St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting - April 14, 2026

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on April 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a presentation on the Micro Transit Program, public comments, consent agenda approvals, adoption of an ordinance, election of a Vice Mayor, appointments to outside agencies, adoption of a parking fee resolution, and discussions on storm-related permit fees and decorum/civility.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the March 24, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Approved a special event permit for VDubs Beach Bash on October 17, 2026.
• Authorized the City Manager to piggyback on Pinellas County Cooperative Contract RFP No. 25-0763-RFP for disaster recovery and supplemental staffing services.
• Approved replacement light materials for the Vina Del Mar Bridge.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute Task Order Amendment 4 with Kimley Horn and Associates for the Pump Station 1 Rehabilitation Project ($29,295.00).
• Items E and G were pulled for separate discussion and approved (see Key Outcomes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several residents spoke in favor of continuing the Freebee microtransit service, citing its convenience, reliability, and safety. Speakers included Sylvia Gabe, Linda Banino, and Joe Maddox, who also noted the service's importance for attending city events and reducing parking demand.
• Dave Green, founder of Free Beach Ride, expressed willingness to partner with the city but opposed government competition with private businesses.
• David Hubbard called for a more reliable app and minimum service levels.
• Dominic Iskrow raised concerns about the Plaza Beach Hotel restricting public beach access with stakes and steel rebar, urging city enforcement.
• Lisa Reich and Tiffany Quintero thanked the commission for actions regarding Country Thunder and turtle protection, and Quintero also raised concerns about small cell radiation.

Discussion Items

• Micro Transit Program Presentation: Staff reported an average of 2,300 rides per month (4,200 passengers), with a gross monthly cost of $44,000 ($34-35,000 net). The annual contract is $536,000. Ridership declined 18-45% year-over-year after implementing a $3 fare for non-residents. 30% of 1,300 registered residents used the service more than once. Commissioners discussed cost-effectiveness, potential partnerships (e.g., with hotels), and data gaps. The consensus was to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) to explore other vendors and cost-reduction options, rather than sunsetting the program.
• Storm-Related Permit Fees: Commissioner Maldonado proposed extending fee waivers or reductions for hurricane-related permits. Discussion highlighted past fee waivers (100% then 50%), the current 100% fee, equity concerns, and impacts on the building fund. Commissioners considered a hardship application program instead of a broad rebate. Staff will develop a hardship waiver proposal for future consideration, focused on storm recovery cases with documented delays.
• Decorum and Civility: Commissioner Maldonado called for a workshop to establish a code of civility, citing incidents of disrespect toward staff and public. Mayor Tate apologized for not intervening sooner. Commissioners generally supported the idea but debated the need for a written code vs. leading by example. The consensus was to have staff prepare draft guidelines for a workshop in June or July 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Micro Transit: Direction to staff to issue an RFP for microtransit services, incorporating partnership opportunities and cost controls. No formal vote; direction received.
• Consent Item E: Approved motion to transition four Limited Term Duration Employment (LTDE) positions into full-time positions for the building and permitting department (unanimous, 5-0).
• Consent Item G: Approved Change Order No. 5 for Pump Station 1 Rehabilitation with TLC Diversified Inc. in the amount of $395,096.67 (unanimous, 5-0). The project remains under its $6.25 million budget with $1.7 million remaining.
• Ordinance 2026-08: Adopted unanimously (5-0), amending the Police Officers' Retirement System's share plan allocation method.
• Election of Vice Mayor: Lisa Robinson elected as Vice Mayor with a 5-0 vote.
• Appointments to Outside Agencies: Approved by omnibus motion (5-0) with assignments: BIG-C (Scott Tate primary, Marriott alternate); FLC (Maldonado primary, Causey alternate); MCPC (Tate primary, Robinson alternate); PCFIC (Robinson primary, Marriott alternate); SLC (Marriott primary, Maldonado alternate); TBRPC (Causey primary, Robinson alternate). PTSA alternate (Marriott) noted.
• Resolution 2026-09: Adopted unanimously (5-0), establishing a comprehensive parking fee schedule (metered and permit fees).
• Storm Permit Fee Hardship: Staff to develop a hardship application program for storm-related permit fees and present it at a future meeting.
• Decorum and Civility: Staff to prepare draft guide/protocol for discussion at a workshop in June or July 2026.