At the Dec. 11 commission meeting, numerous residents from Madeira Beach and nearby areas advocated for the reopening of the John’s Pass jetty. The sentiment has continued since then, especially among local businesses who benefit from it.

The jetty was closed due to safety concerns after sustaining damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with the concrete sidewalk turning into rubble. Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks proposed immediate action to clear the debris, allowing access to the natural rock formation for fishing and leisure activities.

Last month, City Manager Robin Gomez highlighted the damage to the jetty, which led to its closure. This situation was exacerbated by a lawsuit settled earlier in the year where a person tripped on the uneven sidewalk, resulting in a $50,000 settlement from the city’s insurer and contributions from Pinellas County.

During the meeting, locals like Alex Peterson from St. Pete Beach praised the jetty’s cultural significance, noting its popularity among around 3,000 local anglers and tourists interested in wildlife and scenic views. Greg Rizzio emphasized the community’s frustration over the jetty’s inaccessibility.

The commission unanimously decided to remove the concrete debris to reopen the jetty, with plans for “assumption-of-risk” signs as mentioned by City Attorney Thomas Trask.

Community Outreach and Other Discussions

The meeting also touched on improving community communication, particularly because of the damage caused by the hurricanes. Mayor Brooks highlighted issues with the current dissemination of information, particularly for those not online, suggesting the appointment of an information officer. However, Commissioner Ray Kerr felt the timing was off due to existing workload on staff, suggesting a revisit in a year.

Resident Jan Stack voiced strong concerns about the effectiveness of current communication methods, indicating a broader need for improved information handling.

Additionally, the meeting covered the temporary use of RVs in Madeira Beach for home repair situations, and there was a presentation by Advanced Engineering and Design on long-term strategies for managing tidal flooding, including options like stormwater pump stations and elevation adjustments.

Want to win a $25 Amazon gift card? 

To enter, simply follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or X between now and Tuesday, December 24th. (Psst… You can enter up to 4x by following us on all four! But sorry, U.S. residents only.)

(Image credit: Google Maps)