Special Meeting--March 2023

 Special General Meeting-March 2023

—The meeting began at 7 pm and was attended by Board members Pat, Michelle, Rhonda, Heather, Carlos, Joe, and Virginia. This Special meeting was called so we could invite Mayor Trantalis to speak. Heather led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

—FLPD Crime report had good news. Crime is down in our area; they reported one burglary. Purses were stolen, then returned. Our neighbor, Jarrod, on 18th Court, continues to report speeders on his street. Ofc. Jackson recommends reporting the speeder but adds that they cannot make an arrest if an FLPD officer did not witness the speeding. Jarrod is petitioning his neighbors to agree to speed bumps on 18th Court. Once he has all the required signatures, he can get on the list with the City for the speed bumps.

—TIP-A-COP is a program where FLPD officers serve as celebrity waiters in various restaurants in town. They donate all the tips they receive to the Special Olympics. They can be found at Tap 42, Red Lobster, Slackers, Chick-Fil-A, and other local restaurants. Look for them and help raise money for the Special Olympics!

—Our speaker tonight was Mayor Dean Trantalis. He reported that the new Police Department facility would begin construction next-door to the east of the existing station. The old one will be torn down when the new one is complete.

—The Mayor is a big fan of the affordable housing being built in various locations in the City. He considers it a success.

—Five-Ash water treatment facility is not producing suitable water and cannot withstand a Category 1 hurricane. A new, very expensive water treatment plant will be built to replace Five Ash. Various audience members commented about the water bills increasing. The Mayor reminded them that the water bill includes trash pick up and sewage treatment in addition to water usage.

— Q and A with the Mayor tonight regarding the Pickleball development at Snyder Park revealed that he is very much in favor of the project, though not fully aware of the contract terms with the developer. CPCA Pres. Pat Rathburn and VP Michelle DiMaria attended the DRC (Development Review Committee) meeting that discussed the contract terms between Snyder Park and the developer earlier today. Croissant Park was denied the status to speak at the meeting. Mayor Trantalis was unaware of this and guaranteed that Croissant Park would have status at the next DRC meeting. 

—The tree ordinance that prohibits cutting trees without a permit is not being enforced. Mayor says they are not listening at the City.

—According to the Mayor, the “Tesla Tunnel” from Performing Arts to the beach is on hold. Price tag of $100 million. Also on hold is a project connecting the airport and the port, a $200 billion project.

—Mayor Trantalis addressed the many concerns affecting our quality of life, one of which is the many high-rise buildings being built that will create excessive traffic and burden our aging infrastructure. 

—A big Thank You to My Market for providing sandwiches for tonight's meeting. Thanks to Carlos for setting that up. And thank you, Michelle, for the desserts and beverages you provide at all the meetings!

Minutes by Virginia

Pictures by Rhonda