Gay Lancaster, Town Manager for the Town of Belleair, instructed Robert Yevich, Director of Parks & Recreation, to conduct a Tree Impact Study regarding the Indian Rocks Road Project – Phases 1-3. During the months of November-January, town staff walked the corridor on multiple occasions. The below link is the Tree Impact Study.

Indian Rocks Road Tree Impact Study

Carl Avenue and Shirley Avenue 

The Carl and Shirley Capital Project is anticipated to include paving and drainage enhancements. The project will include adding sidewalks on both sides of the street as well as street lighting on Carl Avenue and Shirley Avenue. Utility relocation has begun with ground breaking anticipated for later this year. The engineer of record is on track to provide 100% of plans soon.

Bluff Erosion Restoration

In July 2022, the Mayor signed a cooperative funding agreement with Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to conduct a feasibility study that will investigate the potential erosion of the Bluff shoreline along Bayview Drive. Erosion is generally caused by wave activity and groundwater discharge. The study is meant to assist in determining options to address these issues and maximize natural system restoration opportunities as well as water quality. Town staff are maintaining weekly discussions with SFWMD to ensure the project remains on track. A bid has been awarded for the Bluff study and the firm continues to meet on a regular basis. Staff has also entered an agreement with a Master Arborist to take a detailed inventory of trees along the Bluff. 

For questions or inquiries regarding the restoration of the Bluffs, contact Ashley Bernal, Assistant to the Town Manager, at abernal@townofbelleair.net.

Mehlenbacher Road Drainage Improvements

This project will consist of the rehabilitation of the existing water main on Mehlenbacher Road, to improve its overall performance. This is likely to include removal and rerouting in specific locations. This project is being completed by Pinellas County and future detours will be organized by the County as well. 

Pinellas County Commissioners approved the award of bid to Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc for the Mehlenbacher Road sidewalk project. K&R is also the contractor responsible for the Indian Rocks Road Phase 1 project. This project includes ADA-compliant sidewalks, curb ramps and driveways, along with drainage improvements to reduce flooding and inflow into the sewer system. Anticipated groundbreaking for this project is late June/early July. For more information about this project, please contact Pinellas County. 

Rattlesnake Creek

The Town of Belleair, Pinellas County, and Largo have been meeting to discuss a shared agreement for a preliminary engineering report regarding Rattlesnake Creek. The objective of this project is to investigate and recommend alternatives to improve stormwater management and present flood protection measures while addressing erosion control and sediment management needs of the channel. This will include site investigation, data collection, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and a presentation of an implementation plan with permitting requirements. Currently, staff is working to identify additional funding sources. This project is expected to span one year, starting late 2023.

Street Light Repairs

Belleair's Public Works team continues to survey the Town's street lights at different times of the day to determine which ones are working properly, as well as which ones need timer adjustments or repairs. The stretch on Indian Rocks Road from Poinsettia to the round-a-bout has been resolved. Some street light parts are difficult to acquire and staff are researching alternatives.

Updated Speed Limit Signs

The Belleair Streets Department is continuing the installation of new 25 MPH speed limit signs. Phase 1 of the process, which involved the replacement of existing 30 MPH signs as well as the addition of new signs, is now completed. Phase 2 is now in progress with collaboration with Belleair’s Police Department, where new signs are being installed as needed.

Traffic Calming Policy

The Town Attorney has focused efforts on evaluating and improving the Traffic Calming Policy. A summary memo is scheduled to be presented at the upcoming Town Commission meeting.