BELLEAIR — State Rep. Kimberly Berfield presented a check for more than $8.5 million to Belleair officials last week, funds that have been earmarked for a trio of major infrastructure projects in town.
On Sept. 3, Berfield attended the Belleair Town Commission meeting toting an oversized check in the amount of $8,550,000, stating the money is to be used “for three major projects that will positively impact” the community: Belleair Barbara Circle phase two, addressing drainage and stormwater needs ($4.2 million); the Belleair Bluff Erosion Control construction project to help preserve the natural beauty, protect the infrastructure and address erosion concerns in the town’s scenic bluffs ($4 million); and $350,000 for a drainage improvement project that she said “is not something exciting or you can naturally see, but is extremely important” to address flooding and draining issues in the community.
“One of the most important parts of my job is making sure that your needs are actually heard in Tallahassee,” Berfield told the board. “And that means listening to local leaders and understanding the challenges they are facing and working together to find opportunities where we can offer support.”
She added, “Belleair has an incredible community to work with. Your leadership and staff have consistently done the work necessary to identify the important infrastructure needs to develop strong projects.”
After outlining the distribution of the funds, Berfield thanked town leaders, including Town Manager Gay Lancaster and Assistant Town Manager Ashley Bernal “for the support you have given, the homework you have done and the work that you have done to make our jobs easier in representing you in Tallahassee in securing these fund to make sure that this community remains the great community that it is.”
Mayor Mike Wilkinson then returned the praise, thanking Berfield “for all the support you’ve given us and will continue to give us in the future, as well. You’ve always been a great champion and advocate for Belleair, and we appreciate all you do. And thank you to Gay and Ashley for all your hard work, as well.”
Lancaster was quick to “give credit where credit is due” to Bernal for “all her hard work” with Berfield’s staff.
“We wouldn’t be here without you,” she said.