flood waters and needs to be rinsed.

• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and secure carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. Ensure that your cat or dog wears a collar and identification that is always up to date, and visible. Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. (They may have to stay in it for hours.) If your pet is prone to chewing items, inspect the carrier's inside to ensure that your pet can’t dislodge or ingest items that could cause injury.

• Cat litter box, litter, litter scoop, and garbage bags to collect all your pets' waste.

• Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your pets will help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated—and will prove that they are yours once you're reunited.

• Medications and medical records are stored in a waterproof container.

• First aid kit. A pet first aid kit includes a book on pet first aid, gauze, nonstick tape, pet shampoo, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, styptic powder (for small wounds), and activated charcoal (for poison exposure.) Many pet supply retailers sell pet first aid kits.

• Written information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavior issues, along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care. Very important: Your pet’s rabies vaccination record is up to date!

• A favorite toy for comfort and a familiar blanket for warmth, particularly for smaller pets.

SHOPPING TIP: Some pet supplies are included in tax-exempt weeks beginning on Saturday, August 24, 2024, and ending on Friday, September 6, 2024. Check the list here for more information on pet products included in the tax holiday.

• Selling for $10 or less: Dog or cat food if sold individually or the equivalent if sold in a box or case.

• Selling for $15 or less: Manual can openers; Collapsible or travel-sized food or water bowls for pets; Cat litter pans; Pet waste disposal bags.

• Selling for $20 or less: Leashes, collars, and muzzles for pets; Pet pads

• Selling for $25 or less: Cat litter weighing 25 or fewer pounds

• Selling for $40 or less: Portable self-powered light sources; Pet beds

• Selling for $100 or less: Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting; Portable pet kennels or pet carriers; Dog or cat food weighing 50 or fewer pounds; Over-the-counter pet medications.

The Happiness Journey

By Gary King

Today, in the hustle and bustle of modern life, happiness often feels like a fleeting emotion, easily overshadowed by daily stressors and challenges. However, cultivating a state of happiness is not as elusive as it may seem. By embracing certain habits and mindsets, anyone can find joy and contentment in their everyday lives.

Let’s explore how we can get and stay happy and learn how to manage our emotions using our inner world combined with the following external wisdom.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance happiness is through the practice of gratitude. Taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for can significantly shift your perspective. Whether it's jotting down three things you’re grateful for each morning or simply acknowledging the beauty of a sunset, gratitude helps you focus on the positive aspects of life. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, and even have stronger immune systems.

Human beings are inherently social creatures. Strong, meaningful relationships are crucial to our well-being. Spend time nurturing your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Engage in deep conversations, share experiences, and support one another. Loneliness and isolation can lead to negative emotions and mental health issues, so make an effort to connect with others regularly. Even simple acts like smiling at a stranger or engaging in small talk can boost your mood and create a sense of community. The Harvard Happiness study is the oldest recorded detailed study on real Happiness, currently in its 86th year. The end result is that true happiness is a direct result of deep human connection, not money and stuff.

Physical activity is not only beneficial for your body but also for your mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. Regular physical activity reduces stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem and cognitive function.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and fully engaged with whatever you are doing. It involves observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindful walking can help reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Mindfulness allows you to appreciate life as it happens rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Engaging in activities that you are passionate about brings a sense of fulfillment and joy. Whether painting, gardening, playing an instrument, or cooking, make time for hobbies that excite you. Pursuing your passions not only provides a creative outlet but also helps you find a sense of purpose and achievement.

Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining happiness. This means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and taking breaks when needed. Self-care also involves setting boundaries and saying no when necessary. Listen to your body and mind, and give yourself permission to rest and recharge.

Helping others can significantly boost your own happiness. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, create a sense of connection and purpose. Volunteer your time, donate to a cause you care about, or offer a helping hand to someone in need. Giving back fosters a sense of community and reminds us of the positive impact we can have on the world.

While it’s impossible to be happy all the time, maintaining a positive mindset can help you navigate life’s challenges more effectively. Focus on solutions rather than problems, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with positive influences and practice self-compassion.

Happiness is not a destination but a journey. By embracing gratitude, fostering connections, engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, pursuing passions, prioritizing self-care, giving back, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can create a life filled with joy and contentment. Let’s get happy and make the most of every moment.

Restaurant Reviews

By Dana Ball, Citizen Beach Foodie

I am a foodie. I am not a food critic, I am not a chef, nor am I here to criticize a restaurant. My husband and I love eating out, and I am here to hopefully give you some insight into restaurants in our area and share our experiences. Maybe I will uncover one you haven’t heard about or been to or give you a nudge to retry one you haven’t been to in a while. Sometimes we eat out with our dinner club, sometimes just ourselves, sometimes just me!

Don The Beachcomber

The relatively new Don The Beachcomber is situated on the ground floor of the Cambria Hotel in Madeira Beach, at 15015 Madeira Way in Madeira Beach. Don The Beachcomber (DTB) offers Polynesian-inspired cuisine with a Tiki-themed atmosphere. It has laid-back beach vibes and decor, the perfect mix of Coastal charm and casual elegance. Think of legendary Trader Vic’s meets Jimmy Buffett.

