INDIAN SHORES — The town administrator, rather than the police chief, would decide who gets a permit to park a boat, trailer or recreational vehicle in town under an ordinance the Town Council advanced Aug. 19.
The council approved the ordinance 4-0 on first reading. Council member Mark Housman was absent.
The town’s existing ordinance requires a permit to have, keep, allow or park any boat, trailer, utility trailer or RV on public or private property, and it puts the police chief in charge of issuing them. The new version shifts that authority to the town administrator or a designee.
No other changes were made. Definitions, the permit requirement, conditions of a permit, the ban on habitation and the prohibition on overnight street parking all carry over unchanged.
Shark ordinance repealed
The council gave final approval to repealing the town’s shark ordinance, which regulated shark fishing near shore. The vote was unanimous.
The Florida Constitution vests the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the state’s regulatory power over wild animal life, freshwater aquatic life and marine life. Because the state has preempted regulation of the taking or possession of saltwater fish, including sharks, the town concluded it could not enforce the ordinance.
New building permit fee schedule
The council unanimously adopted a new fee schedule for the town’s Building Department to comply with a new state law. All permit fees will now be assessed as a flat fee, regardless of a project’s valuation.
Town Clerk Freddie Lozano said the Planning and Zoning Board recommended the council approve the resolution.
Sheriff’s Office agreement renewed
The council unanimously renewed the town’s annual agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for ancillary services supporting the Indian Shores Police Department for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Vice Mayor Mike Howard asked Police Chief Lee Ann Holroyd whether the proposed cost was in line with what other agencies pay.
“Very reasonable,” Holroyd said.
Community center reserved for Christmas party
The council unanimously approved a request from the Indian Shores Property Owners Association to reserve the fourth-floor community center for its Christmas party on Dec. 7. Rental fees will be waived.
Eagle Scout beach toy project approved
The council also unanimously approved an Eagle Scout project, “Leave Only Footprints Toy Stations,” that will place containers of beach toys at the town’s beach access points.
The stations work much like the free-book kiosks found in many neighborhoods, giving visitors toys to use and a place to leave them rather than on the sand.
“The Eagle Scouts will be responsible for fundraising and managing the project,” Mayor Diantha Schear said.