Photo by Trei Johnson
Facing a reduction from three city planners to one, Gulfport City Council renewed its agreement with Forward Pinellas for outside planning assistance July 21, appointed Scott Bernstein to fill a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Board, and recognized the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County’s 80th anniversary.
Council unanimously approved continuing its partnership with Forward Pinellas, selected Bernstein to complete an unexpired board term, and issued a proclamation honoring the countywide agency.
Forward Pinellas Helps Fill Planning Gap
City Manager Jim O’Reilly said the continued partnership with Forward Pinellas provides additional expertise as Gulfport manages a reduced planning staff.
“We’ve gone from three planners to one,” O’Reilly said.
O’Reilly said Forward Pinellas has helped the City handle its planning workload while allowing staff to maintain confidence in the arrangement. Council approved the agreement without opposition or public comment.
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That’s not all that happened at the July 21 Gulfport City Council meeting. Read about the Casino Dock Project, Lions Club demolition, new welcome sign, proposed tax rate, utility billing system, Veterans Park Shoreline Restoration Project, and what we overheard.
Bernstein Appointed to Planning and Zoning Board
Council also appointed Bernstein to complete the remaining term of Kathryn Kelley on the Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency.
Kelley submitted her resignation July 17, effective immediately. Mayor Karen Love selected Bernstein after reviewing applications on file with the City Clerk’s Office.
Bernstein’s unpaid term runs through April 2027.
Council Recognizes Juvenile Welfare Board Anniversary
Earlier in the meeting, Gulfport recognized the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County’s 80th anniversary with a proclamation.
Pinellas County voters established the board Nov. 5, 1946, creating what the proclamation describes as the nation’s first independent board dedicated to improving children’s lives and futures. Its first budget supported three agencies serving about 1,500 children.
Today, the board funds 87 programs through 49 agencies. Those programs served more than 83,000 children last year, according to the proclamation.
Mayor Karen Love congratulated the organization for “80 years of putting children first” and its continued service to Pinellas County residents.
The Gulfport City Council’s next meeting is Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.
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