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News From the City of Treasure Island • June 5, 2024
City Hall • 10451 Gulf Blvd. |
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 In an effort to help keep Treasure Island Beach safe and protected on holidays such as Independence Day, the city will be enforcing current ordinances to curb the use of personal fireworks on the beach.
“Our beach is a beautiful place to spend the day on the 4th of July, to watch the sunset, and finish it off with our wonderful city fireworks display. However, the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors have become threatened over the past few years,” Mayor Tyler Payne said. “I have personally witnessed an inordinate number of personal fireworks being launched from our beach with minimal precautions. Our residents who want to enjoy the fireworks display their tax dollars fund now are hesitant to be on the beach because they are scared for their safety.”
Current city ordinances that will include the use of personal fireworks will be:
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City Ordinance: Building Fires Without a Permit - Fireworks will be considered as using an open flame on the beach.
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City Ordinance: Leave No Trace-Obstructions on Beach - Since fireworks leave debris and litter on the beach, they fall under the Leave No Trace ordinance.
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City Ordinance: Lighting/Beach Lighting - Light from fireworks is not sea turtle friendly and therefore not permitted during sea turtle nesting season.
“I have also personally experienced the amount of litter left behind by these fireworks,” Mayor Payne said. “I have volunteered for beach cleanups on the day after Independence Day and it is nearly impossible to pick up all the particles left behind. So not only is safety an issue, but it’s also having a horrible impact on our environment.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to celebrate responsibly, leave their fireworks at home, and enjoy the fireworks show hosted by the city. The Treasure Island Police Department will help educate people asking those who bring personal fireworks to the beach to take them back home or to their vehicles. The city will also help get the word out through social media, signs, variable message boards, etc.
“The amount and power of personal fireworks on the beach has increased significantly in the past few years. Last year we had multiple mortars and other devices being set off dangerously close to other beachgoers,” Treasure Island Police Chief John Barkley said. “We want people to enjoy the beach without fear of a misfire or fireworks ending up in an area they were not intended. Leave the fireworks to the professionals who have a large safety perimeter around their equipment.”
“My hope is that visitors will respect our rules, our residents, and our environment when coming to our beach this 4th of July,” Mayor Payne said. “We all love to celebrate our country, but let’s do it responsibly.”
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 There is new ParkMobile signage going up on side streets in the Sunset Beach neighborhood. Even though the signs are going up, enforcement has not begun. Messaging will go out to everyone when enforcement begins. The hourly rate for parking on these side streets will be $5 an hour during peak times to encourage visitors to park in parking lots.
Below is a timeline and link to videos to show how the city decided on these changes. This is a resident-led initiative due to congestion along streets, vehicles blocking driveways, safety, etc.
Sunset Beach Neighborhood Meeting | Sept. 24, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVKnbdX63Q8&t=4s
City Commission Workshop | April 18, 2023 (discussion starts at 2:02:45)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhaBWKQcb_8
City Commission Meeting | May 2, 2023 (discussion starts at 37:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpWtB9rsqg8&t=2253s
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 It's sea turtle nesting season, which means we must do our part in protecting these amazing creatures. Sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs between May and October, and it's important to respect their nesting areas and minimize disturbances. Here are some ways you can help keep sea turtles safe:
- Avoid using flashlights or cellphones on the beach at night, as it can disorient nesting turtles and their hatchlings.
- Fill in holes in the sand and flatten sandcastles before leaving the beach, as they can obstruct the path of sea turtles.
- Keep a safe distance from nesting turtles and do not touch or disturb them or their nests.
- Dispose of all trash properly and don't leave any items on the beach.
- Artificial lightning is disorienting to nesting and hatchling sea turtles. Sea turtles are less disturbed by the long wavelengths of light (560 nanometers or longer). Narrowband long wavelength lights appear amber, orange, or red in color.
By following these guidelines, we can all play a role in protecting sea turtles during nesting season. CLICK HERE for more information.
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 At last night’s City Commission Meeting, the Mayor, Commissioners, and city staff celebrated Brain Harris’s remarkable 20-year journey with the city of Treasure Island. Brian's hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed and have made him a valuable member of the team.
