Photo by Trei Johnson
Kenneth City Council approved several local government measures June 10, including new alcohol regulations for commercial zoning, permanent park-use restrictions, stormwater work, and an initial step toward reimposing the Town’s fire services special assessment.
Council also heard a warning about possible property-tax revenue losses tied to a proposed state constitutional amendment and received an update from Waste Pro regarding disposal costs and bulk pickup rules.
Mayor Opens With Property-Tax Warning
Mayor Robert Arrison began the meeting with a statement on Florida House Joint Resolution 1-F, a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the homestead exemption for owner-occupied homes to $250,000 over two years.
Arison said Town leaders plan to share “factual and verifiable information” about the possible loss of property-tax revenue if voters approve the amendment.
To start that conversation, Kenneth City scheduled a public workshop for July 8 at 6 p.m. at Community Hall.
The issue could carry major local consequences. Property-tax revenue helps small towns pay for public safety, stormwater work, parks, staffing, code enforcement, and daily operations.
Waste Pro Discusses Cost Increases
Waste Pro representative Andrew Mekemson told Council the company expects disposal costs to increase as Pinellas County adjusts waste-to-energy disposal rates.
Mekemson said the rate would rise from $58.86 to about $63.59, based on recent figures. He told Council Waste Pro would look for ways to help reduce the impact on residents.
“I know we want to make sure we can find some ways during these current times to offer some concessions over to the residents here,” Mekemson said.
Council members also asked about holiday pickup schedules and bulk pickup rules.
Mekemson said Waste Pro observes three holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. When those holidays interrupt service, the company schedules makeup collection.
He also said residents should contact Waste Pro for large-item pickups, especially for items heavier than 50 pounds or larger than two major appliances placed side by side.
That’s not all that happened at the June 10 Kenneth City Town Council meeting. Read about a parking ordinance.
Alcohol Rules Pass on Second Reading
Council then approved Ordinance 2026-002 on second reading.
The ordinance amends the Town’s Land Development Code to regulate the sale and consumption of intoxicating beverages in the Commercial General zoning district.
Town Attorney Ralf Brookes explained that the ordinance requires a special exception for on-site consumption. That allows council to review issues such as hours of operation, noise, music, and compatibility with nearby properties.
Council members said special exception requests should not create unnecessary delays for business owners. Additionally, Council members still encourage people to invest in and open businesses in Kenneth City.
A resident also raised concerns about allowing alcohol sales near residential areas, especially near 43rd Avenue. Despite those concerns, Council approved the ordinance.
Park Restrictions Become Permanent
Council also approved Ordinance 2026-003 on second reading.
The ordinance makes permanent rules the Town first adopted as an emergency ordinance April 8. It amends Section 42-1 of the Town code and addresses prohibited acts in city parks and park facilities, including recreational courts.
Town officials said the ordinance responds to damage at town recreational courts, including people riding bikes onto court surfaces.
Council members said the rules will help the town protect public facilities and hold violators accountable.
Officials also discussed signs and possible fines for violations. Council members said the problem appeared to calm down after the Town adopted the emergency ordinance and posted signs.
Fire Assessment Process Moves Forward
Later, Council approved Resolution 2026-003, an initial rate resolution for the town’s fire services special assessment.
The resolution does not complete the assessment process. Instead, it starts the formal steps required to reimpose the assessment.
Those steps include creating an assessment roll, authorizing a public hearing, publishing notice, mailing notice, and setting a collection method.
The fire services assessment funds fire protection services, facilities, and programs. The resolution also finds that the assessment provides a special benefit and uses a fair apportionment method.
What Comes Next
The July 8 property tax workshop will give residents a chance to hear how the proposed state homestead exemption amendment could affect Kenneth City’s finances.
Meanwhile, the alcohol ordinance and park-use ordinance have cleared second reading. The fire assessment process will continue through required notices and a future public hearing.
The parking ordinance will return for a second reading before final adoption.
Keep Your Community Local: Donate Now To Support Us
Donate now to support The Gabber Newspaper. The owners of the paper take no income from the paper. Every penny donated helps keep your community news hyperlocal. And everyone who earns their living working at The Gabber Newspaper lives in Gulfport and St. Petersburg. Most of our freelancers live here, too. We support our community; please support us.
The Gabber Newspaper? Yeah, We Go There.
Did you know: In 1968, our founder, George Brann, started The Gabber Newspaper, then called the Gulfport Gabber, to hold Gulfport City Council accountable. Read more of our city council coverage, and learn about our policies on reporting, fact-checking, and funding.
Get all your Gulfport and Tampa Bay beaches news and things to do at thegabber.com.
