Dave Gattis was elected as the vice president of the Barrier Islands Governmental Council in a recent meeting that also focused on pressing environmental concerns. The election was followed by Gattis taking the oath of office, facilitated by the town clerk. The council’s agenda then progressed to address several critical initiatives and community updates.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by a local environmental activist named Colin, who has gained widespread attention through his TikTok platform for his beach cleanup efforts. Colin’s presentation underscored the need for daily action to address the litter problem plaguing local beaches. He highlighted his collaboration with Visit St. Pete Clearwater on the “Unwind and Be Kind” campaign, which encourages voluntourism – a combination of tourism and volunteering. Colin’s proposal for toy boxes to collect left-behind plastic beach toys has seen implementation in numerous beach communities.

Colin’s social media influence, with millions of followers, has played a role in promoting environmental consciousness. He emphasized the importance of educating the public about the detrimental effects of litter, such as its impact on sea turtles, and pointed out consumer preferences leaning towards eco-friendly options. Colin’s partnerships with organizations like PBS, Gandy cleanup, and DHL demonstrate a broad network of support for sustainable practices. His efforts culminated in a successful beach cleanup that exemplified the community’s potential for collective action.

The council also discussed the importance of proactive messaging to increase community involvement in environmental conservation, such as littering prevention and adherence to beach regulations, including dog restrictions. There was a debate on the effectiveness of using a boat with advertisements to promote council messages versus relying on word of mouth and community engagement.

Furthermore, the council considered the proposal to incorporate flood mitigation information into their meetings, acknowledging the need to address environmental issues that directly affect the community. Reports from various cities within the council revealed ongoing initiatives, including beach re-nourishment and the search for a new city manager.

On the legislative front, the council welcomed a legislative update from Representative Bernie Jacqu, who reported on the allocation of funds for public safety, education, and economic development, with a highlight on the investment in a new entrepreneurship center aimed at boosting tourism. Additionally, Jacqu informed the council about the successful push to increase the state’s minimum wage and efforts toward bringing high-paying jobs to the area through infrastructure and education initiatives.

A legislative update on behalf of a representative celebrated the passage of a bill outlawing the intentional release of balloons, aimed at protecting beaches, wildlife, and the cattle industry from the hazards of balloon litter. The treasurer’s report also took center stage, revealing a low balance in the council’s fund. A motion was seconded and approved for each representative city to contribute $100 to replenish the council’s funds.