Re-elect Mike Howard

Ordinance changes:  As a council member, I pushed for eliminating—not merely reducing—the 10-year lookback period tied to FEMA’s 50% damage rule. This action removed a significant barrier, enabling property owners to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton without previously permitted improvements being counted against them. 

Legislative Engagement:  Actively participated in the local legislative process on issues with the potential to impact Indian Shores. Attended workshops with the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation and the Florida League of Cities, serving as a voice for the town in shaping policy positions for the Florida Legislature and ensuring Indian Shores maintains a strong and effective legislative presence. Local Voices making Local Choices- not legislators in Tallahassee.

Beach Renourishsment:  After attending several community meetings regarding the beach renourishment project, I noticed limited participation from residents of Indian Shores and Redington Shores. The meetings were held in Belleair Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Treasure Island, none were scheduled in Indian Shores, Redington Shores, or Indian Rocks Beach.

During a Zoom meeting, I volunteered three days—across two separate months—to host Pinellas County Coastal Management and Beach Renourishment staff at Indian Shores Town Hall. This initiative provided residents with the opportunity to engage face-to-face with county personnel and address concerns related to construction waivers. I also notified Redington Shores and Indian Rocks Beach, both of which provided staff to assist with these sessions. In addition, these events created opportunities for other town elected officials to meet directly with residents.

Beach/Town Cleanup: The Mayor appointed me as the liaison to the Keep Pinellas Beautiful (KPB) organization to coordinate beach cleanups. Rather than limiting efforts to the town’s regularly scheduled cleanups, I sought additional resources to address targeted areas in need of attention by engaging community service organizations.

I first coordinated with Boy Scout Troop 431 from Seminole, which conducted cleanups at the Community Garden, along the Intracoastal Waterway at 191st Avenue, Nature Park, and the grassy area beneath the Park Boulevard Bridge. This troop has since continued to assist with the town’s regularly scheduled cleanups.

Several months later, the Raising Relief Foundation completed a targeted cleanup of the Park Boulevard boat ramp and the grassy area on the south side of the Park Boulevard Bridge. As summer approached, a Scout Troop 707 from Land O’ Lakes, Florida, stepped in to clean Tiki Gardens, a county park that had been neglected following the hurricanes.