Voters To Elect Pinellas City Council, Commission Members Tuesday

PINELLAS BEACH, FL — Residents in five south Pinellas County cities will head to the polls Tuesday to elect city officials.

Belleair Beach will vote on a mayor for the city. Running for the post are incumbent Mayor Joseph Manzo and current council member and Vice Mayor Dave Gattis.

The only incumbent council member running for re-election is Robyn Ache, who was elected to the City Council in 2019.

Council member Rita Swope has decided not to seek re-election, leaving three seats on the council open.

Running for the seats are Lloyd Roberts, Berc Sarafian, Jody Shirley, Lynda Kathryn Welch and Mike Zabel. The three candidates with the most votes will be elected to the council.

Belleair Bluffs also has two open council seats. Running to fill those seats are Joe Barkley, Darlene Kavanagh and Taylour Shimkus. The top two vote getters will win the seats.

In Redington Shores, incumbent Jennie Blackburn will defend her District 1 commission seat against Tom Kapper.

In St. Pete Beach, incumbent City Commissioner Chris Graus is being challenged by Terri Finnerty.

Madeira Beach will vote on two city commissioners.

Running for District 1 commissioner are Helen "Happy" Price and David Tagliarini.

Running for District 2 commissioner are Charles "Chuck" Dillon and Ray Kerr.

Madeira Beach residents will also vote on charter amendments and a referendum:

Charter Amendment 1

Elector and Residence Requirement for Candidates Seeking the Office of Mayor or District Commissioner would require those seeking the offices of mayor or commissioner to be a resident of Madeira Beach for one year.

Charter Amendment 2

Candidate Petition Forms Requirement for Candidates Seeking the Office of Mayor or District Commissioner requiring 25 voters to sign a petition and delete the petition fee requirement.

Charter Amendment 3

Elections Held in March Each Year for the Purpose of Electing Successors to Elective Offices to provide for all elections in the city to be held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in March except the presidential preference primary.

Referendum Question

Authorize the Sale of the Real Property Located at 13222 3rd Street E.

The city proposes to sell the property consisting of a vacant residential lot located at 13222 3rd Street E. for an amount equal to or in excess of its fair market value.

The town of Belleair has a charter amendment on the ballot to let voters decide whether to abolish the town's police department.

Redington Beach has two referendums on its ballot.

Referendum Candidate Qualifying and Town Election Dates regarding establishing a filing period for mayor and commissioner candidates from the first Friday of December through 1 p.m. on the third Friday of December, and to change the date for elections for mayor and commissioner to the first Tuesday after the second Monday in March, except the presidential preference primary election.

Ratification of 2008 Ordinance Defining Vacation Rentals as not a Permitted Residential Use, prohibiting short-term rentals, subletting and transient uses of residential structures with limited exceptions.

Polls are open until 7 p.m.

For information, contact the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections office.