Last updated on May 22, 2022
In my newest Belleair, ever-increasing utility bill, I received a flyer from the Belleair Recreation Department. It appears Belleair Recreation Department leaders consider it in the best interest of Belleair residents to hold a “Family Golf Tournament.” A 2-day golf competition.
The flyer stated it was the 12th annual event. Before reading it in its entirety, I thought for a second, Belleair residents would have an opportunity to experience what Belleair is recognized for, its two Country Clubs and their three golf courses.
As I read on, I recognize something was extremely ironic. The Town of Belleair’s “Family Golf Tournament.” Hosted by the Recreation Department wasn’t being played in Belleair but at two separate golf courses, in two separate towns. Largo and Palm Harbor.
Belleair Country Club Pelican Golf Club
It a tragicomedy. Belleair has the state’s oldest golf course at the Belleair Country Club and the new Pelican Golf Club. The two private golf clubs and their three courses control 25% of Belleair’s total landmass.
Come one come all to Belleair’s 12th annual “Family Golf Tournament” in beautiful Palm Harbor, Fl. Kind of like having the US Open Tennis tournament in Hoboken, NJ.
You’d assume with all the bending over backward our town commissioners did to ensure the Pelican’s new owner’s requests for special treatment were satisfied. The town’s long-standing affiliation with the Belleair Country Club. A more resident-friendly private golf club. Belleair’s Recreation Department could have arranged an agreement allowing residents of Belleair to play a round of golf on their home course.
Conceivably by allowing new people to see what the clubs offer to get new members. Instead of having townies drive 45-to-60-minute to play a round of golf.
Is this the 12th annual golf outing hosted by Belleair’s Recreation Department? Held for the benefit of a majority of Belleair residents? Or to keep the Belleair Recreation Department busy?
How many Belleair residents have played in Belleair’s “Family Golf Tournament?” What kind of revenues did Belleair generate from the past 11 tournaments? How many residents were aware Belleair hosted 11 past “Family Golf Tournament?” It certainly was news to me.
Like last year’s annual Sunset 5K race sponsored by Belleair Rec, an event was held in Belleair. With a nice turnout of 389 entries, sadly, only 40 Belleair residents participated. That’s 1 percent of the town’s population.
A 1 Percent Participation
For a department that costs taxpayers more than our administration department, fire services, and the building department. A 1 percent participation of Belleair residents. In any town-sponsored event or promotion is a waste of time and money.
Does Belleair’s Recreation Department. Think with over 50% of Belleair’s population ranging from 55 – 75 years of age. A 5K run is what the majority would want if they even knew an event was taking place? Perhaps this is why the annual Sunset 5K race only had 40 residents participating,
A recreation department’s goal is to have activities to benefit most town’s residents, stay active within their comfort zone, and help them have fun. Thus, not indulging non-residents in participating in a town-organized event. At the same time, spending tax dollars on events that residents don’t want to or can’t participate in.
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