Town of North Redington Beach

July, 2006

Festive Fourth

The traditional July 4th celebration again attracted several hundred town residents to the parade and picnic, and many more than that to the fireworks gala, held this year in the Redington Shores County Park.

The few minor changes, an earlier start time and the change in venue for the fireworks, didn’t appear to dampen the enthusiasm of the participants. But the mid summer heat remains a problem.

Mayor Bill Queen said several people made suggestions at the picnic for changes that might be incorporated next year. That led him to open the door to the entire community to suggest ways to improve this long-standing community tradition.

If anyone wants to volunteer an idea, you can use the e-mail feature of this website. Click on the mayor’s picture and use the e-mail address that appears. Or you can call Town Hall at 391-4848. Or drop the mayor a line at Town Hall, 190 173rd Ave. North Redington, 33708.

Disaster Planning

A good part of the Town Commission’s regular meeting this month was devoted to a discussion of how the town government would deal with a major hurricane or other disaster.

Every newspaper and TV station this time of year keeps repeating how important it is for individuals to have a disaster plan. A place to go in case of evacuation orders. Enough essential supplies on hand for at least three to seven days.

Town officials also have to be prepared. To make sure emergency operations can function; to safeguard important records; and to provide for quick decisions that might be needed in any recovery.

For North Redington Beach, many plan elements will be provided by county and neighboring community agencies with whom the town contracts for essential services. These are constantly being reviewed, and Mayor Queen reported that work is under way now to fill any void in the planning.

Insurance Woes

Commissioner Curtis Blocker represented the town at a recent meeting convened by State Rep Leslie Watters to discuss the growing insurance problem in the state.

There has been lots of publicity on the escalating premium costs, making it next to impossible for some families to handle. Commissioner Blocker said there is a concurrent problem of availability. With so many commercial insurance companies pulling out of the market, many homeowners are unable to find coverage regardless of cost.

The Legislature in the session just concluded took a couple steps to alleviate the situation, but most agree they fell far short of meeting the problem. At the moment, most hope for a solution seems centered on a Governor’s Task Force created to study the issue.

The group will meet with Rep. Watters in another two weeks. Commissioner Blocker would like to have specific instances of the problems local residents may be facing to share with them. Anyone who has had a particular problem they are willing to share should contact the Commissioner. You can use this web site. Click his name on the officials' page and send an e-mail.

In the meantime, residents may want to check out several web sites for assistance. If you want to take advantage of state grants to help safeguard your property, go to www.mysafefloridahome.com. If you are a business owner having trouble getting insurance, go to www.floir.com. This is a Department of Insurance site that may be able to link businesses with insurers.

News Notes

The Commission will begin deliberations on next year’s budget with a workshop at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 20 in Town Hall. All workshop meetings are open to the public……….The Commission passed a resolution endorsing the extension of the Penny for Pinellas sale tax through 2020. The Board of County Commissioners is looking to put the issue on the ballot in March 2007. The extension is especially important to the Gulf beach communities. It would be the primary source of funding the placement of all utility lines underground…….Beach renourishment continues moving this way. It is expected the North Redington beaches will be getting new sand around the end of the month...... Indian Rocks Beach will host County Appraiser Jim Smith for a discussion of how properties are evaluated on July 25th at City Hall. The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. There is a movement among small business owners in the Gulf communities challenging current methods.