Local leaders from several beach communities across Pinellas County came together Thursday for a “State of the Beaches” discussion, reflecting on the region’s ongoing recovery from two powerful hurricanes.

The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions and the Pinellas Beaches Chamber hosted the event at Madeira Beach City Hall, which brought together mayors and vice mayors from Gulfport, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, and Treasure Island.

While these community leaders have held similar meetings in the past, this year’s conversation carried new weight—coming on the heels of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left widespread damage in their wake.

“There’s strength in unity,” said Redington Beach Vice Mayor Tim Thompson. “Coming together as small beach communities creates a bigger impact. It allows us to collaborate and support one another more effectively.”

Each town is facing similar challenges: thousands of homeowners and businesses are still in the process of rebuilding, making repairs, and elevating their properties to meet new standards. But frustrating delays—particularly with FEMA processes and permitting—have slowed recovery efforts.

“We’re just now starting to issue permits—six months after the storm,” Thompson noted. “But people are moving forward. Homes are being rebuilt and elevated. There’s progress.”

Pinellas Beaches Chamber President Barry Rubin echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the coastline and local businesses are bouncing back.

“Every day, we’re moving forward,” Rubin said. “Shops are reopening, visitors are returning. If you didn’t know what happened, you might not even notice—and that’s exactly what we want.”

Despite the visible improvements, full recovery is still weeks away. In a hopeful sign, Madeira Beach’s mayor shared that after a private meeting with FEMA’s director, she left optimistic that some of the bureaucratic hurdles delaying recovery might soon be lifted.

Watch the full meeting in the video below…

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