INDIAN SHORES — After the year the barrier islands have endured, it’s nice to hear some good news.
The Indian Shores Town Council unanimously passed a resolution recognizing Florida City Week at its Oct. 14 meeting. Vice Mayor Ellen Bauer was absent.
According to the Florida League of Cities, Oct. 20-26 is Florida City Week, a week “dedicated to fostering civics education, collaboration, and volunteerism among municipalities across the state.”
Mayor Diantha Schear said that in acknowledgment of Florida City Week she modified the weekly Mayor’s Message that goes out Fridays to residents. Starting with the Oct. 10 message, she introduced a monthly segment featuring a council or staff member, so residents can become better acquainted with the people who run the town.
In other business, the council unanimously approved reappointments to two boards. John Caruso was reappointed as citizen member to the Police Pension Board for a three-year term expiring in Oct. 2028. Suzanne Lynch was reappointed as citizen member to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals for a three-year term expiring in October 2028.
Town Clerk Freddie Lozano presented a memorandum regarding qualification requirements for the Tuesday, March 10, 2026, municipal election. The election will be held to elect two council members for three-year terms. Qualified electors must register in person, by mail or submit a registration form to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections by 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. Candidates must be permanent residents and registered to vote in the town for at least one year. The qualifying period runs from noon Friday., Dec. 5, to noon Friday, Dec. 12. Those interested in running should contact the town clerk’s office for information regarding additional documentation and fees.
The council approved updates to the employee manual regarding Section 7 involving leave. The alterations changed the annual identification from the calendar year to the fiscal year.
An ordinance removing the special magistrate’s power to hear appeals of municipal parking citations passed unanimously on its second reading.
Krohn honored
Police Chief Lee Ann Holroyd asked the town to “honor retired Reserve Lt. Michael Krohn for his nearly 26 years of dedicated service.”
The chief explained that traditionally, following 25 years of service at an agency, a retiring member is presented with their firearm. “Largely symbolic and respectful, it shows a level of appreciation for the service,” Holroyd said.
“Due to an oversight on the part of the Police Department, Lt. Krohn, who retired under the prior administration, was not presented with the firearm he carried,” the chief said.
Krohn’s firearm was turned in May 14, where it remained in the ISPD armory.
The council voted unanimously to present Krohn’s firearm back to him at the Oct. 14 meeting.
More paid parking
Five areas of additional town parking spaces converted to paid parking Oct. 1: 186th Avenue W. (four spaces), East Park at 186th Avenue (five spaces), 199th Avenue E. (four spaces), 199th Avenue W. (one space), and Second Street near Community Gardens (nine spaces).
Date change
Due to a conflict with Veterans Day, next month’s meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 5pm.