Brian began his career with the city in 2004 in the Grounds Department of Public Works. In 2017, he transitioned to the Custodial team, where his dedication and hard work shone through. In 2018, Brian was recognized as the runner-up for Employee of the Year, and in 2019, he advanced from Custodian II to Custodian III, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. Then in 2020, Brian was chosen by his peers as Employee of the Year.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brian is an avid Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, with Warren Sapp being his all-time favorite player. He enjoys life with his 16-year-old son, Jaylien, and his beloved pug, Max. Brian is also passionate about his hat collection, ensuring he never wears the same hat two days in a row.
Brian's 20 years with us are a testament to his loyalty, hard work, and the positive spirit he brings to our team every day. Treasure Island is incredibly fortunate to have him as a friend and colleague. Here's to many more years of outstanding service and friendship from Brian Harris!
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During the Treasure Island Commission meeting on June 4, SAL Squadron 158 Commander Gregory Tong presented an Award Trophy to Fire Chief Trip Barrs for the TIFR antique fire truck and Police Chief John Barkley for the TIPD antique police care.
In addition, Post 158 & Squadron 158 Chaplain, Richard Wasilik, presented awards and stipends to:
- American Legion Firefighter of the Year – TIFR FF/Paramedic Adam Drooger
- American Legion Fire Medic of the Year – TIFR FF/Paramedic Patrick Klemba
- American Legion Officer of the Year - TIPD Officer Danielle Martella
Congratulations!!
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 Treasure Island is on the hunt for passionate and experienced fitness instructors! Join us in promoting health and wellness in our community. CLICK HERE for more details.
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 Pinellas County’s rainy season fertilizer restrictions will take effect Saturday, June 1, and will last through Sept. 30.
- Lawn, landscape fertilizers with nitrogen and/or phosphorus may not be sold or used through Sept. 30.
- Phosphorus may not be used any time of year unless a soil test confirms the need.
- Keep fertilizer 10 feet away from the top of the bank of any surface water, landward edge of a seawall, or a designated wetland.
- Fertilizer runoff can pollute waterways and cause harmful algae blooms.
Find out more information by visiting https://pinellas.gov/fertilizer-landscape-information
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 Florida's 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be June 1-14. Consumers can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from tax during this time. Visit https://www.floridarevenue.com/disasterprep for more information.
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 Treasure Island has created a new "Report an Issue" webpage where you can easily find the correct contact for each department when reporting an issue. You can access the page directly at MyTreasureIsland.com/Issues or go to the main webpage and click on the “Report An Issue” button at the top of the page.
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Be sure to share this with your friends and family so they can vote too!
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 During a Special City Commission Meeting on May 15, the Mayor and Commissioners narrowed the search for a new City Manager down to five finalists and one alternate. The finalists are:
- Taylor Brown
- Charles Anderson
- James Slaton
- Scott Moye
- Thomas Yates
- Patrick Comiskey – alternate (will be considered if one of the finalists withdraws from the process)
What’s next?
The Commission will have an opportunity to meet each of the finalists in person and conduct interviews on June 19 and 20. They will meet individually with the candidates on June 19 before holding a public meeting on June 20 where the Commissioners will interview each candidate collectively.
There will also be a public reception to meet the candidates on the evening of June 19 at City Hall. More details coming soon.
You can find more updates on the city's City Manager search by visiting MyTreasureIsland.com/CMSearch.
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 Questions about Elevate T.I.? Submit any questions you have online and have our team answer them. Visit ElevateTI.com and click on the "Submit Question Here" button at the top of the page.
Why Elevate T.I.? CLICK HERE to check out this short video on our YouTube page.
Dates of Upcoming Discussions About Elevate T.I.:
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July 11 | 2 p.m. | Local Planning Agency Board Workshop | Ch. 68 discussion and all draft ordinances and manual provided for final content.
- July 18 | 6 p.m. | Local Plannig Agency Board Adoption Meeting
- Aug. 6 | 6 p.m. | City Commission Workshop
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Aug. 20 | 6 p.m. | City Commission 1st reading or second workshop
- Sept. 3 | 6 p.m. | City Commission 1st or 2nd reading
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 Treasure Island is offering dog lovers the opportunity to purchase a commemorative dog park paver to help expand the entranceway at the John Morroni Memorial Dog Park at Rosselli Park. The pavers are $150 each and measure 8" x 8" in size, with a vibrant Admiral Red color. Each paver can be personalized with up to 6 lines of text, with 20 characters per line including spacing and punctuation. This is a great way for dog lovers to leave a lasting mark in the community while supporting a beloved canine-centric space.
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