BELLEAIR BLUFFS — Incumbents Joe Barkley and David Roberts were sworn into office during the March 23 City Commission meeting after winning reelection March 10.
In a three-candidate race for two open seats, Barkley received 207 of the 546 votes cast, or 38%, while Roberts received 192, or 35%, according to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. Political newcomer Ana Hale, who serves on the city's planning board, received 147 votes, or 27%.
After being sworn in by City Clerk Alexis Silcox, both commissioners praised Hale.
"I'd also like to acknowledge that I got a very classy note from our opponent, Ana Hale," Roberts said. "I want to thank her for that."
Barkley echoed the sentiment and thanked his campaign manager and family members, including his 16-year-old granddaughter, Eva Grace, who held the Bible during his swearing-in.
"Thank you very much. I love all of you guys," said Barkley, who was first elected in 2009.
Fellow commissioners congratulated the pair.
"Congratulations, gentlemen. Great job," Mayor Chris Arbutine said. "Now comes the hard part."
Commissioner Karen Rafferty touted the benefit of continuity.
"There is something to be said for stability and continuity," Rafferty said. "I think that we've worked well together, and I'm glad to be able to continue that."
"Not to mention these are turbulent times," Arbutine added.
Roberts was unanimously selected to serve as vice mayor based on the city's rotation system. He was first elected in 2024.
Easter Egg Hunt, Hurricane Expo on tap
The city will host its second annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Belleair Bluffs City Park outside City Hall.
The event will be divided into three age brackets with staggered start times. Children must bring their own baskets, and all eggs will be empty — kids will receive a goodie bag after turning in their collection. Special prizes will be awarded for finding a "golden egg" during each hunt.
"We are all set, so bring your littles and bring baskets," Silcox said.
The city's Hurricane Expo, originally scheduled for May 23, has been moved to Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to avoid the Memorial Day weekend, Silcox said.
In recent years, the expo has grown to feature a roomful of vendors and officials providing information and demonstrations for residents as hurricane season approaches.
For more information, visit belleairbluffs.org.
