Tarpon Springs Commission Regular Session - April 14, 2026

The Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners held a regular session on April 14, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 7:49 PM. The meeting featured the oath of office for new Commissioner Lori Weaver, a ceremonial farewell to outgoing Commissioner Frank Di Donato, public testimony on local issues, appointments to two city boards, and a vote to adjust future meeting start times.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Hill Jones (429 East Boyer Street) requested a refund of her water deposit held for 23 years, arguing that long-term customers should have deposits returned.
• Anita Prose (901 Bay Shore Drive) expressed gratitude for Commissioner Frank Di Donato's service and dedication to Tarpon Springs.
• David Ballard Geddes Jr. (Georgia Avenue, Palm Harbor) voiced concerns about declining bird populations due to pesticides and development, and raised security concerns about autonomous drones, referencing recent discussions at a Forward Pinellas meeting.
• Milton Smith thanked the commission for supporting the First Responders Car Show in February, which attracted over 2,000 attendees, and hoped to expand it next year.
• Lori Weaver (then Commissioner-elect) thanked Di Donato and expressed her intent to serve as a voice of reason on the commission.
• Katie Taylor (657 Haven Place) thanked Di Donato for his listening ear and community service.
• Maggie Miles (433 East Boyer Street) urged the commission to open a connection between Belcher Road and Diston Avenue to alleviate US 19 traffic, noting the upcoming Ancla Harbor apartments. She also raised issues about street parking on narrow roads and a dangerous sightline at Spruce and Gross due to parked cars near a fire hydrant. Later, she inquired about a unified trash can program for the city.
• Alakis (514 Ashland Avenue) recited a reflection from the Pope and the Archbishop of Constantinople, condemning war and violence and calling for peace.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2026-17 (Ratification of March 10, 2026 Municipal General Election): The resolution was read by the city attorney and passed unanimously (5-0) with no discussion.
• Appointment to General Employees Pension Board: Commissioner David Banther moved to appoint himself to fill the seat vacated by outgoing Commissioner Di Donato. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0).
• Appointment to Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA): Commissioner Banther declined reappointment due to scheduling conflicts and recommended Commissioner Weaver. A motion to appoint Weaver was made and seconded, passing unanimously (5-0).
• Change of Regular Meeting Start Time: Mayor Koulianos proposed that future regular meetings begin at 6:00 PM instead of 6:30 PM, with proclamations and presentations in the first half-hour and regular business starting at 6:30 PM. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), effective with the April 28 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Election Ratification: Resolution 2026-17 was adopted, confirming the March 10, 2026, general election results (5-0).
• Board Appointments: Commissioner David Banther was appointed to the General Employees Pension Board, and Commissioner Lori Weaver was appointed to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (both 5-0).
• Meeting Schedule Change: Starting April 28, regular sessions will convene at 6:00 PM (with business at 6:30 PM) (5-0).
• Farewell to Commissioner Frank Di Donato: The board presented a plaque and a diver helmet to Di Donato, celebrating his decades of service as commissioner, mayor, and community leader.
• Oath of Office: David Banther and Lori Weaver took the oath of office for their new commission terms.
• Vice Mayor Rotation: Mayor Koulianos outlined that the vice mayor position will rotate among commissioners based on seniority, with Vice Mayor Paniotis Kulyas serving the current term.