A central topic was the application for a demolition permit for a property severely impacted by a hurricane, located on Reed Street. The property, described as structurally unsound due to flooding, became the subject of an discussion concerning the balance between historical preservation and safety. The property owner argued that catastrophic flooding had rendered the structure irreparable, while concerns arose regarding the potential precedent such a demolition could set for other properties in the area. The commissioners grappled with the notion of economic hardship and allegations of demolition by neglect. The decision was pending further input from the Historic Preservation Board.

Parallel to the demolition debate, storm preparedness was a key focus of the meeting. Mayor Panagiotis Koulias declared June as Hurricane Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of readiness as the city entered hurricane season. Chief Scott Young provided a comprehensive briefing on storm preparedness, highlighting the need for residents to heed evacuation orders and prepare for potential disasters. He presented a somber reflection on the previous hurricane season, which resulted in 17 fatalities in the Tampa Bay area, predominantly from drownings in mobile home parks. Chief Young urged residents to be vigilant about the dangers posed by lithium batteries during storms, as they could ignite if exposed to water. He also outlined the city’s limited shelter options and the special needs program that offers transportation to shelters, stressing the importance of preparation for both residents and their pets.

In addition to storm preparedness, the board addressed water safety regulations, particularly regarding PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have raised health concerns. Public Services Director Tommy Kiger updated the board on the city’s proactive measures to address PFAS in drinking water. Tarpon Springs operates a reverse osmosis treatment plant that has shown no detectable PFAS levels in its finished water. Kiger announced that the city expects to receive approximately $4.26 million from a settlement with DuPont, which will be used to restore legacy freshwater wells that had been taken offline due to PFAS concerns. This funding is anticipated to support capital projects aimed at maintaining safe water standards.

The board also discussed the authorization of increased weekend staffing at Sunset Beach and Craig Park to manage traffic and parking compliance. The proposal, costing approximately $11,000 over 15 to 16 weeks, was intended to address challenges experienced during busy weekends. The discussion included considerations of whether part-time staff or police officers should handle the management of parking and boating ramp permit requirements. The board unanimously supported the staffing proposal, recognizing the need for better management during peak times.

Further business items included a budget amendment for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to allocate additional funds for capital projects and the approval of changes to the holiday meeting schedule to avoid conflicts with major holidays. The planning director presented an interlocal agreement with Pinellas County concerning the administration of impact fees related to new developments.