In fact, “Donn Beach” was the inventor of Tiki culture as we know it today. “Donn Beach” was born Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt in 1907 New Orleans, Louisiana. As a young man, he developed a passion for travel, adventure, and the exotic. In the 1920s, Gantt embarked on a globetrotting journey, visiting various tropical destinations and immersing himself in their cultures. During this period, he adopted the moniker Donn Beach as a nod to his beachcombing lifestyle and his love for the sea. In 1934, Donn Beach opened his first bar and restaurant in Hollywood, California, and named it “Don the Beachcomber.” (Copies from the history section of the website)

The space at the Cambria restaurant is the ultimate Tiki hut of your dreams. The décor is classic and fun, not overly commercialized or corny. I felt the ambiance was inviting for everyone, including families and large or small groups. A sizable outdoor seating area with well-appointed furniture might be better suited for enjoying when the weather isn’t as hot as Hades. The large bar inside makes a great place to meet up with friends.

The cocktail menu is fun and stands out as cool and creative. It features classic tropical-inspired drinks, such as the Zombie, Scorpion, Mai Tai, and my personal favorite, the Painkiller. There is also a plethora of rum-based drinks, a nice selection of beers, wines, and mocktails, and of course, you can get any cocktail you would like in their full liquor bar.

The menu is a delightful mix of traditional Polynesian-inspired dishes. I was ecstatic when I saw they have an updated version of the classic Pupu Platter – Coconut Shrimp, Crab Rangoon, Wings, Chicken Satay skewers, and sticky rib skewers.

Other notable appetizers we enjoyed were the Polynesian Crab dip, which did not skimp on the crab, spice-seared Ahi, and tempura cauliflower. The handheld section offers some delicious tacos, the Char Sui pork ones were my favorite, a veggie, a BBQ chicken, and grouper sandwich. With the handhelds, you can upgrade to yucca fries, which I recommend, even if you haven’t tried them before. Mine were perfectly cooked, crunchy, and not the least bit greasy.

There is a nice variety of burgers (add yucca fries here, too), and they offer three different types of dinner-sized salads to which you can add protein. The entry section is extensive, but there are not too many choices. The Baby Back Ribs were delicious, juicy, and fell off the bone as advertised. They have a gochujang glaze that makes them simultaneously sweet, spicy, and savory. There are shrimp in three ways - tempura, blackened, and coconut- for which they are known. A few noteworthy chicken choices. My friend loved her filet kabobs. She said they were perfectly cooked, tender, and tasty. And I would highly suggest sharing the South Pacific fried rice for the table, which we did. You can have it plain or add protein to it. There is a small kids menu so bring your littles, I know they would get a kick out of the fun vibe.

Bottomline: Overall, we had a great experience at Don The Beachcomber and will go back. It offered good food, a great Tiki atmosphere, and interesting Polynesia-inspired food and cocktails.

The Tortuga Speaks

Advocates for the Public: The Role of City Commissioners

The “Strong City Manager” form of government is commonly used in Florida. Certainly, in the larger beach communities of Pinellas County, like St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach, we have a form of government where the City Administration is paid a professional salary and provides expertise and experience in running a city. This system promotes efficient management, especially when elected representatives provide oversight and advocate for the public's interests.

In the Strong City Manager form of local government, the typically part-time city commissioners are elected by the public. The City Commission is responsible for legislative functions, including setting policies, enacting ordinances, adopting budgets, and making key decisions about the city's future. The commission appoints a full-time professional city manager to handle administrative operations.

This separation allows the commission to focus on policy and oversight while the city manager and the city staff bring expertise and continuity to the administration of city services.

The city commission's oversight role is crucial. Commissioners must thoroughly scrutinize the city administration's proposals and activities to ensure they align with the community's needs and values. Effective oversight prevents the city administration from operating unchecked and ensures that taxpayer money is used responsibly. Without diligent oversight, there is a risk that city managers and their staff could become unaccountable, making decisions without sufficient input from elected representatives or the public.

QUESTION: Do you believe your City Commissioner effectively oversees City staff proposals? Do you know who that person is? Find him or her here: in St. Pete Beach; in Treasure Island; in Madeira Beach.

Fiduciary responsibility is another critical aspect of the city commission's role. Your City Commissioner must manage public funds prudently, ensuring that expenditures are justified and beneficial to the community. This responsibility requires transparency, regular audits, and public reporting to maintain trust and demonstrate that the city is financially sound and managed with integrity.

QUESTIONS: Is your City Commissioner carefully reviewing your city administration’s spending proposals? Are budgetary items approved with an eye toward efficient and effective use of City funds? You may not agree with every expenditure; do you let your Commissioner know your opinion? Our local representatives should ensure our property tax dollars are wisely spent.

