Photo courtesy of the City of St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach Commissioners approved higher nonresident recreation fees, a $152,000 City Hall audiovisual system, federal funding for a watershed study, and several other items during their July 28 meeting.
District 2 Commissioner Lisa Robinson did not attend. The remaining four Commissioners unanimously approved the items.
Nonresident Recreation Fees Rise
Nonresidents will pay higher rates for several St. Pete Beach recreation programs and facilities under a three-year fee schedule approved by the Commission, while resident rates will remain unchanged.
The City expects the increases to raise annual recreation revenue from approximately $278,700 to $328,300, an increase of 17.8%.
| Recreation fee | Current rate | New rate |
|---|---|---|
| Nonresident fitness room — monthly | $16 | $45 |
| Nonresident gymnasium rental — hourly | $75 | $405 |
| Nonresident park or pool pavilion — hourly | $75 | $95 |
| Nonresident adult pool admission — daily | $4 | $7 |
| Nonresident youth and senior pool admission — daily | $3 | $5 |
| Nonresident summer camp — weekly | $125 | $150 |
| Resident summer camp — weekly | $100 | $100 |
Changes involving fitness facilities, gym rentals, weddings, and childcare took effect July 28. Most other fees will begin Jan. 1, 2027.
Commissioners also approved Ordinance 2026-14, removing recreation fees from the city code and allowing future fee changes to be set by Commission resolution.
City Approves Replacement for Audiovisual System
Commissioners approved a $152,050.21 contract with AVI-SPL to replace City Hall’s aging audiovisual equipment.
Some components have been in use for approximately 25 years, and the system reached the end of its expected life more than five years ago. The manufacturer no longer supports the equipment, and replacement parts have become difficult to obtain.
City staff warned that another major failure could interrupt commission meetings and public broadcasts for an extended period. The City budgeted the replacement through a technology capital project.
[Read more below]
That’s not all that happened at the July 28 St. Pete Beach’s Commission meeting. Read about Fire Station 22, property tax, tourist tax, valet parking lot, and wastewater.
Watershed Plan Receives Federal Money
The Commission accepted $125,000 in federal hazard mitigation funding toward a $400,000 Watershed Master Plan.
St. Pete Beach will provide the remaining $275,000 as a non-federal match.
The plan will examine the City’s stormwater system, rainfall patterns, future land use, and sea-level rise. It will identify flood-prone areas and recommend projects to improve drainage and reduce flood risks.
City officials said the completed plan could also improve the City’s chances of receiving future state and federal resilience funding.
City Accepts Donated Belle Vista Lot
The Commission accepted a vacant Belle Vista property from the Candace L. Mortenson Living Trust for $10.
Mortenson requested that the City preserve the property as a native Florida garden and landscaping showcase.
Potential improvements include native plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, a rain garden, stormwater retention features, educational signs, a walking path, a commemorative sign recognizing the Mortenson family, and a donor-provided bench.
The City faces no immediate cost. Commissioners would need to approve future spending for improvements or maintenance not covered by the donor.
Fire Rescue Adopts Online Inspection Tracking System
St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue will begin using The Compliance Engine, an online system that tracks required inspections of sprinklers, alarms, fire pumps, hydrants, and other fire protection equipment.
Third-party inspection companies will submit reports through the system, allowing fire officials to identify overdue inspections, and unresolved safety issues.
Brycer will provide the system at no direct cost to the City and collect submission fees from private inspection providers. The initial agreement lasts three years.
Commission Approves Two Community Events
The annual Belle Vista Halloween Block Party will return Oct. 30. The permit allows alcohol and closes Belle Vista Drive between 42nd and 44th Avenues.
Organizers expect approximately 200 attendees and will cover permit, law enforcement and emergency medical costs.
Commissioners also approved a street closure for the Surfers for Autism event on Sept. 5. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with setup beginning at 7 a.m.
The City will close 10th Avenue so the Fire Department can use a nearby hydrant during the event. Organizers will pay permit and emergency service costs.
City Reviews New State Permit Law
Commissioners asked the city attorney and Community Development Department to explain how Florida House Bill 803 could affect building permits in St. Pete Beach.
The law changes permitting deadlines and creates a process for exemptions from some permit requirements, including certain work valued below $7,500.
Because much of St. Pete Beach is located in a flood hazard area, the City must determine which provisions apply locally and which exemptions it may choose to offer.
City Attorney Ralf Brookes prepared an 11-page memorandum with approximately 15 recommendations. Staff will coordinate with the Building Department and return for a future commission discussion.
Two Commission Discussions Postponed
The Commission postponed discussions about short-term rental registration and preparation of commission agendas because Robinson, who requested the items, was absent.
The City did not announce a new hearing date during the meeting.
City Recognizes Employees and Committee Service
St. Pete Beach recognized five employees selected by their peers as Employees of the Third Quarter:
- Maureen Marton, Residential Services
- Keri Nelson, Internal Services
- Michelle St. John, Fire Rescue
- Brandon Berry, Community Development
- James Cooper, Public Services
City Clerk Renee Rose also recognized John Samorajczyk, who resigned from the Finance and Budget Review Committee after serving the City since 2007.
The St. Pete Beach Commission’s next meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.
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