Town of North Redington Beach

February 20, 2007

Important Election March 13

While the mayor and two commissioners have no opposition and will automatically return to office, the North Redington Beach polls will still be open on March 13 for a very important vote.

It’s the county’s proposal to extend the Penny for Pinellas sales tax for another 10 years.

The Town Commission has unanimously endorsed passage, and is urging all town residents to vote in favor. Leaders of other beach communities have added their endorsement in a resolution passed unanimously by the Governmental Council of Barrier Islands (The Big C).

Approval will not affect the current tax structure. It will, however, assure continued funding for major capital improvements projects, for both the county and all of its municipalities. North Redington Beach has been receiving more than $100,000 a year for town projects. With a capital improvements plan that calls for beautification of Gulf Boulevard, including undergrounding utilities, the issue becomes even more important.

The county is committed to pay for a major part of the Gulf project, and Penny for Pinellas will be a primary source of this funding.

Voters with questions are encouraged to call the mayor or any commission member for further information.

Capital Improvements Plan

The capital improvements plan noted above was passed by the Commission at its regular meeting on February 8. As noted, the largest allocation of funds will go to the Gulf Boulevard project.

Also in the five-year plan are improvements to town parks and down the road resurfacing of town streets.

The commission reviews the plan each year, and extends projects so that a five-year projection is always in place. Decisions are based on the town’s comprehensive plan as well as input from residents on town needs.

Code Updates

Also in February, the Town Commission began to review the town code and pass amendments to meet current conditions.

There were nine measures passed in all. Among the changes of broad community interest:

          - Bicycle riding will now be allowed on the North Redington beach.
          - All tents and other shade coverings must be removed from the beach at sundown.
          - The code provisions regulating construction of docks will include floating docks.
          - Trucks with no commercial markings will not be considered to violate the ban on parking in residential
             districts if the contents cannot be viewed above the sides of the truck bed.

The ordinances will be up for second reading, public hearing and final passage at the next regular commission meeting on March 8.