City Commissioners should serve as advocates for their constituents. They must listen to residents' concerns and aspirations and incorporate those perspectives into the decision-making process. This advocacy ensures that the city government's actions reflect the community's will — you, the tax-payer, and you, the voter, not just the city administration's priorities.

QUESTIONS: Do you feel that your City Commissioner listens to your concerns? Do they respond quickly after you call or email? Do they set up community meetings to talk with you and other constituents?

Problems arise when the city administration operates with little oversight. It’s a common problem. After all, the City staff are full-time professionals—many have the education, training, and experience necessary to effectively manage the city's daily operations.

In contrast, our City Commissioners are mostly part-time and often full-time retirees who may have zero prior experience working as legislators and may know very little about governance. Therefore, they tend to trust without verifying or even asking questions. After all, the City staff are the professionals, right?

However, without rigorous checks and balances, the city administration might pursue initiatives that do not align with public interests or fail to address critical community issues. Rubber-stamping proposals from city staff can lead to a disconnect between the government's actions and the voters' desires, undermining democratic principles and eroding public trust.

Effective city commissioners balance their responsibilities by being vigilant, informed, and engaged. They ask tough questions, seek diverse viewpoints, and prioritize the public good in deliberations. Doing so ensures that the city administration remains accountable and that our government truly serves — We the People.

For a list of expectations that we should have of our elected officials, please see my previously posted article, “Are We Asking Too Little of Our Locally-Elected Officials”, on Facebook and on Nextdoor. Here’s an excerpt: “In the cities of St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach, our elected officials play a pivotal role in shaping the future and well-being of our communities. More than just figures of authority, privilege, and honor. These elected officials are entrusted with the vital task of representing the interests of their constituents, making informed decisions, and steering our cities toward prosperity. Our locally-elected representatives are responsible for managing annual budgets in the many tens of millions of dollars -- much of that from our property taxes. Shouldn’t we have higher expectations of service, transparency, and responsive engagement from our local elected officials?”

City Advocacy

Letter from the Citizens’ Voice of Treasure Island

“Mayor and Commissioners, as a group of concerned citizens of Treasure Island, Citizens’ Voice of Treasure Island (CVTI) is focused on ensuring transparency, compliance with governmental regulations, and positive and consistent stewardship by the City government. With that in mind, we are raising an important issue that affects all citizens.

“We have recently reviewed the proposed plans for Treasure Bay and the 400+ page Elevate TI documentation, and there appears to be an inherent conflict if both are considered. We acknowledge that the timing of the enactment of Elevate TI has some bearing on this matter; however, the City should not rely on clever sequencing and timing to circumvent the new Land Development Regulations.

“If the Treasure Bay improvements are implemented before Elevate TI is enacted, the City will not be able to bring in additional fill (which the drawings and logic indicate it must do to complete the project) and, most importantly, the height of the 2000+ linear feet of living shoreline and living seawall will be substantially below the five-foot above sea level goal for all seawalls within the city.

“On the other hand, if the Elevate TI goals are honored, the fill dirt can be imported, and the living shoreline, living seawall, and berm must be raised.

“The City should ‘Lead by Example’ and comply with the requirements it imposes on its citizenry.”

The Tortuga’s Analysis

The main issue is a potential conflict between the proposed Treasure Bay improvements and possible Elevate TI regulations. In the Tortuga’s view, Citizens’ Voice of Treasure Island (CVTI) fears the City might bypass the new Land Development Regulations (LDRs) by rushing these improvements before Elevate TI is enacted. This would mean not meeting new standards, especially for seawall heights and necessary fill. CVTI urges the City to lead by example and comply with the new LDRs to ensure positive and consistent stewardship.

Yes, but why is that important? If the City implements improvements that do not meet the new standards outlined in the Elevate TI documentation (400+ pages!), the impacts could include:

1. Non-compliance with Regulations: The City would be setting a precedent of not adhering to its own regulations, undermining its authority and credibility in enforcing these standards on residents and developers.

2. Inadequate Flood Protection: The improvements, particularly the living shoreline and seawall, would be below the required height, potentially leaving the area more vulnerable to flooding and storm surges, possibly compromising public safety and property protection.

3. Increased Costs: Future modifications might be necessary to bring the improvements up to standard, leading to additional expenses for the city and taxpayers.

4. Environmental Consequences: Failure to comply with the new standards could negatively affect the local ecosystem, particularly if the appropriate fill is not used to support the living shoreline and seawall.

5. Legal and Liability Issues: The City might face legal challenges or liabilities for not following the prescribed regulations, potentially resulting in legal actions.

6. Public Trust Erosion: Citizens’ trust in the City government might erode, leading to public dissatisfaction and reduced support for future City initiatives and regulations.

7. Missed Opportunity for Improvement: Implementing the new standards as planned under Elevate TI would likely enhance the City's resilience and sustainability, benefits that would be missed if the older, less effective standards are used.

What Do You Think? Send the Tortuga Your Comments, and I’ll post them here next week.

Picture Beach

Pictures from local residents: Action Shots by Chloe, Age 15