INDIAN SHORES — The country’s 250th anniversary was celebrated and enjoyed by families, residents and visitors in Indian Shores. Indian Shores Police Department officers had the situation in hand over the holiday, and subsequently received accolades from both council members and attendees alike at the July 14 Town Council meeting. In the recent wake of “teen takeovers” nationwide, that’s saying something.
Indian Shores resident and business owner Katrena Hale came to the podium to express her appreciation for the outstanding job the department did throughout the Independence Day holiday.
“This was the easiest Fourth of July I can remember in the last 26 years,” said Hale during citizens’ comments.
In recent years, the department had been inundated with complaints during Beach Week and the Fourth of July about juvenile drinking, curfew violations, trespass violations and related concerns. This year there were only minimal issues.
According to Chief Lee Ann Holroyd’s report submitted at the meeting, “Excellent preparation, strong show of support and copious communication really made Beach Week and the Fourth of July a success.”
Deputy Chief Danny Doherty explained one of the most effective tactics used was hosting an “amnesty bin.” Before teens could set foot on the beach, they had the opportunity to surrender any illegal items they had in their possession and thereby avoid arrest. Officers collected alcohol, drugs, weapons and fireworks in this amnesty bin.
The report concluded that, “A strong Incident Action Plan and outstanding partnership with PCSO squashed problems as they arose and allowed for a fantastic network of communication through the barrier island.”
Staff member receives certificate of appreciation
Mayor Diantha Schear presented a certificate of appreciation to Public Services staff member Lucas Pettit who will be leaving his employment with the town to serve in the United States Coast Guard as of July 24.
Pettit served the town of Indian Shores for two years, beginning his employment on June 18, 2024. Highlights of Pettit’s time with the town included administering a life-saving technique to rescue a fellow worker from choking, and staying on active duty to help secure the town and the municipal building during Hurricane Helene.
“The town of Indian Shores extends its deepest appreciation to Lucas Pettit for his unwavering commitment to the town and wishes him continued success, and happiness in his future endeavors,” said the mayor.
Millage rate and cost of living increases considered
The proposed tentative millage rate of 1.87 mills was unanimously passed 4-0 with council member Nick Menchise absent. Council unanimously approved the Administration and Finance Committee’s recommendation of a 2.6% cost of living adjustment based upon CPI-W ending Dec. 31. Council also approved the Administration and Finance Committee’s recommendation of a 2.4% salary increase for all non-exempt personnel and 1.4% for all exempt personnel effective Oct. 1, 2026.
Three site plan reviews approved
Quasi-judicial hearings addressing three site plan reviews along with recommendations from the Planning, Zoning and Building Committee on each resulted in all three site plans being unanimously approved by the council. Building Official Brian Rusu said that the site plans “met all town ordinances and requirements.”
The approved site plans included a condominium with five floors over parking at 18840 Gulf Blvd. and two single-family homes.