Mayors to discuss possibility of beachwide fire district
By MARK DOTSON
Article published on Thursday, May 4, 2006  |
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – Mayors from each of the municipalities covered by the Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue District will meet at the invitation of the PSF&RD Board of Commissioners to discuss the possibility of a beachwide fire district.
Commissioner John Todia drafted a letter inviting the mayors of Belleair Shore, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores to form a committee to explore the option. Newly elected Indian Shores Mayor James Lawrence will chair the committee and the first meeting will be at Indian Shores City Hall on Thursday, May 18, 10 a.m.
Fire Chief John Leahy said the initial step would involve the four municipalities “and then once it’s scheduled out a little more then it’s pursuant to see if other mayors want to be involved.”
Madeira Beach and the Redingtons will likely be invited to the discussions, though Madeira Beach already has its own fire department.
“Until we talk to the mayors of the Redingtons and Madeira let’s not be too enthusiastic,” said Commissioner Bob McEwen.
“I think it’s a great way to go, a great start,” said Chairman Tom Hafner. “Let them study and consider the possibility of a beachwide fire department. Using those four as a catalyst to carry this thing through, however far it goes, that’s what this is for. We’re handing them the ball and it looks like they’re going to run with it.”
The fire district will have representatives in attendance at the meeting.
|
Article published on Thursday, May 4, 2006
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
