The City Commission workshop on July 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:05 PM focused on two main agenda items: the proposed living shoreline design for Josiah Cephas Weaver Park and the initial discussion of Penny V (the next penny sales tax referendum) project priorities. The meeting began with a proclamation designating July as Parks & Recreation Month, recognizing the contributions of the Parks & Recreation team. Citizen input was received on topics not on the agenda (golf ball quality at Sterling Golf Range) and on the living shoreline project. No decisions were finalized; the Commission provided consensus direction to staff on the living shoreline concept and noted that further discussion on Penny V would occur in future workshops.
Staff (Sustainability Program Manager Natalie Gass, CPH Consulting engineers) presented a phased approach to stabilize the eroding 728-linear-foot shoreline with a nature-based living shoreline, replacing the crumbling riprap. The project is not eligible for a seawall under Pinellas County code.
Finance Director Les Tyler presented the Penny for Pinellas V (2029-2039) revenue projection ($63M estimated, less 15% for financing/risks = $53.5M available for projects). Requested projects to date total $91.38M, creating a $37.88M shortfall. Projects by department include:
The July 7, 2026 City Commission workshop. Also the birthday of the Vice Mayor of the Great City of Dunedin, Rob Walker. So we just uh happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear. Happy birthday to you. All right. Resoundingly beautiful. For further embarrassment, you know, we'll be able to do that. Happy birthday. We are glad you're here on your birthday. Okay. I'm going to call the meeting to order, and we'll first we're going to go to Noah who will do the Pledge of Allegiance for us. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and Jewish Republic stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Okay, we have just one presentation today, but it's a very important one. Designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month. And I'm going to turn to Commissioner Tom Degard to read and present the proclamation. Thank you, Mayor. If I'm not mistaken, I think we have a very large number of parks and rec people here. I'm fearful that if you all come forward, there are going to be nothing but empty seats out there. So I'm going to allow whoever you've selected. Do you all want to come forward? If you all want to come forward, come on down. Sure, why not? No? Okay. Shy. I'll do the proclamation and present it, then I'll allow for comments. Is that okay? All right. Whereas Parks and Recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the City of Dunedin, and whereas parks and recreations promote health, wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who live near parks, and whereas Parks and Recreation promotes time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being, and alleviating illness such as depression, attention dysphysite deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's. And whereas Parks and Recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles. And whereas Parks and Recreation is a leading provider of healthy meals, nutrition services, and education. And whereas parks and recreation programming and education activities, such as out-of-school time programming, youth sports, and environmental education are critical to childhood development, and whereas Parks and Recreations increases a community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction, and whereas parks and recreation is fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community. And where is Parks and Recreation is essential and adaptable infrastructure that makes our communities resilient and resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change. And whereas parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors. Whereas the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month, and whereas Dunedin recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources. Now, therefore, I, Tom Dugard, by virtue of the authority vested in me from the mayor of the City of Dunedin, Florida, and on behalf of the entire City Commission, do here by proclaim the month of July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month in Dunedin, and encourage everyone to celebrate the transformative power of parks and recreation. Thank you. Good morning, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commission, and members of the public and our uh valued parks and recreation team behind me. July is nationally recognized as Parks and Recreation Month, and it's uh initiative facilitated by the National Recreation and Park Association, and it's done so since 1985. This year's theme is the power of, and it's recognizing and celebrating the power of parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. Uh the power of connecting and community, the parks, the marina, the golf course, and all of our programs and events are where Dunedin residents gather, celebrate, and build relationships across generations. The power of play from youth sports and camps to activities for seniors or families to enjoy their free time. Play fuels creativity, fuels health, and lifelong learning for residents of all ages. The power of nature, our waterfront, our trails, and conservation spaces, including the hammock and Gladys Douglas Preserve. And the variety of park spaces give every resident access and opportunity to the restorative benefits of the outdoors. And our team. But our our recreation parks, golf, and marina teams deliver all of the experiences that I mentioned every day.