Summary
To: Town Commission
From: Gay Lancaster, Town Manager
Date: 4/21/2026
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Subject:
Title
Belleair Creek Discussion
Summary:
A review of the Town’s records indicates the creek was an element of the Pinellas County Master Drainage Plan in 1976 and later included as part of a proposed multi-agency drainage improvement project in 2000. It also appears that nothing actually happened and no additional studies were undertaken, however, the creek continues to be a source of concern for the residents who own property along its path.
Since the storm events in 2024, Town staff, our Town attorney, engineers and consultants, as well as Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have met and researched issues relating to authority, ownership and requirements for maintenance of the waterway.
The attached illustrations depict ownership and easements along the creek and help to clarify the limitations to the Town’s access to the waterway. Where there is no easement, there is essentially no access.
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Body
Recommendation: Staff recommend a public meeting at which interested parties are invited to ask questions and discuss their concerns with the agencies and consultants who have knowledge of the creek, as well as their role as it relates to its maintenance.
Proposed Motion: No motion needed, this item is only for discussion.