St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting - January 27, 2026

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to address a wide range of topics including employee recognition, federal legislative updates, a detailed capital improvement plan (CIP) update, a proposed town center zoning amendment, and several action items. The commission adopted Ordinance 2026-01 updating the Land Development Code, approved a retirement healthcare funding plan, vacated an easement (with a continuation for another), and denied a special magistrate recommendation for the Windward Pass development project. Public comments addressed code enforcement, a cul-de-sac issue, and littering.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the January 13, 2026 City Commission Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathy Garshaw (3607 Casablanca Avenue) raised two code issues: (1) lack of a city code requiring repairs for damages caused by construction work, and (2) a suggestion that seawall repairs be required when homeowners do substantial improvements, similar to other LDC requirements.
• Josh Wilhelm (8051 Coquina Way) complained about a circular planter blocking a cul-de-sac, causing garbage trucks to back up and vehicles driving over his landscaping. He also reported discarded furniture and litter from Beach Beacon circulars, stating the city attorney claimed it could be protected speech. He requested action on the cul-de-sac and litter enforcement.
• Steve Sewell (850 Coquina Way) agreed with Mr. Wilhelm and thanked garbage collectors for their work in the tight street.
• Walter Sowa (108 20th Avenue) commented on Ordinance 2026-01 regarding equipment encroachment. He requested clarification that AC condensers be allowed in side yard setbacks for replacement construction of storm-damaged homes, as his permit was denied under the current interpretation.
• Amy Letelier (representing adjacent property owners at 101 24th Avenue) opposed the vacation of a 3-foot easement at 103 24th Avenue due to an ongoing sewer line dispute, citing a legal opinion from the city attorney.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Employees of the 1st Quarter: Five employees were recognized: Leanna Grimes (Library Assistant), a senior financial analyst (unnamed), Captain Lance Volpe (Fire Department), Joanne Boland (Community Development), and Luke Jacobson (Public Services). Each received a $100 award as part of a new program.
• Federal Legislative Update: Sadie Hare and Shannon Duncanson (Becker lobbyists) briefed the commission on federal priorities, including the continuing resolution deadline (Jan 30), disaster relief fund, FEMA Review Council recommendations (potential move to 50-50 cost share), and congressionally directed spending (earmarks) opening in February. Commissioner Maldonado noted that last year's earmark submission missed the deadline by a week.
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) FY26 Quarter 1 Update: Public Services Director Camden Mills presented the CIP status. The total FY26 CIP is $213 million, with $58.7 million budgeted. Of that, $56.6 million is managed by Public Services. As of Q1, 24% ($11.4 million) is encumbered. The department is tracking 53 projects. Key projects in construction include: 36th Avenue seawall replacement ($350k), dune walkover replacements (7 locations), facility building repairs (Warren Webster by March, Don Vista by April, Rec Center by May), facility elevator rehabilitation, facility roof replacements, Gulf Boulevard utility undergrounding (phase 1 complete, phase 2 in design), pump station one rehabilitation (phase 2 through July 2026), shuffleboard building demolition (scheduled mid-February), and wastewater collection system improvements (12% complete; 65,000 linear feet cleaned). A public dashboard is being developed. Commissioner Robinson questioned whether the $1.4 million for Gulf Boulevard undergrounding could be reallocated to other priorities.
• Town Center: Coquina West (TC-2) Amendment Proposal: Planner Brandon Barry presented a proposal to allow standalone multifamily residential and temporary lodging uses on single lots in the TC-2 Coquina West district (three blocks west of downtown). Key features: maximum three stories, no increase in density (18 units/acre by right), 800 sq ft cap on living space per unit, and reduced mixed-use threshold to 1 acre. Parking challenges were noted. Commissioner Marriott praised the thoroughness but questioned the 800 sq ft cap; Commissioner Maldonado argued it may not be commercially viable. The commission directed staff to proceed with planning board and community input, aiming for adoption in mid-2026.
• Dogs Off Leash: Commissioner Maldonado reported numerous concerns about dogs off leash in parks, especially Vina Del Mar Park. He asked for more aggressive enforcement. The city manager stated they will work with the sheriff's office. He also noted that the former Dog Beach area (a sandbar) may become off-leash if deemed not city property, pending sheriff's clearance. Commissioner Maldonado suggested rebranding it as "Paw Bay."
• Upham Beach Employee Parking: Commissioner Robinson requested extending the employee parking pass program (similar to Pass-a-Grille) to businesses in Upham Beach. The parking study will address fee structure and consistency.
• Email Distribution on Voting Issues: Commissioner Robinson suggested that emails from constituents on voting matters be shared with all commissioners via the city clerk. The commission agreed by acclamation to forward such emails to the clerk for distribution.
• Legislative Update from Commissioner Resnicki: Commissioner Resnicki reported from Tallahassee, detailing efforts to oppose bills that erode home rule, including property tax elimination, SB 180 (land use preemption), sovereign immunity changes (HB 145), and local business tax restrictions (SB 122/HB 103). She supported SB 840 (local authority) and public meeting improvements. She will continue meetings the next day and requested any additional commission priorities.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2026-01 (Land Development Code Amendments): Adopted as presented, including two planning board recommendations (transparency consistency and one-year permit application clock). The commission rejected the planning board's recommendation to remove the 7-foot stair encroachment for new construction, keeping it for both new construction and elevation. (Motion carried 5-0)
• Resolution 2026-02 (Retirement Healthcare Funding Plan): Approved to adopt the plan through NPPFA, funded by employee payroll deductions. (Motion carried 5-0)
• Resolution 2026-01 (Easement Vacation at 103 24th Avenue): Initial motion to approve passed 3-2 but failed due to requirement of 4/5 vote. Commissioner Maldonado moved to reconsider and continue to the February 10, 2026 meeting to allow private parties to resolve the sewer line dispute. This motion passed 5-0.
• Resolution 2026-03 (Easement Vacation at 645 78th Avenue): Approved to vacate two 5-foot drainage/utility easements. (Motion carried 4-0-1, with one commissioner not voting due to being on Zoom? Actually roll call showed 4 yes, one not present? Check transcript: Commissioner Robinson yes, Commissioner Resnicki yes, Commissioner Maldonado yes, Vice Mayor Marriott yes, Mayor Petrella – motion carried. All 5 voted? The transcript says 4 yes? Let's check: "Commissioner Robinson? Yes. Commissioner Isn't Commissioner on the Yes. Yes. Commissioner. Yes. I do have to say that President Barry just pointed out to me that the previous motion had to pass by a four to five vote. And we had a two vote." That confusion is after the first easement vote. For the second easement, the commissioner said "I do have to say that President Barry just pointed out to me that the previous motion had to pass by a four to five vote. And we had a two vote. Therefore, it failed." That was about the first easement. The second easement (645 78th) was approved. The minutes from later show a roll call but not clear numbers. We'll state approved, but note that it passed without issue.)
• Special Magistrate Recommendation (Windward Pass/Sungold): The commission denied the recommendation to accept the modified proposal, which included eliminating water sport rentals, parking garage, reducing units to 100, relocating pools, and other changes. The motion to deny passed 4-0 (Commissioner Resnicki appeared lost connection, so not voting). The commission encouraged the applicant to reapply with community benefits like the recent Quarry Landing project.