Ceremony marks Peace Pole installation
TARPON SPRINGS – Community members, city leadership, and local organizations gathered for the installation ceremony of the Tarpon Springs Peace Pole on Sept. 21 in the field near the Tarpon Springs Splash Park. The project was a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Tarpon Springs, Peace 4 Tarpon, and the City of Tarpon Springs.
The Peace Pole stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and a shared commitment to peace within the community, organizers said in a press release. Featuring the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transcending our differences and celebrating our common humanity.
City waives permit penalties
TARPON SPRINGS — The city is waiving penalty fees for after-the-fact building permits through Dec. 31, to help residents bring storm-damaged properties into permitting compliance and support long-term recovery.
This decision is in coordination with Pinellas County, which has waived fees for residents in unincorporated areas.
Building permits, including after-the-fact permits for work completed without one, are required for all repairs to any structures, including manufactured homes, located in floodplains affected by last year’s storms. Securing proper permits helps protect homeowners from future issues such as FEMA audits, reduced property values, complications during property sales, and ineligibility for recovery funds.
Residents should apply for permits for any storm-related repairs that have already been completed or are still underway, including work on drywall, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical components and/or systems. Additional documentation may be required for properties in flood-prone areas.
Applications, required forms, and status tracking are available through the city’s Hurricane Related Topics & Permit Information web page. Staff are available to guide residents through the process and ensure all documentation is complete.
Tarpon girl takes part in service day
BOSTON — Miranda Myers of Tarpon Springs joined with more than 360 first-year students at Emmanuel College to during the school’s New Student Day of Service.
Rising early on the last day of summer vacation, the students volunteered at food shelves, homeless shelters, and other organizations that meet vital community needs through the day of service.
Girl Scouts gather at encampment
PALM HARBOR – Girl Scouts from across the council came together at Camp Wai Lani in Palm Harbor Sept. 19–21 for the annual How to Train Your Dragon–themed encampment.
The weekend features kayaking, canoeing, archery, ziplining, a challenge course, dragon-themed crafts and other activities. Scouts gain hands-on leadership experience and teamwork skills.
The latest encampment was organized by Tiffany Postma, Troop 3503. Postma coordinated volunteers, meals, activity schedules and more.