St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting Summary: August 25, 2026

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM for a regular meeting. The primary topics of discussion centered on the future of the city's transportation services, including the microtransit program (Freebee) and the FY2027 subsidy for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). The Commission also held first readings on wastewater and reclaimed water fee ordinances, approved several consent agenda items, and discussed the city's response to the recent dumping of mothballs.

Consent Calendar

• The majority of the consent agenda (Items A, D-I) was approved unanimously, including approval of minutes, the FY2027 Special Event Co-Sponsorship requests, and contract amendments.
• Item B (Chill Parklet Renewal): Approved. The renewal of the parklet agreement was authorized. It was noted the parklet has recouped $52,994.43 of the initial $50,000 taxpayer investment.
• Item C (Holiday Decorations): Approved. The contract for $76,621.00 for December 2026 holiday decorations was authorized. This is the final year of the contract, prompting discussion on potential changes and state road jurisdiction for future years.
• Item J (Hydro-Klean Amendment): Approved. The amendment for stormwater and wastewater infrastructure assessment was authorized. An update stated that 97% of wastewater mains and 60% of stormwater systems have been cleaned or inspected.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Microtransit and PSTA: Caamera Mizucci and Dana Richardson spoke against the Freebee program due to its cost, suggesting alternative local services. Bonnie Arnold spoke in favor of Freebee for safety and against the Sunrunner. Bob Sparrow warned of the liability insurance risks of operating the service.
• On Ordinance 2026-16: Holly Noonan, a public policy student, spoke in support of the wastewater fee restructuring, arguing it was fiscally responsible and aligned with public finance principles.
• On General City Issues: Vincent Torminia requested city assistance for residents whose hurricane repairs were mischaracterized as remodels by the tax assessor. Mike Peza detailed a financial hardship caused by a city permitting error regarding the Coastal Construction Line. Dana Richardson requested simplicity in the Chill Parklet agreement.

Discussion Items

• Microtransit and PSTA Service Future:
  • Commissioners Marriott, Maldonado, Robinson, Causey, and Mayor Tate expressed a consensus to discontinue the Freebee microtransit program, citing an unsustainable cost of approximately $15-$17 per trip and a $500,000 annual budget exposure.
  • There was strong support for retaining the PSTA contract, particularly to ensure the continuation of the PSTA Access paratransit service for disabled and vulnerable residents.
  • Commissioner Marriott suggested exploring a reduced subsidy level (e.g., $100,000) to see what service PSTA could provide. Commissioner Robinson suggested looking outside of PSTA for paratransit alternatives.
  • The Resident UPass option, providing 200 free passes for all PSTA services at a cost of $4,000, was discussed as a potential low-cost alternative for resident mobility if Freebee is cut.
  • Staff presented the FY2027 PSTA subsidy of $242,000 (up from $220,000), which excludes the soon-to-be-eliminated Route 90. Commissioner Robinson strongly questioned paying $22,000 more for less service.
• Mothballs on the Beach:
  • Commissioner Maldonado raised the issue of persons placing mothballs behind hotels. The Commission unanimously condemned the act.
  • The Commission directed staff to work with the State Attorney's Office, pursue maximum penalties, seek restitution, and identify all avenues for city remediation, including potential impacts on business licenses.

Key Outcomes

• Microtransit Freebee: Staff was directed to discontinue the Freebee service. The procurement process will be halted, and the current contract will be closed out.
• PSTA FY2027 Subsidy: The Commission gave broad direction to continue funding the PSTA, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the PSTA Access program. The specific funding level ($242,000 or a reduced amount) will be further negotiated and finalized in the upcoming budget.
• Ordinances Approved (First Reading):
  • Ordinance 2026-16 (Wastewater Fees): Adopted by a 5-0 vote.
  • Ordinance 2026-17 (Reclaimed Water Fees): Adopted by a 5-0 vote.
• Consent Items Approved:
  • Items A, D-I approved unanimously.
  • Item B (Chill Parklet): Approved unanimously.
  • Item C (Holiday Decorations): Approved unanimously.
  • Item J (Hydro-Klean): Approved unanimously.
• Directives:
  • City Manager to investigate potential county tax assessment errors for hurricane repairs.
  • City Manager to review the building permit case regarding the Coastal Construction Line oversight.
  • City Attorney to itemize all legal and administrative remedies available to the city regarding the mothball incident.
  • Staff to investigate state road subsidies for holiday decorations for future budget cycles.