Town of North Redington Beach

June, 2006

Pedestrian Safety Month

The Town Commissioners did their part at their June meeting to join with other beach communities in promoting pedestrian safety. The bright yellow T-shirts each commissioner wore to the meeting is a symbol of the coordinated beach effort to sharpen public awareness of new safety measures that have been installed among the beach communities to make the towns safer.

These include a reduced speed limit and the addition of needed crosswalks with strict enforcement of the state law that requires motorists to stop for pedestrians when they enter the crosswalk.

The emphasis on safety began late last year, and since the beginning of this year, communities have gone to great lengths to educate the public, enhance engineering and crack down on violators with extra police details for enforcement.

As part of the continuing effort, Mayor Bill Queen announced that state officials would soon add pedestrian actuated flasher lights to the crosswalks at the north and south ends of Gulf Boulevard in North Redington Beach. One more step to call attention to the existence of the walks and the requirement for motorists to stop for pedestrians who use them.

Busse Appointed

Steve Busse, a prominent realtor, was appointed to the Town’s Planning & Zoning Board, moving up from an alternate’s position that he held previously. Busse fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Marilyn K. Hall, who has moved from the city.

Gulf Boulevard Improvements Moving Ahead

Town counsel is reviewing an interlocal agreement that would commit the Town and Pinellas County to work jointly on the beautification of Gulf Boulevard, including moving all utility lines underground.

The project is proceeding in stages, with the agreement’s first step calling for a detailed assessment by a landscape architect/ designer to determine exactly what features the Town would need to provide in addition to what is already in place to meet the intent of street beautification objectives.

The general approach the County is pursuing would have the Towns assume these costs while the County covers the cost of undergrounding. Officials are looking toward the end of this year to begin developing detailed plans.

Beach Renourishment

If the current pace of work is maintained, the County’ project to replenish sand on the beaches from Sand Key southward will be completed in North Redington Beach in late July or early August. Equipment is currently stationed in Indian Shores.

This year’s work, coming on the heels of two damaging years of violent storms will not only restore the beach’s recreational potential, but also provide an added measure of safety.

Special efforts were made this year to use much finer sand, free of rock and shells. Reaction of beach users in the areas already completed has been very favorable.

July 4 Reminder

Another reminder that traditional July 4 activities this year incorporate a few changes from the past.

Change #1. The parade will start at 9 a.m., forming at Addie Graham Park on 173rd and proceeding through Town to Harold Radcliffe Park. Hot dogs, soft drinks and recognition of town volunteers will take place as usual at the conclusion of the parade.

Change #2. Fireworks this year will be launched from the Park in Redington Shores across from the Friendly Tavern. Best viewing sites along the beach are expected to be north of the pier.