Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners Regular Session - August 11, 2026

The Board of Commissioners of Tarpon Springs convened for its regular session on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:17 PM at City Hall Auditorium. The agenda included a presentation from Forward Pinellas regarding a proposed regional merger, the approval of health insurance renewals, the ratification of a new Planning & Zoning Director, and the first reading of several ordinances. Public comment focused heavily on a proposed housing development under the Live Local Act and concerns over local representation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Items 2-9 unanimously. These included the satisfaction of liens, attorney fees, several special events (Back to School Splash, Halloween Bash, TSHS Homecoming events), utility contracts, a library construction grant, and a personnel transfer.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anita Protest urged the Board to hire a paid lobbyist in Tallahassee to better compete for grant funding.
• Marty Peters drew a connection between the "support the police" movement and opposition to the upcoming property tax referendum, arguing the referendum would effectively defund police and firefighters.
• Debbie McKinney thanked police and fire personnel for their presence during the first day of school.
• Gregory Barnes (President, Tarpon Key HOA) expressed deep concern over a proposed housing development on Anclote Road under the Live Local Act, citing a lack of adequate road and sidewalk infrastructure, safe school bus stop areas, and stormwater management, as well as potential impacts on property values and public safety from an estimated 500 new vehicles. He urged the Commission to pressure Pinellas County to accelerate the long overdue Anclote Road improvement project.
• Lewis Zanola (River Bend) voiced frustration over the surprise of a 350-unit development, feeling it was being forced on the community, and noted promised sidewalk and bike lane improvements had not materialized.
• Katie Taylor thanked the Commission for approving an easement for the Rose Cemetery Association, noting the project had been completed.
• Mark Seymour (River Bend) echoed concerns about traffic dangers on Anclote Road and the bridge, stating he no longer walks there due to safety fears.
• Harrington praised Commissioner Eisner, criticized the $300,000 price point of "low-income" starter homes, suggested consolidation of small cities to save money, and raised concerns about e-bikes on sidewalks.

Discussion Items

• Forward Pinellas Update (Special Presentation): Executive Director Whit Blanton presented an update on the agency's land use and transportation planning functions. A major topic was the proposed merger of the Pinellas MPO with Pasco and Hillsborough County to form a regional body. Blanton outlined a 25-seat board structure (10 Hillsborough, 5 Pasco, 8 Pinellas) and a timeline targeting July 1, 2028. Commissioners Eisner and Banther voiced significant concerns about the loss of home rule, diminished representation for smaller cities like Tarpon Springs, and the historical flow of transportation money away from northern Pinellas County. Blanton cited provisions in the interlocal agreement requiring a majority vote of each county's delegation and FDOT population-based equity requirements to protect smaller communities.
• Benefits Insurance Renewals: Shawn Fleming of the Gehring Group presented the 2026 renewal proposal. Due to rising claims costs ($6M annualized), the city faced significant increases. Staff recommended a move from FMIT to Cigna, creating a dual plan offering: a Traditional Plan (higher employee contribution, $750 deductible) and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) where employee paychecks would not increase. The city would contribute up to $166.67/month (single) or $333/month (family) to the HSA. The board unanimously approved the proposal.
• Ratification of Planning & Zoning Director: City Manager Mark Lecouris appointed Allie Keene as the permanent Planning & Zoning Director. The Board unanimously ratified the appointment, praising her customer service and expertise.
• Ordinance 2026-14 (E. Harrison Street Vacation - 1st Reading): An ordinance to vacate 7,950 sq. ft. of unimproved right-of-way. Approved unanimously.
• Land Development Code Articles V & VIII Updates (1st Reading): Two ordinances amending the land development code to remove outdated text, clarify procedures, and align with the comprehensive plan. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimous vote (4-0).
• Health Insurance Plan Approved: The Board unanimously approved the dual plan offering with Cigna.
• Allie Keene Ratified: Confirmed as Planning & Zoning Director unanimously.
• E. Harrison Street Vacation (1st Reading): Ordinance 2026-14 passed unanimously.
• LDC Updates (1st Reading): Ordinance 2026-12 and 2026-13 passed unanimously.
• Regional Council Appointment: Commissioner Weaver was appointed to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council by unanimous vote.
• City Manager Statement on Live Local Act: Mark Lecouris stated that the city is legally constrained from holding a public hearing on the proposed Anclote Road housing project under the Live Local Act, categorizing it as an administrative staff decision, and directed public concern to the state legislature which preempted local home rule.
• Vice Mayor Absence: Several commissioners publicly criticized the extended absence of the Vice Mayor, stating it constituted a dereliction of duty and urging the adoption of a formal vacation policy for the commission.