St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting - May 26, 2026

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on May 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Commission Chambers. The meeting included presentations on the Living Seawall Project and the Gulf Boulevard Undergrounding Project, public comments, approval of the consent agenda, adoption of a budget amendment ordinance, evaluation of the City Clerk with a salary adjustment, and discussion of shark fishing on the beaches. Key decisions included discontinuing the Phase 2A undergrounding project, allocating funds for utility pedestal elevation, and directing legal review of shark fishing regulations.

Consent Calendar

• Amended Agenda: Unanimously approved to remove Item 4D (PSTA agreement) and Item 5B (seawall ordinance) and add a discussion item on shark fishing.
• Consent Agenda Approval: The remaining consent items (May 12, 2026 minutes; Resolution 2026-18 dolphin sculpture; FDEP agreement $300,000; PSTA trolley renewal $308,279.51; FY2026 fleet purchases $1,281,491.46; and change order for Raftelis study) were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Kurzman: Expressed concerns about the Sheriff's Office using property surveys to determine trespassing on beaches, arguing that surveys do not establish public vs. private rights. Questioned the city's beach chair permit fees and urged caution in changing customary use. Also called for broader beach use discussions.
• Cameron Mazucci (3307 West Maritana Drive): Opposed the Living Seawall project, citing personal experience with mangroves as a nuisance, potential increased costs for homeowners, and safety risks from oyster beds. Argued that seawall maintenance is a homeowner responsibility and the project was a failed attempt.

Discussion Items

• Living Seawall Project Presentation: Tom Reese of Ecosphere Restoration Institute presented three living shoreline designs for Maritana Drive homes, funded by a $39,000 grant. Designs aim to protect seawalls, provide ecosystem benefits, and are freely available to residents. Commissioners inquired about insects, applicability to properties without seawalls, and homeowner access. Discussion included a recommendation to share designs with other communities.
• Gulf Boulevard Undergrounding Project: Director Camden Mills reported Phase 1 (75th to 55th Ave) completion nearing end with Spectrum pole removal. Phase 2A (55th to 45th Ave) faces $8.1M cost, with $3.9M remaining from a Pinellas County grant expiring Sept 30, 2026. Only 15 of 28 easements secured. City has $1.4M budgeted, leaving a $2.8M shortfall. Commissioners debated cost vs. benefit, noting undergrounding may not improve flood resilience and would leave a hybrid overhead/underground system. Majority directed staff to discontinue Phase 2A, reallocate the $1.4M city funds, and explore using the $3.9M grant to elevate existing Duke Energy pedestals to mitigate flood risk.
• City Clerk Annual Evaluation: Clerk Renee Rose presented her 360 evaluation and requested a market-based salary adjustment. Commissioners discussed compensation ranges. After debate (8% to 12% proposals), the commission voted 4-1 to approve a 10% one-time adjustment to $107,217, plus future cost-of-living and merit increases aligned with general city employees. Vote: Commissioners Maldonado, Marriott, Causey, and Mayor Tate in favor; Vice Mayor Robinson opposed.
• Shark Fishing on Beaches: Introduced by Commissioner Robinson after public complaints about unsafe shore-based shark fishing, including lines left on the beach and a near-miss hooking of a tourist. Commissioners discussed hazards, chumming, and drone use. Consensus was to have the City Attorney prepare a legal memorandum on potential restrictions, and noted that the upcoming June 9 beach ordinance will include a chumming prohibition.

Key Outcomes

• Gulf Blvd Undergrounding: Directed staff to discontinue Phase 2A; reallocate the $1.4M city budget for other priorities; contact Duke Energy and Pinellas County to explore using the $3.9M grant to elevate existing utility pedestals for flood mitigation.
• City Clerk Salary Adjustment: Approved 10% increase to $107,217 (effective with contract amendment), with future COLA and merit adjustments consistent with general city employees. Vote: 4-1.
• Shark Fishing Regulations: City Attorney to return with a memorandum of law on regulating shore-based shark fishing, including potential chumming ban. The June 9 first reading of the beach ordinance will include a chumming prohibition.
• State Earmarks: City Manager reported that state budget allocations (pending governor signature) include $1.5M for Fire Station 22, $2M for Pass-a-Grille wastewater lift station, and $1.825M for Boca Ciega Drive.