Last updated on August 10, 2020
Way to go, Belleair Buffs. A big pat on the back to Commissioner Shimkus, Public Works supervisor Russ Schmader and grant writer Linda Fisher of Forward Pinellas.
Belleair Bluff’s $50K grant was just a small part of the $12.3 million in grant money available. Commissioner Shimkus said, and a lot of it was competitive. “We worked hard for three years, and we finally got it,” she said. “I am so excited.” And she should be. This method improves its resident’s lifestyle. Without straining the town’s budget!
Commissioner Shimkus announced at the July City Commission meeting. Belleair Bluffs’ $50,000 grant is for playground equipment.
The grant does not require matching funds from the city. So, Belleair Bluffs residents will enjoy. The playground enhancements. Funded by a state grant from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program.
The children’s playground at City Hall will have updated equipment for the first time in nearly 20 years.
While in a 4-3 vote, the Belleair Beach City Council voted not to accept a grant that would have helped improve Bayside Park. The $200,000 grant would have required matching funds, meaning the city would have to spend $200,000 on the approved Bayside Park improvements to receive the grant money.
Council members appeared to favor accepting the grant at that time. Still, some had questions about the items included, especially the public restrooms, and the affordability of spending the money needed to get the grant funds.
Twenty-four small communities throughout the state of Florida, including two in Central Florida, will receive a total of $16.2 million from the state to upgrade infrastructure and housing rehabilitation.
I couldn’t find any public records. Belleair applied for any of this grant money?
Belleair home to 22 parks may prefer to use tax dollars or rely on the town’s big donors.
Helping confirm what we already know—that good news itself is not in short supply. Only that writing about it is.
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