Pinellas County is considering major cuts to its Parks and Recreation budget in response to a $42 million budget shortfall. The proposed cuts include eliminating lifeguards at Fort De Soto and Sand Key, as well as the elimination of the Shell Key and Weedon Island Preserves.

Background

The budget shortfall is attributed to new state-imposed financial burdens, including required increases to pension funds for public safety and law enforcement officers. County Commissioner Brian Scott expressed dismay at the potential cuts but emphasized that the county has limited options with resources stretched thin.

County Commissioner Kathleen Peters, whose district includes Weedon Island, stated that the proposed budget reductions are not a final decision and remain under review as part of the budget approval process. The county budget presentation is scheduled for August 11, and commissioners will expect to vote on the final budget sometime in September.

Community Reaction

Friends of Weedon Island President Bill Fehring warned that withdrawal of county support would threaten the preserve’s survival as a heritage site. Lawyer and Democratic state House candidate Lindsay Poyega-Quigley condemned the cuts to lifeguards and parks, citing the risk of drownings in unmanned swimming areas.

Realtor and Republican candidate Melissa Rutland disagreed with the premise that fulfilling the commitment to public safety and law enforcement pensions must result in the defunding of local treasures like Weedon Island and Shell Key. She trusts that the Pinellas County Commission will identify more commonsense solutions to protect first responders’ pensions while continuing to fully fund parks.

Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.