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Administration

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1. Where can I find the Town's Budgets?

The budgets are listed under Town Government. Click on Finance Department.

2. Where can I find copies of Town Council or Committee agendas and minutes?

All agenda packets are posted on our website on Friday of the week prior to the scheduled meeting. Please go to the Agenda and Minutes page to retrieve and download the packet. Extra packets are also made available for the public before the beginning of each meeting.

3. When and where does the Town Council or Committees meet?

Meetings usually take place on Tuesdays, except during budget hearings. All public meetings take place on the 4th Floor of the Municipal Center located at 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, FL 337785.

4. How do I register to vote, obtain a mail-in ballot or get Municipal or County election results?

see website: Votepinellas.com

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Building Department

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1. Why do I need a permit?

Per Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code 2014 5th Edition and section 553.79 (1), Florida Statues: Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desire to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside are being used as part of the building's designated occupancy (single or missed) or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit for the work.

2. Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage

All improvements, modifications, and/or additions to all existing structures shall be calculated cumulatively for ten years from the date of the initial permit date. Additionally, all reconstruction and/or repairs to a damaged structure shall be calculated cumulatively for ten years from the date of the initial permit date. More information about the FEMA 50% Rule is on our Municode online: Sec. 86-71. - Calculating substantial improvement and damage. Call the Building Department 727-474-7786 for more information and to fill out the forms.

3. As an owner, can I pull my own permit?

As the owner of your "single family residence", you my act as your own contractor and do the work yourself, provided that the home is for your own use, and that it is not for sale, lease or rented, such owners of the property acting as their own contractor, must provide full time, direct on site supervision themselves of all work not performed by a licensed contractor.

NOTE: Owners pulling their own permits can hire laborers to help you in the construction, however, you must supervise any of the laborers you hire. You can enter into a contract for the different categories of work (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.) as long as the person you hire is a licensed contractor. Owner/Builder Affidavit filled out in person only

4. Are "Residential Contractors" allowed to work in Condominiums?

No, A Residential contractor means a contractor whose services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one-family, two-family, or three-family residences not exceeding two habitable stories above no more than one uninhabitable story and accessory use structures in connection therewith.

5. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes, Sec. 110-397. - Permit required.
A building permit must be obtained before any fence or wall may be installed or erected. Before a building permit is issued, the applicant shall submit a sealed drawing or plan showing, as appropriate, the location of the proposed structure in relation to existing or proposed buildings on both the same lot and adjacent lots, the CCCL (Coastal Construction Control Line) and Gulf Boulevard. The type or design of the structure and the materials to be used shall also be provided.
(Code 1979, § 23-27(3))

NOTE: A survey for the property must be submitted with your permit application and it must be current (within 6 months) per the Building Official.

6. How long is a permit valid?

A permit is valid for six months from the date of issuance, or from the last approved inspection date. Reinstatement fees are $75 and must be paid before the final inspection will be scheduled. A permit may be extended only by the Building Official with written consent.

7. Do I need an In-Progress for Roofing?

Yes, the Building Official will do an In-progress inspection once you have torn off the top layer and we can inspect the underlayment, this allows the code compliant roof work to proceed. Preferably, the in-progress inspection should have the roof loaded, so that we can see the final roofing material being installed. Failure to call for an in-progress inspection may result in discipline by the PCCLB. A Roofing Affidavit could be required please inquire with the Building Department 727-464-7786.

8. When are inspections done?

All inspections are scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10:00 AM AND 3:00 PM.

9. Does the town have rental restrictions?

The Town of Indian Shores does not have rental restrictions, you will need to contact your condo association or speak to the owner. For further information please call the building department or visit https://myfloridalicense.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/754/kw/what%20statute%20covers%20condo's who regulates rentals.

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Finance Department

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1. What is the purpose of the Town budget?

The budget is an annual financial plan for the Town of Indian Shores. It specifies the level of municipal services to be provided in the coming year and the resources, including personnel positions, capital expenditures and operating expenses, needed to provide those services. It reflects the policies and priorities set by the Town Council.

2. What is a fiscal year?

A fiscal year is a 12-month operating cycle that comprises a budget and financial reporting period. The Town's fiscal year, along with other local governments and special districts within the State of Florida, begins on October 1 and ends on September 30.

3. From where does the Town obtain its revenues?

From Town levied taxes, state and federal shared revenues and fees for municipal services, such as law enforcement services and recreation.

4. How is revenue used by the Town?

Revenue is used to pay for salaries, operating supplies, other operating costs such as utilities and insurance, and capital purchases such as buildings, vehicles, and equipment as specified in the Town budget.

5. What is property rate?

When the Town adopts the annual budget, it determines the tax rate that must be applied on property in order to generate the necessary revenue in addition to all other sources which are available. The current tax rate for the Town of Indian Shores is 1.87000 mills, or $1.87 per $1000 of taxable value. The taxable value of all property in the Town is established by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. The Town has no control over the taxable value of property; it only has control over the Town's portion of the tax rate that is levied.

