St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting – January 13, 2026

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included presentations on building and permitting operations and the history of height standards in the Eighth Avenue Community Redevelopment District, approval of several consent items, first reading of a land development code amendment, and a settlement agreement. The commission also voted to refer a variance case to the Historic Preservation Board. Public comments addressed various topics including beach protection, tourism, and specific development concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of December 2 and December 16, 2025.
• Ratified Fifth Trustee to General Employees' Pension Board.
• Approved Flexible Work Policy.
• Authorized planning services agreement with Lynn Rosetti for $45,000.
• Renewed flood insurance policies for $104,203.
• Authorized Change Order 4 for Master Pump Station 1 Rehabilitation ($3,778.47).
• Authorized second amendment with Cotton Global Disaster Solutions ($211,861.83) for hurricane repairs.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Lowry (2405 Pass-a-Grille Way) discussed the history of the CRD-Eighth Avenue, arguing the original intent to preserve character and limit height was lost when the zoning division was created, shifting from 'preserve and promote' to 'encourage.' He requested further research on the 2009–2011 transition.
• Joe Smith (1825 Main Street, representing Trade Winds) expressed concerns about proposed ordinances affecting lighting, special event permits, fireworks, and bridge tolls, arguing they would harm tourism and local businesses.
• Jackie Hubbard (1240 Boca Siega Isle Drive) thanked the city for holiday events, especially Santa and Sirens, and praised the fire and sheriff's departments.
• Lynn Walker (209 Gulf Way) highlighted the lack of dune protection and seawalls south of 7th Avenue, urging prioritization of beach preservation. She also expressed concerns about height increases in Pass-a-Grille.
• Deborah Scheckner (Boca Siega Isle Drive) noted a severe drought and called for an architectural review board and better protection of sea turtles during events.
• Robert Saizan (4506 Gulf Boulevard) presented tourism data: $6.1 billion spent by visitors in 2025, $387 million in tax revenue, saving each taxpayer $2,000. He encouraged commissioners to attend a tourism meeting.
• Jay Anderson (202 Pass-a-Grille Way) requested approval of item 6c to send the variance to the Historic Preservation Board.
• Brandon Tecklenburg (owner, 702 Pass-a-Grille Way) opposed the HPB review, claiming past HPB statements were false and slandered his property. He asked the commission to reject the request.

Discussion Items

• Building and Permitting Update (Laura Canary, Community Development Director): Reported on process improvements including exit interviews with volunteers, same-day permits, extended Wednesday hours until 5:30 PM starting January 21, single point of responsibility for permits, consolidated reviews, and a 90-day roadmap to June 1. Plans include website overhaul, RFP for permitting software, and AI tools. Commissioner Robinson suggested reviewing functionally obsolete codes; Vice Mayor Marriott emphasized focusing on safety and efficiency, not unnecessary permits.
• History of Height and Rezoning in CRD-Eighth Avenue (Brandon Berry, Planner): Presented the evolution of height definitions since 2003, including changes from 'required flood elevation' to 'base flood elevation' to 'design flood elevation.' Height limit in CRD-Eighth Avenue is 35 feet above flood elevation, but the basis of measurement has shifted. Since 2003, non-habitable spaces (elevator shafts, etc.) are exempt from height limits. The 2021 definition change increased height by one foot, but new flood maps reduced base flood elevation by 1–3 feet, resulting in net lower buildings. Of the last 20 new residential permits, 95% were built within 3 feet of the height limit, and 40% at 35 feet or more above grade. Staff found the intent of the special area plan (2008) was to preserve character, but the regulatory code did not carry forward all limitations. The Historic Preservation Board recommended measuring height from grade for CRD-Eighth Avenue and requiring accurate renderings. City Attorney Brooks noted legal constraints: SB 180 prohibits more restrictive amendments until October 2027, and the Bert Harris Act requires compensation for diminution in value. No code amendments can be made now; interpretation must be applied case-by-case. Commissioners Maldonado and Robinson expressed interest in a workshop to further study the 2009–2011 transition. Commissioner Robinson cautioned against citywide reinterpretation from design flood to grade, which would disrupt many rebuild projects.
• Legislation and Resources (Commissioner Rasnicki): Discussed attending Florida League of Cities Legislative Days (Jan 26–28) in Tallahassee to advocate for city priorities, including appropriations and home rule. Commissioner Rasnicki also proposed expanding volunteer programs (e.g., code enforcement support, park patrols) to reduce costs and engage residents, citing Largo's VIP program. Commissioner Maldonado expressed support but cautioned against volunteer parking enforcement due to safety and liability.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Agenda as Amended: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• First Reading of Ordinance 2026-01: Approved unanimously (5-0). The ordinance amends LDC sections for consistency with Florida Building Code and post-hurricane recovery, including a prohibition on structurally connected historic structures being considered substantial improvement.
• Settlement Agreement (Red, White & Booze, LLC): Approved unanimously (5-0) to settle litigation.
• Assignment of Variance Case No. 25142 to Historic Preservation Board: Approved 4-1 (Vice Mayor Marriott opposed). The HPB will hold a noticed hearing to make recommendations to the Board of Adjustment regarding a variance for 702 Pass-a-Grille Way, currently scheduled for January 28, 2026.
• Future Action: Staff will further research the 2009–2011 transition in CRD-Eighth Avenue zoning and report back. A workshop on height may be scheduled.
• City Attorney Contract: To be renewed with no fee increase for 2026.