INDIAN SHORES — Construction of the William J. Krajewski Public Safety Building remains on schedule for a March 11 completion despite some residents’ initial skepticism about the 72-day timeline.

“It’s looking good,” Mayor Diantha Schear said of the progress at the Feb. 10 Town Council meeting.

Completion depends on roofing material arriving as planned Feb. 20, Town Administrator Tina Porter said.

The two-story facility will house police and emergency equipment currently stored offsite in a rental unit, providing better security and protection from salt air.

The J.J. Ganno Trust donated about half the $256,000 construction cost, with the town covering the remainder from reserves. ACE Construction of St. Petersburg broke ground Jan. 5.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow completion.

Town recognizes 2-1-1 Day, Irish heritage, flood awareness

The mayor read three proclamations at the Feb. 10 meeting: National 2-1-1 Day on Feb. 11, Irish American Heritage Month in March and Flood Awareness Week, March 9-15.

National 2-1-1 Day recognizes the free, confidential helpline connecting residents to health and human services. In Indian Shores, First Contact provides these services. Last year, 2-1-1 responded to more than 62,000 calls, texts, emails and online requests from Pinellas County residents.

Irish American Heritage Month honors Irish contributions to America. By 1776, nearly 300,000 Irish nationals had immigrated to the American colonies and played a crucial role in the War for Independence. The proclamation highlighted five signers of the Declaration of Independence, 22 presidents, architect James Hoban (the White House and the Capitol), Commodore John Barry, Capt. Oliver Perry and Andrew Jackson, Florida’s first military governor.

Vice Mayor Ellen Bauer noted the Sullivan brothers, five siblings killed when their ship sank at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. The destroyer USS Sullivan was later commissioned in their memory.

Flood Awareness Week, promoted by the Florida Floodplain Managers Association, emphasizes preparation for flood hazards.

“You need to leave” when evacuation orders are issued, Bauer said.

Council member Mike Howard noted too many people stayed during Hurricane Helene, but the town achieved 90% evacuation during Hurricane Milton.