6. What is homestead exemption?

The Florida Constitution provides that a home owner may apply for, and receive, a homestead exemption in the amount of $25,000 plus an additional $25,000 above the just value of $50,000 on his or her principle residence. After property is appraised by the County Property Appraiser, up to $50,000 is subtracted from the appraised value; the remainder is the taxable value upon which the property tax rate is applied.

7. What is a mill of tax?

One mill is equal to $1 for each $1,000 of taxable property value. The Town of Indian Shores 2017 Millage Rate is 1.87.

8. What is the difference between ad valorem tax and property tax?

There is no difference. They are different names for the same tax

9. What is an operating budget?

An operating budget is an annual financial plan for recurring expenditures, such as salaries, utilities, and supplies.

10. What is a capital improvement budget?

A capital improvement budget is both a short and long range plan for the construction of physical assets, such as building, streets, sewers, and the purchase of vehicles and equipment.

11. What is a fund?

A fund is a separate accounting entity within the Town that receives revenues from a specific source and expends them on a specific activity or activities. The Town maintains four separate funds, all of which account for distinct activities.

12. What is an enterprise fund?

An enterprise fund earns its own revenues by charging customers for the services that are provided; the fund receives no tax funds. The Town of Indian Shores operates its parking activity as an enterprise fund.

13. What is a budget appropriation?

A budget appropriation is a specific amount of money that has been approved by the Town Council for use in a particular manner.

14. What is a budget amendment?

A budget amendment is a resolution adopted by the Town Council which alters the adopted budget by appropriating additional monies to a particular department or fund, decreasing appropriations to a particular department or fund, or transferring funds from one department or fund to another.

15. Who establishes the rules by which the Town of Indian Shores adopts its annual budget and property tax rate?

The property tax rate and budget adoption process are governed by both the Town Charter and the State Statutes.

16. Who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Town of Indian Shores?

The Town Administrator is both the Chief Executive and Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Indian Shores. The individual is hired by and reports directly to the Town Council.

17. What are franchise fees, and why does the Town of Indian Shores levy them?

The franchise fee is a charge levied by the Town on a utility to operate within Town and to use the Town right's-of-way and other properties for locating pipes, wires, etc. The state allows utilities to pass on the franchise fee directly to customers on their bills.

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Home Page FAQ

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1. Where is the nearest playground?

There is a fenced in playground in back of the Indian Shores Town Hall at 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, FL 33785.

2. Isn't this Indian Rocks Beach?

No, this is Indian Shores. We are a separate municipality and our Town Hall is located at 19305 Gulf Blvd. Indian Rocks Beach is the next town north. Their town hall is located at 1507 Bay Palm Blvd. Phone: 727.595.2517. From the Indian Shores Town Hall go north on Gulf Blvd. 3.5 miles to 15th Ave and turn right, then take the 2nd left onto Bay Palm Blvd. Indian Rocks Beach Town Hall is on your right.

3. Is there a local medical center?

Largo Medical Center, 2025 Indian Rocks Road, Largo. Phone 727.581.9474. From Town Hall go north on Gulf Blvd 3.5 miles, take a right on Rt. 688 (Walsingham Blvd) and go over the bridge. At the second traffic light turn left onto Indian Rocks Road. Go about a mile down. Hospital is on the right.

4. Where is the nearest Hospital?

Morton Plant Hospital is located at 300 Pinellas St. in Clearwater, FL, 33785; phone - (727) 462-7000.

5. Where is the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary?

18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, FL 33785 - From Town Hall go south on Gulf Blvd past the Park Blvd bridge. The Seabird Sanctuary is on your right (Gulf) side, across from the Fifth Third Bank. Look for a large pelican by the edge of the road. Open 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily. Phone (727) 391-6211.

More...

6. Where is the nearest Post Office?

204 Fourth Ave, Indian Rocks Beach - From Town Hall go north on Gulf Blvd approximately 2.5 miles to Indian Rocks Beach. Turn right on Fourth Ave (just after the CVS Pharmacy). The Post Office is 1 block down on your left.

7. Where is the nearest Welcome Center?

The North Beaches Welcome Center is located in Indian Rocks Beach at 105 Fifth Ave, phone 727.385.7686. From Town Hall go north on Gulf Blvd approximately 2.5 miles to Rt. 688 (Walsingham Rd) and turn right. The Center is the second building on the right. You can use the Plumlee parking lot next door. The Center provides information on restaurants, shopes rentals, Florida attractions, sporting events, cultural activities, maps, etc.

8. Where is the nearest library and computer internet access?

Both are available at the Indian Shores Town Hall 3rd floor. You will need to purchase a library card for $5, which gives you computer access and library membership for a year. The Town has 2 computers with printer access that can be signed out in 1/2 hour increments. The computers are located next to the library on the 3rd floor. The Town Hall is open Mon-Fri from 8am-4pm. Signup times for computer usage are from 8:30am-3:30pm (M-F) and Saturdays from 10:00am-1:00pm. In February and March it is also open on Tuesdays 1:00pm-4:00pm. See the "Internet Services" blue flyer in the lobby for other library locations.

