Frank DiDonato

The meeting commenced with the swearing in of potential witnesses and a review of hearing procedures. The primary agenda involved the review and acceptance of three affidavits of compliance related to previous code violations, specifically concerning unpermitted work (such as water heater installation and pavement work) at three different addresses (218 North Panelis, 607 Island Drive, and 1,400 Poinsetta Avenue). All three cases were reported as completed with no outstanding fines due. The Board subsequently voted to accept the affidavits. The minutes from the September 11, 2025, and October 9, 2025, meetings were also approved. Board members welcomed new members and an existing member returning from leave.

The session featured a special presentation regarding the 2025 annual Point In Time (PIT) count and HUD funding shifts, delivered by representatives from the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas and the Pinellas Continuum of Care board. Key findings from the 2025 PIT count were discussed, covering sheltered and unsheltered homelessness statistics, as well as data from the Pinellas County Jail and Schools. The presenters highlighted demographic disparities, noting the proportion of Black or African-American individuals in the homeless population. Primary causes of homelessness identified in the survey included financial and job losses, medical issues, family issues, and evictions. The discussion also touched upon the challenges posed by the local economy's reliance on tourism wages and the need for increased housing inventory matching the workforce needs, referencing the ALICE report. Furthermore, federal changes from HUD prioritizing crisis response and emergency shelters over permanent supportive housing were noted, and the need for continued strong street outreach and system coordination was emphasized. The commissioners expressed concern over potential upticks in homelessness in Tarpon Springs and noted increased homelessness among older adults (62-65 age bracket). A request was made for Tarpon Springs to have a designated seat on the Continuum of Care board to ensure better representation.

The work session focused on logo selection for destination branding. Presentations were made following extensive community engagement, including focus groups with various stakeholders such as business owners, students, civic groups, and faith-based organizations. Key strengths identified for Tarpon Springs included its heritage, history (especially Greek culture), parks, walkability, and the downtown area. A word cloud exercise revealed 'Greek,' 'lively,' 'welcoming,' and 'diverse' as top descriptors. Further exercises explored descriptive words and identified key symbols, with the tarpon winning as the favored symbol. The team also presented color tonalities informed by psychological associations and community input, particularly from the youth, to align with concepts like trust, stability, and energy, linking them to local features like water, nature, and sunsets. The session also detailed a proposal for defining and unifying districts (e.g., Downtown, Sponge, Greek Town) to tell their unique stories and encourage exploration by locals and visitors.

The meeting commenced with roll call and acknowledgment of guests. Key discussions included reviewing changes to the illuminated art box submissions, noting an artist's preference change for selected pieces and an inquiry regarding the inclusion of a historical photograph of a Bahamian sponger, which was noted as not meeting current contest criteria. The committee also addressed the approval of minutes from the December 3rd and January 7th special sessions. Old business involved detailed discussion on illuminated art box selections, including a submitted piece that was featured in a news report, raising questions about anonymity protocols. New business focused on extending the submission deadline for the storm drain mural project to allow for city staff submissions, which will consequently delay the evaluation of all mural project proposals.

The meeting included formal proceedings such as a reflection by Reverend Danny Bennett and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items involved the presentation and reading of two proclamations: one honoring Florida Arbor Day, which included a detailed discussion regarding tree removal fees and the city's Tree Bank fund, and another proclaiming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Following the proclamations, there was public comment. Topics raised included a suggestion for adding a screen to view the Epiphany church service, an inquiry about the repair of playground lights at Discovery Park, follow-up requests regarding opening Lime Street and traffic surveys, and an update on boundary line work near Rose Cemetery. A candidate for the upcoming commissioner election also invited residents to a League of Women Voters forum.