Beaches

Mayor-elect and new commissioner discuss priorities MADEIRA BEACH — The recent elections have brought a significant change to the makeup of the city commission, and, potentially, to the direction of the city on a number of issues. The incumbent mayor, Maggi Black, chose not to seek reelection. She will be replaced by John Hendricks, who…

REDINGTON SHORES — The long-awaited demolition of the historic Redington Pier has begun. A “notice to mobilize on-site and to proceed with demolition” has been given to the contractor hired to do the work. Fencing was set up on March 13 with the actual teardown set to begin within a week, according to the contractor.…

Unlicensed charter boat captains could find themselves in hot water this spring. ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Unlicensed charter boat captains could find themselves in hot water this spring. The U.S. Coast Guard is cracking down on illegal charters on the Gulf Coast near Tampa Bay. Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg and members of the Florida…

MADEIRA BEACH — Illegal parkers at John’s Pass Village and throughout the city could soon face substantially increased fines — double the previous amount in most cases. As part of a move to bring fees charged in line with administrative costs, city staff is recommending increases in a number of areas, from building permit fees…

ST. PETE BEACH — After at least 50 years, St. Pete Beach will revise its truck and bus ordinance along with its route map to alleviate noise and traffic congestion on neighborhood streets. Michelle Gonzalez, city director of transportation and parking, said the issue came to light when officials started talking about ideas to limit…

ST. PETE BEACH — Get ready to “settle in for the long haul.” Those were the words Mike Clarke, St. Pete Beach’s director of Public Works, told a crowd of about 75 community members and business leaders earlier this month during a forum about a pair of long-awaited projects on the horizon. The projects, which…

Hundreds of easements still needed in order for beach nourishment to proceed INDIAN SHORES — In past beach nourishment projects, the Army Corps of Engineers gave towns and cities some leeway if some property owners failed to cooperate. That won’t be the case this time, Pinellas County officials say. If even one shoreline property owner…

TREASURE ISLAND — The 21st Annual Rotary Tennis and Golf Challenge gets underway on Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Center, 10315 Paradise Blvd. The Tennis Challenge will be a men’s and women’s doubles round-robin for players of all playing levels and abilities starting at 9 a.m. and a golf scramble…

ST. PETE BEACH — City officials moved to improve sometimes confusing, misleading or unenforceable signs directing boaters and operators of watercraft on city waterways. City Manager Alex Rey presented city commissioners with his report on regulating city waterways Jan. 28. Rey said the city’s 2011 ordinance and current sign permits are outdated and that the…

TREASURE ISLAND — City commissioners decided to table a resolution to join other cities in a home-rule battle with the state Legislature over the right to ban plastic bags and foam containers. During the Jan. 21 regular meeting, Commissioner Deborah Toth asked the commission to adopt a resolution to support state Senate Bill 182, which…