BELLEAIR BLUFFS \u2014 Incumbents Joe Barkley and David Roberts were sworn into office during the March 23 City Commission meeting after winning reelection March 10.<\/p>\n
In a three-candidate race for two open seats, Barkley received 207 of the 546 votes cast, or 38%, while Roberts received 192, or 35%, according to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. Political newcomer Ana Hale, who serves on the city’s planning board, received 147 votes, or 27%.<\/p>\n
After being sworn in by City Clerk Alexis Silcox, both commissioners praised Hale.<\/p>\n
“I’d also like to acknowledge that I got a very classy note from our opponent, Ana Hale,” Roberts said. “I want to thank her for that.”<\/p>\n
Barkley echoed the sentiment and thanked his campaign manager and family members, including his 16-year-old granddaughter, Eva Grace, who held the Bible during his swearing-in.<\/p>\n
“Thank you very much. I love all of you guys,” said Barkley, who was first elected in 2009.<\/p>\n
Fellow commissioners congratulated the pair.<\/p>\n
“Congratulations, gentlemen. Great job,” Mayor Chris Arbutine said. “Now comes the hard part.”<\/p>\n
Commissioner Karen Rafferty touted the benefit of continuity.<\/p>\n
“There is something to be said for stability and continuity,” Rafferty said. “I think that we’ve worked well together, and I’m glad to be able to continue that.”<\/p>\n
“Not to mention these are turbulent times,” Arbutine added.<\/p>\n
Roberts was unanimously selected to serve as vice mayor based on the city’s rotation system. He was first elected in 2024.<\/p>\n
Easter Egg Hunt, Hurricane Expo on tap<\/p>\n
The city will host its second annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Belleair Bluffs City Park outside City Hall.<\/p>\n
The event will be divided into three age brackets with staggered start times. Children must bring their own baskets, and all eggs will be empty \u2014 kids will receive a goodie bag after turning in their collection. Special prizes will be awarded for finding a “golden egg” during each hunt.<\/p>\n
“We are all set, so bring your littles and bring baskets,” Silcox said.<\/p>\n
The city’s Hurricane Expo, originally scheduled for May 23, has been moved to Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to avoid the Memorial Day weekend, Silcox said.<\/p>\n
In recent years, the expo has grown to feature a roomful of vendors and officials providing information and demonstrations for residents as hurricane season approaches.<\/p>\n