NORTH REDINGTON BEACH — A year after hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through Tampa Bay, the damage and subsequent problems left in their wake remain top of mind for many barrier island residents. That was evident in the turnout and irritation expressed by citizens at the Oct. 9 Town Commission meeting.
The commission considered establishing rules of order at last month’s meeting, but opted against them after residents vented their displeasure at the idea of any restrictions. That resulted in a contentious Oct. 9 meeting to address seven ordinances, with ongoing interruptions from several residents throughout the proceedings. Despite the lack of decorum, four ordinances passed on their second reading, and three of them on their first reading, all unanimously by a 4-0 vote.
Seat 1 is vacant following the resignation of Commissioner Steve Bradley who sold his home, and is no longer a town resident, disqualifying him from holding office.
During old business, the first ordinance to pass on its second reading addressed plat approval procedures. Town Attorney Jay Daigneault explained that recent changes in state law now require local governments to give plat approval.
The second ordinance adopted a capital improvement plan for 2026-2030.
The third ordinance concerned the municipal election scheduled for March 26. Seats 3 and 4, currently held by Commissioner Corey Thornton and Vice Mayor Kevin Kennedy, are up for election. Candidates must file applications with the town clerk between 8 a.m. Dec. 5 and 1 p.m. Dec. 19.
The fourth ordinance created a new article regarding temporary road closures of streets, sidewalks and other public places in the town.
The new section was designed in response to streets being blocked by large vehicles and equipment during post-storm repairs. In crafting new procedures for temporary roadway and street closures, a permit application process was designed to limit inconvenience to blocked residents. Daigneault explained that after an incident in which a street was blocked for six hours without the vendor clearing it with the town or moving the obstruction to permit movement, something needed to be done to balance public safety.
Three new business ordinances passed on first reading, the first two contingent on each other.
The first amended the Vision for the Future, which made adjustments for the second ordinance that increased the maximum height of residential buildings by 6 feet. The town received considerably more emails, letters and input from residents supporting the height increase than opposing it. The town would require evidence that construction would not negatively affect neighbors, such as with water runoff. Some residents in attendance who lost vehicles during the storms said the option would have saved their cars.
“There are a lot of pluses to raise the height allowances; one of which is to protect vehicles by elevating the incline for driveways,” Mayor Jay Super said.
The last ordinance increased the fine from $15 to $50 for vehicles excluded from Bath Club Concourse in violation. The weight of heavy excluded vehicles often cracks the concrete, so the increased fine is intended as more of a deterrent.