St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting - April 28, 2026

The St. Pete Beach City Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included community recognitions, extensive public testimony on beach signage and intergovernmental conduct, and the approval of major development and fee ordinances.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda & Minutes: The agenda was amended to add a proclamation for the library's 75th anniversary and a commission discussion on code enforcement. The April 14, 2026, minutes and the amended agenda were approved.
• Item 4c (BeKlear Solutions): Authorized a Financial Services Consultant agreement up to $60,000. Approved.
• Item 4b (WSP Engineering): Removed from consent by Vice Mayor Robinson for discussion. The $800,000 design contract for the Don CeSar & Boca Ciega Area Resiliency Adaptation project was approved 5-0. Public Services Director Camden Mills noted the total project estimate for the area is $123 million.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lauren Mones & Ron Vignot (Passagrill): Expressed that Commissioner Maldonado had sent sheriff's deputies to their home over a prior comment. They accused the commissioner of making false statements to law enforcement and called for a correction of the legislative record. Mr. Vignot stated they donated $20,000 of their own money to help the city and felt misled and uninspired by the leadership.
• John Kurzman: Spoke in detail about bird protection practices, urging the commission to hold workshops on the full beach ordinance before final changes. He argued against using the mean high water line (MHWL) as a stable reference point, citing accretion and avulsion laws.
• Alisa Gagnon (Attorney, Weber Craven Wien): Raised First and Fifth Amendment concerns regarding the sign ordinances (2026-10/11), arguing the government-sign exception was viewpoint discriminatory and the 50-foot setback from the invisible MHWL was unenforceable and overly broad, infringing on the ability to post no trespassing signs.
• Jack Martinell (3846 Gulf Blvd): Requested clear city guidance on the 50-foot setback for enforcement purposes and public education on the distinction between public and private beach areas.
• Robert Cezan (Plaza Beach Hotel): Stated his deed proves ownership to the MHWL and emphasized that the line is an invisible boundary that cannot be practically enforced without survey markers. He urged collaboration with property owners.
• Dominic Iskrow: Supported the intent of the sign ordinance but urged careful definition of the MHWL as a legal boundary based on an 18.6-year average.

Discussion Items

• Ordinances 2026-10 & 2026-11 (Signs 50ft Landward of MHWL):

  • Staff/City Manager: Presented the 60-day emergency ordinance aimed at removing safety hazards (poles, rebar) near the water. Exceptions were proposed for turtle/shorebird permit holders and watercraft operators.
  • Commission Deliberation:
    • Commissioner Marriott and Vice Mayor Robinson supported the MHWL as a measurable legal standard. Robinson added a preference to include "or waters of the Gulf" to cover tidal fluctuation, but the final motion kept the MHWL.
    • Commissioner Causey argued for using "waters of the Gulf" instead, noting the MHWL is an invisible line that doesn't solve the immediate water-level hazard.
    • Commissioner Maldonado supported the MHWL and suggested adding "or waters" but ultimately voted for the motion as written with the amendments.
    • Mayor Tate supported the emergency ordinance to immediately address safety, with a workshop scheduled within the 60-day window.
  • Outcome: Emergency Ordinance 2026-10 adopted 5-0 (with 7 calendar day removal deadline and specific exemptions). First Reading of Ordinance 2026-11 approved 5-0.

• Action Items 6a & 6b (Blind Pass Marina CUP & Variance):

  • Proposal: Ping Pong Partners (Armature Works team) seeks a CUP for outdoor music and dock reconstruction at 9555 Blind Pass Rd. The project reduces slips from 106 to 70, adds 167 parking spaces, and includes a sound-governed music system.
  • Public Comment: Yacht & Tennis Club residents expressed cautious support, contingent on noise compliance, navigability of the canal (transient docks), a traffic study, and clarification on live-aboards.
  • Commission Deliberation:
    • Commissioner Robinson questioned the hardship for the dimensional variances (requesting a 94% width vs a 75% standard) and requested the CUP run with the operator, not just the property.
    • Commissioner Marriott and Maldonado were strongly supportive of the economic redevelopment.
    • Mayor Tate raised questions about hurricane preparedness plans for live-aboards.
  • Outcome: Motion to approve the CUP passed 5-0. Motion to approve the companion variance passed 5-0.

• Action Item 6c (EV Charging Fees - Resolution 2026-11):

  • Proposal: Finance Director Devin Schmidt presented a tiered fee to recover operational costs ($11,579/year) and fund maintenance. The rate is 47¢/kWh for the first 4 hours and 94¢/kWh after.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Sign Ordinance: Emergency ban enacted for 60 days; community workshop planned.
• Blind Pass Marina: CUP and variance approved for major redevelopment.
• EV Fees: Tiered usage fees adopted to make the charging program self-sustaining.

Reports & Items for Discussion

• Code Enforcement: Commissioner Causey raised concerns about the accuracy of noise data collection and the reliance on decibel meters. City Manager acknowledged the issue and committed to working with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to improve the process and data availability for the commission.
• City Clerk: Openings on the Board of Adjustment and Police Pension Board were announced.
• City Manager: Reminded the public that turtle nesting season begins May 1st, urging compliance with lighting ordinances and the removal of beach equipment.