ST. PETE BEACH – The former mayor of St. Pete Beach told members of the Barrier Islands Governmental Council June 30 that voters only need to look at his city for a reason not to vote for Amendment 4 in the November election.
The proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution, often referred to as Florida Hometown Democracy, is called by supporters a measure that will give people a say on growth issues.
Those against it, including former St. Pete Beach Mayor Ward Friszolowski, say it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Proponents say it’s a measure that will allow residents to take back the decision-making process from government leaders on issues of growth management from leaders they say are influenced too much by lobbyists and special interests.
The amendment is modeled after a 2006 charter amendment in St. Pete Beach that requires a referendum on any changes to the city’s comprehensive plan.
If Amendment 4 passes, a vote would be necessary on any issues involving land use regulations across the state.
It would also be very expensive because waiting for the next regularly-scheduled municipal election would be an inefficient process, it would also jeopardize a city’s comprehensive plan.
Due to state regulations, Friszolowski said, special elections are necessary so city comprehensive plans are not held in noncompliance (by state officials).
He said special elections cost about $20,000 each in St. Pete Beach.
Meanwhile, St. Pete Beach has spent around $750,000 on legal issues surrounding its fight against Hometown Democracy and related court challenges.
“This has done economic damage to our community and has not created wiser management,” Friszolowski said. “It has created a lot of problems in St. Pete Beach and I would hate to see it implemented across the state.”
Friszolowski said St. Pete Beach adopted its comprehensive plan in 1989 and in time it was apparent the plan favored condominiums over hotels.
After 22 public hearings on the topic, the city developed amendments to its comprehensive plan in 2005 that were later challenged by a political action committee called Citizens for Responsible Growth. CRG filed four petitions to amend the city’s charter. One of the four petitions concerned the Hometown Democracy concept, which state courts upheld on appeal after an initial city victory.
Another political action committee called Save Our Little Village went to court and got the CRG challenge reversed but CRG came back with yet another challenge. This time the courts ruled that St. Pete Beach voters should decide.
In November 2009, city residents passed a measure 57 percent to 43 percent saying a referendum could only be used to decide land-use issues of height, density, intensity or use.
It was a semi-victory for the city.
Still, the lawsuits continue and the city continues to spend money to fight them.
“We’re the worst nightmare for what can happen with Amendment 4,” said Friszolowski. “They (Amendment 4 proponents) are trying to distance themselves from St. Pete Beach on this issue now because they know it doesn’t work.”
• Pinellas County officials unveiled yellow flags that will be used in a new Pedestrian Flag Program at 39 crosswalks on Gulf Boulevard from Walsingham Road south to the Bayway.
The Florida Department of Transportation launched the program that features reflective flags for pedestrians to wave as they cross Gulf Boulevard. The flags, which will be in a container at cross walks, are to be deposited in another container once pedestrians are safely across the street.
As flags disappear or are taken by souvenir hunters, they will be replaced. The county has 5,000 flags ready for use.
The $6 million state program was recently approved by the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
• Andy Squires, assistant director of Pinellas County Emergency Management, said the schedule for beach renourishment at Treasure Island has been moved up. “The state will not allow us to move forward on renourishment if there’s oil on the beach,” Squires said. “The (Army Corps of Engineers) is concerned about it.” Work is expected to begin in late July at John’s Pass and go south from that point to Upham Beach. Contract terms call for the project to be complete in 150 days.
• Indian Shores Mayor Jim Lawrence said a June 10 meeting with Pinellas County Commissioners went well concerning the allocation of $35 million in Penny for Pinellas funds to beach communities for Gulf Boulevard beautification. “To my happiness, of the five commissioners there that day, four suggested going back to the original agreement (allocating $35 million to beach communities). Theoretically, the first payment should be coming around the first part of October.” The funds will be allocated over five years. Clearwater will receive a total of $6.7 million, Belleair Beach, $2.9 million; Indian Rocks Beach, $4.1 million; Indian Shores, $4 million; Redington Shores, $1.7 million; North Redington Beach, $1.2 million; Redington Beach, $1.6 million; Madeira Beach, $3.3 million; Treasure Island, $3.8 million; and St. Pete Beach, $5.7 million. Most communities intend to use the money for putting utilities underground.
Correction: Fixed allocation amount for Penny for Pinellas funds.
