0:28A significant highlight of the meeting was the recognition of the Treasure Island Police Department’s reaccreditation by the Commission for Florida Accreditation. The department, which first received accreditation in 2021, completed the rigorous process without any corrective actions required. This achievement was particularly noteworthy given the operational challenges posed by a recent hurricane. Chief Barkley emphasized the demanding nature of the reaccreditation process, stating that it required concrete evidence of compliance with best practices and standards, rather than mere verbal assurances. Acknowledging the department’s dedication, an award was presented, and a photo opportunity took place with the team responsible for maintaining these high standards.

Disaster recovery efforts were another key topic of discussion. Rick Morales, a Public Information Officer from the SBA, provided an update on disaster assistance, noting that the deadline for applications had been extended to April 27. Residents and businesses affected by recent disasters were encouraged to apply for zero-percent interest loans, which many are using for mitigation efforts in conjunction with FEMA assistance. Morales urged constituents to visit the Business Recovery Center at Epicenter College, cautioning that these centers may close if application numbers dwindle.

Brandy Long, a community member from Sunshine Beach, expressed appreciation for new permitting policies and inquired about the status of damaged walkovers. In response, City Manager Chuck Anderson assured her that the walkovers were among the city’s top priorities, with a Request for Proposals (RFP) in progress to repair the 22 affected structures. However, Anderson noted that a definitive timeline for completion was not yet available.

The City Manager’s report provided further updates across various departments. In Economic Development, Joan Goodridge was leading efforts to submit funding requests to the federal Economic Development Administration for recovery projects. Public Works announced the planned closure of the Bascal Bridge for maintenance and the imminent demolition of the old city hall and Public Works Administration Building. Furthermore, the fire and police chiefs were collaborating on a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for designing a new public safety facility. An after-action report on hurricane responses was being compiled, with staff training planned to integrate lessons learned from these emergencies.

In the realm of community services, fire rescue reported responding to 26 calls in the past week, including a water rescue. They are also offering Safe Sitter classes to teach essential safety skills to students. Meanwhile, the Community Development Department highlighted an increase in permit processing, with 1,887 permits issued, surpassing the previous week by 160. A recent visit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection found no deficiencies in the city’s permitting processes impacting recovery efforts.

Attention was also given to financial matters, as the Finance Department continued its collaboration with Tyler Technologies to test transaction flows between departments. Meetings with the county property appraiser aimed to assess potential tax revenue impacts from recent hurricanes. A considerable claim for debris costs amounting to $1.43 million had been submitted to FEMA.

34:28Further discussions during the meeting focused on ongoing and future initiatives. A grant for debris management, known as Islands Debris Grant number 34, was acknowledged, with gratitude extended to local and state finance departments. The introduction of Florida’s new storm preparedness initiative, Elevate Florida, was announced, with Treasure Island set to host an information session on March 12. This statewide residential mitigation program aims to reduce damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

County Commissioner Kathleen Peters updated attendees on recovery priorities concerning the $813 million in HUD funding allocated to the county. An action plan focusing on residential rebuilding must be established by May 2025 to assist those directly impacted by recent disasters. Additionally, concerns about the city’s financial oversight were raised, emphasizing the necessity for closer monitoring of fiscal reports, particularly in light of potential revenue declines from property taxes. A request was made for more frequent reviews of various funds to prevent any potential financial crises.

The meeting also addressed community events and engagement. The success of a recent community event was noted, with no incidents requiring police intervention despite a large crowd. Local businesses were acknowledged for their contributions, and Commissioner Crable expressed gratitude for community support at the recent Fireman’s Chili Cook-Off, which saw significant participation and exceeded ticket sales expectations.

53:26The commission proceeded to approve several items on the consent agenda, including an amendment to the contract for the annual Run for the Beach 5K run and a memorandum agreement with the State of Florida regarding federal immigration enforcement actions. The meeting moved to the first item of business, approving Ordinance 20251, which temporarily expands timeframes for special events to aid businesses in recovery efforts.