Town of North Redington Beach

May, 2006

Mayor Heads Big C

Mayor Bill Queen is the new president of the Barrier Island Governmental Council (Big C), a voluntary association of the beach communities from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach. The mayor was elected to the two-year post at the group’s last meeting in Madeira Beach on April 26. Council member Hoyt Hamilton of Clearwater is vice president and Mayor Linda Wilson of Redington Beach is treasurer.

The Big C deals with issues of common interest to the beach communities such as renourishment and the current push for Gulf Boulevard beautification.

At the June 8th meeting, the town commission shows their support for pedestrian safety.

June Is Pedestrian Safety Month

North Redington Beach has joined other Big C communities in passing a resolution declaring June to be pedestrian safety month.

The action is part of a coordinated effort to educate motorists and pedestrians alike on the changes that have been effected along Gulf Boulevard to enhance safe travel for both.

These include the addition of marked crosswalks and a reduction in the speed limit to 35 mph.

Strict enforcement is part of the education effort, and the number of citations issued for violations have jumped up in recent months as extra police patrols have hit the streets.

State law requires motorists to stop whenever a pedestrian enters a crosswalk. Educational materials have been widely distributed emphasizing this fact. These materials also caution pedestrians to use common sense in using the crosswalks, to make sure traffic is stopping when they signal their intent to cross. And, most importantly, to cross only at crosswalks.

Police have begun issuing warnings to pedestrians who are jaywalking.

New Palms Coming

The town commission has authorized the mayor to enter an agreement with the state Department of Transportation that will replace the existing palm trees in the medians along Gulf Boulevard with a new, more lush variety – medjool date palms.

The improvement is valued at $150,000, and is part of an ongoing state program to beautify state highways. North Redington Beach was selected because of its record in maintaining the existing medians.

It will enhance other efforts now being planned to beautify Gulf Boulevard, including a major program to bury all utility lines.

July 4 Plans Set

There will be a few changes this year, but the traditional July 4 celebration will take place with all the usual features.

Change number one involves the start time for the North Redington Beach parade. It will move up an hour to 9 a.m. Reason should be obvious. The parade will still conclude at Harold Radcliffe Park, and there will be refreshments served there.

The fireworks display this year will be housed at the County Park in Redington Shores instead of the pier. North Redington Beach, Redington Shores and Indian Shores are footing the bill. Beach areas north of the pier will probably provide the best viewing.

Once again, town officials are warning residents and tourists that setting off personal fireworks is illegal. A special detail of deputies will be patrolling the beach to insure compliance.