Photo courtesy of the City of St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach officials will renew their effort to secure Pinellas County tourist development tax funding for beach improvements and maintenance after City Commissioners agreed to pursue new funding options.
District 4 Commissioner Jon Maldonado raised the issue during the July 28 City Commission meeting. He asked Mayor Scott Tate and City staff to reengage with county commissioners and the Tourist Development Council.
The City previously requested approximately $1.9 million for beach maintenance. County officials declined to use tourist development tax revenue for ongoing maintenance but created a grant opportunity for capital improvements at what they called “beach parks.”
The City previously sought about $1.9 million in tourist tax funding for beach maintenance, but county officials declined to use the revenue source for ongoing maintenance. Instead, they created a grant opportunity for capital improvements at facilities they classified as “beach parks.”
Maldonado said the City should pursue any available funding opportunities rather than leave tourist tax dollars unused.
“If they don’t like maintenance, I’m fine with enhancement,” Maldonado said. “But I have noticed that the aesthetics of the beaches are starting to decline.”
City Plans To Seek Eligible Tourism Funding
Tate suggested the City develop a prioritized list of beach and tourism-related capital projects that could qualify for county funding.
The list could include projects focused on beachfront infrastructure, public access improvements, and enhancements designed to improve visitor experiences.
Tate said investing in the beaches would benefit both St. Pete Beach and the broader county tourism economy.
“Our argument is it’s an investment in the county’s tax revenue going forward,” Tate said.
Commissioners reached a consensus to move ahead with the effort, though they did not approve a specific funding request or project list during the meeting.
[Read more below]
That’s not all that happened at the July 28 St. Pete Beach’s Commission meeting. Read about fees, projects, and events, Fire Station 22, property tax, valet parking lot, and wastewater.
Beach Maintenance Resources Remain Limited
City Manager Frances Robustelli said the City’s beach crews continue working to maintain the beaches but do not have enough equipment and resources to meet the level of service residents and visitors expect.
One City maintenance vehicle is currently out of service, further limiting the department’s ability to respond to maintenance needs.
“It is not a lack of effort,” Robustelli said. “We just don’t have the resources that we need to keep our beaches pristine.”
The City also faces increased cleanup demands following holidays and large events. Volunteer groups, including the Dune Savers, assist with trash removal, but routine collection and maintenance remain the City’s responsibility.
Officials Cite Tourist Tax Rules as Funding Opportunity
Maldonado cited a section of Pinellas County code that allows tourist development tax revenue to support beach improvements, maintenance, nourishment, restoration, and erosion control.
The tax, commonly known as the bed tax, comes from short-term lodging stays and is intended to support tourism-related needs.
City officials said they plan to explore how existing funding opportunities could help address ongoing beach needs while supporting the area’s tourism economy.
The St. Pete Beach Commission’s next meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.
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