St. Pete Beach commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to move forward with a $1.5 million rehabilitation plan for three sewage lift stations that were damaged during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The upgrades, detailed by St. Pete Catalyst, will raise electrical controls above the base flood elevation, install permanent backup generators, and build elevated platforms roughly 13 to 14 feet tall to keep wastewater flowing during future storms.
The three stations are:
- Lift Station 7 at Belle Vista Triangle Park – $514,000
- Lift Station 10 at Fisherman’s Park near Corey Avenue – $541,000
- Lift Station 4 near Pass‑a‑Grille Marina – $500,000
Construction is funded through the city’s wastewater utility and is expected to be finished by July 2027.
Public Services Director Camden Mills explained that the elevated equipment will protect the system from flood‑related damage, a problem that forced residents to avoid flushing toilets, showers, and dishwashing after Hurricane Milton. The city’s wastewater utility has already inspected about 98.5 % of its pipes and 85 % of its manholes, identifying needed repairs.
Neighborhood concerns surfaced during the meeting. Belle Vista resident Greg Premer said the proposed structure at the park “looks like a large garage” and that “nobody wanted this structure in front of our neighborhood.” He nevertheless acknowledged the broader benefit, noting, “We’re kind of taking one for the team for everybody down south of us.” Residents asked for wood‑look fencing, additional landscaping, and a monument sign. Mayor Scott Tate said a $30,000 request for those amenities was “not unreasonable,” while Commissioner Jon Maldonado warned that such “want versus need” items might require voluntary community contributions rather than public funds.
At Fisherman’s Park, commissioners discussed ways to make the elevated generator less imposing in the limited waterfront space, including decorative wraps or artwork from local artists. The city agreed to revisit those ideas next year without delaying the core improvements.
Lift Station 4, located between The Wharf restaurant and Pass‑a‑Grille Marina, raised safety concerns about the marina’s mechanical boat lift. Staff recommended removing fencing, adjusting a curb, and modifying a landscaped median to reduce collision risk. Maldonado supported the changes, emphasizing that protecting the sewer system must not compromise nearby businesses.
Commissioners approved the Belle Vista project and will revisit the beautification requests in June 2027. The decorative‑wrap options for Fisherman’s Park will be reconsidered next year, and all three lift‑station upgrades are slated for completion by July 2027.
Sources: stpetecatalyst.com
