Tarpon finance director to retire

TARPON SPRINGS — After 39 years of service, Tarpon Springs Finance Director Ron Harring is retiring. Harring’s last day will be Jan. 2, 2026.

During a special presentation at the Dec. 16 Board of Commissioners regular session, Mayor John Koulianos presented Harring with a commemorative dive helmet and plaque in recognition of his years of service.

Commissioners applauded Harring for the openness of his office and his ability to communicate complex financial information in an easy-to-understand manner. “You’ve always been very neutral and very helpful,” said Commissioner David Banther.

“He has a deep command of the work and always has,” said Commissioner Panagiotis Koulias. “You often find yourself joking with him because everything is handled so smoothly.”

Harring thanked the entire Finance Department and attributed much of the department’s success under his leadership to the dedication, skill, and expertise of his staff.

“You’re probably the easiest office to walk into; every question is always answered with the most articulate response,” said Vice Mayor Mike Eisner.

Harring joined the city of Tarpon Springs as chief accountant in 1986, was promoted to assistant finance director in 2005, and was named finance director in 2015.

During the presentation, Mayor Koulianos was joined by his brother, former Mayor Thomas Koulianos, who took office in December 1985. “It is apropos that Ron is retiring with me as mayor, when he started 39 years ago, when my brother Tom was mayor,” said Mayor John Koulianos.

Palm Harbor woman named to fall Dean’s List at Wisconsin Lutheran

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Jenna Wichmann, of Palm Harbor, a junior at Wisconsin Lutheran College, has been named to the college’s Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester. Jenna is a graduate of Mills E. Godwin High School.

To be eligible for Dean’s List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.6 or higher.

Information on Tarpon Springs March election

The general municipal election for the city of Tarpon Springs will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

• Voter Registration — Deadline to register to vote is 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9

• Mail Ballots — Mail Ballots may be requested by calling the Supervisor of Elections Office at 727-464-8683. Deadline to request a ballot to be mailed for this election is 5 p.m. Feb. 26, 2026.

Because of changes in Florida voting laws, voters wishing to vote by mail in elections happening between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2026, will have to make sure they request their ballot ahead of the applicable deadline in the election they plan to vote in.

• Canvassing and tabulation of votes will be held Tuesday, March 10, at the Pinellas County Election Service Center, Starkey Lakes Corporate, 13001 Starkey Road, Clearwater.

Forum set for Tarpon commission hopefuls

TARPON SPRINGS — The League of Women Voters of North Pinellas County will conduct a candidate forum for candidates for Commissioner Seat 2 in the March 10 municipal general election.

The forum will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Tarpon Springs City Hall Auditorium, 324 E. Pine St. The event will begin with an informal opportunity for attendees to meet the candidates from 6-6:30 p.m. During that time, attendees can also submit their questions. The candidates will then participate in the forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The League of Women Voters of North Pinellas County will oversee the rules and procedures for the forum and provide the moderator and timer for the event.