The plan’s update process was notably thorough, encompassing 13 distinct elements with respective goals, objectives, and policies. Central to the board’s agenda was the consideration of amendments proposed based on feedback from the Ford Pinellas preliminary consistency review and public engagement activities such as surveys and workshops. One aspect of the discussion was whether to vote on the plan without legal counsel present, a notion that split the board members. Despite the divergence of comfort levels, a consensus was reached to proceed with the discussion and possibly vote based on the information and public feedback received.

The proposed changes to the plan’s text were comprehensive, with particular attention paid to the historic and cultural resources element, implementation work plan, and data analysis methods, including updates to regional evacuation maps and the local historic district’s regulatory status. The designation of the fire station location and the label “other historic sites” on the historic resources map ignited debates, leading to the suggestion of its removal to prevent confusion.

Public comments formed a part of the meeting, with community members participating in the discourse. The board set a four-minute limit per speaker to ensure an orderly process. Concerns raised included confusion over the information on Orange Street, inquiries about the boundaries of the Greektown area, and the change in land use map designation for a particular property. Staff offered clarifications and addressed the public’s questions.

A contentious topic that emerged from the public comments was the potential increase in permitted lodging units from 30 to 40 in an industrial area adjacent to a residential neighborhood. Residents questioned the necessity and impact of this increase, particularly concerning noise and disturbance, with one individual offering to collect signatures to oppose the change. Despite the contention, the board clarified that the increase pertained to lodging density for hotels and motels rather than residential density.

Further public concerns included the scheduling of the comprehensive plan’s adoption, with aspirations for completion by September or October. The schedule’s maintenance was debated alongside the general presence of attorneys at planning and zoning meetings. The board also contemplated jurisdictional issues with Pinellas County concerning road improvements and the need for public involvement in decision-making processes. This discussion highlighted the city’s limited jurisdiction over county roads like Wickham Boulevard and Anclote Road.

Moreover, community members voiced their frustrations over the delay in Anclote Road Improvement Project and the absence of sidewalks in the northern parts of the city. The board acknowledged these issues, pointing out the availability of funds for sidewalk construction and the charter review committee’s consideration of the matter.

The effectiveness of public notices and the drive for increased public engagement were recurrent themes. The board also invited the community to volunteer for city boards and commissions to facilitate public input in the planning process.

The board members deliberated on the implications of the proposed changes, including the impact on zoning policies for residential areas, the potential development of hotels, the sale of airspace for such developments, and the property’s suitability for Marina use.