9. Where is the nearest public beach and parking?

Indian Shores has beach access and parking at the following locations (Listed north - south):

200th Ave. W - Pedestrian Access Only

199th Ave. - Public Parking

198th Ave. W - Pedestrian Access Only

198th Ave. E: - Public Parking

197th Ave W - Public Parking

Bob McEwen Veterans Memorial Park - Metered Parking

196th Ave. W - Pedestrian Access Only/Mobility Mat Equipped

Tiki Gardens - Metered Parking with Restrooms

195th Ave. - Pedestrian Access Only

193rd Ave. W - Public Access Only (Parking across street)

193rd Ave. E - Municipal Building/Metered Parking

2^nd St. - Public Parking with Town Garden Reserved

191st Ave. - Town Square Nature Park Refuge & Boardwalk (Metered Parking with Restrooms) 

190th Ave W - Handicapped Parking including a 15m loading spot

186th Ave W - Beach Access Only

186th Ave E - Public Parking

 

10. Where is the nearest grocery store?

Winn-Dixie, 12975 Park Blvd, Seminole. Phone: (727)319-3840. From Town Hall, go South on Gulf Blvd 2 blocks, turn left and go over the Park Blvd Bridge (Rt. 694) toward the mainland. Stay on Park Blvd. past Oakhurst (2nd traffic light). The store is on the left.

11. Where is the nearest boat ramp?

Pinellas County maintains a public boat ramp on the Intracoastal (East) side of Gulf Blvd, just South of the Park Blvd Bridge: it closes at dusk.

12. Trolley Rides

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Trolley fare is $2.50 each time you board. Exact change is required. An unlimited ride day pass "Go Card" can be purchased from the driver for $5.00 or at the Indian Shores Food Mart at 19823 Gulf Blvd. Cards can also be purchased for a week or a month. There is a reduced fare of $1 for seniors 65 or older and the disabled. Trolleys run twice an hour daily from 5am-10pm, with service until midnight on Fri. and Sat. Call InfoLine at (727) 540-1900 or visit their web site at http://psta.net/index.php

13. Nearby Churches

St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo, (727)595-4610. Chapel on the Hill United Church of Christ, 12601 Park Blvd N, Seminole, (727)391-2119. Oakhurst United Methodist Church, 13400 Park Blvd, Seminole, (727)391-4769. Indian Rocks First Baptist Church, 12685 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, (727)595-3421. Calvery Episcopal church, 1615 1st St, Indian Rocks Beach, (727)595-2374. Church by the Sea (non-denominational), 13701 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, (727)391-7706.

14. Where can I get a passport?

The following locations also take passport photos: Indian Rocks Beach Post Office, 2.5 miles North of the Town Hall (see directions at, Where is the nearest post office?), (727)596-2894; County Courthouse in Clearwater (see directions at, Where is the County Courthouse?), (727)464-4876; City of Treasure Island, 120 108th Ave, (727)547-4575.

15. Where is the County Courthouse?

It is located on 315 Court St in Clearwater. From Town Hall, go North on Gulf Blvd 2.5 miles to the first traffic light past Crabby Bill's. Turn right onto Rt. 688 and go over the bridge. Go to the second traffic light (Indian Rocks Rd) and turn left. Stay on Indian Rocks Rd until it dead ends at Belleview. Turn right and go one block to Ft Harrison and turn left. Stay on Ft Harrison to Court St and turn left. Courthouse is on the left at 315 Court St, parking is on the right. Bring quarters for the meter. Information: (727)464-3000.

16. Where is the Driver's License Bureau?

The License Bureau is located at 68th and 62nd Ave N, Pinellas Park. From Town Hall, go South on Gulf Blvd and take the Park Blvd Bridge (Rt. 694) over to the mainland. Follow Park Blvd to 66th Street and turn right. Go to 62nd Ave and turn right. Appointments are required for road tests. Phone: (727)464-7777. Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 8am-5pm, Tue/Thurs 8am-6pm. Road tests can also be taken by appointment at other locations including those in Largo and Clearwater.

17. Where is the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles?

Motor vehicle tags are paid at any Pinellas County Tax Collector's Office - closest is the Mid-County Tax Collector's Office located at 13025 Starkey Road, Largo, FL. From Town Hall, go North on Gulf Blvd 2.5 miles and turn right onto Rt. 688 (Walsingham Rd) follow Rt. 688 several miles to Starkey Road. Turn right (go South) on Starkey Road to Starkey Lakes Corporate Center. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. Phone: (727)464-7777. For other locations, ask for available map or go to web site www.taxcollect.com.

18. Where can I purchase a fishing license?

A recreational saltwater fishing license will be required for Florida residents and nonresidents for taking, attempting to take or possessing marine fish. In addition to saltwater fishing license, any person who takes or possesses snook or crawfish must have a license and a snook or crawfish stamp affixed to the license. Licenses may be purchased on-line at License.myfwc.com or by calling 1-800-347-4356 or visit your local Sports Authority Store. Licenses are also available at some Pinellas County Tax Collector Offices - call (727)464-7777.

19. Voting

The Town Hall Municipal Center serves as the polling place designated for Precinct #419. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day. You may request an absentee ballot by calling the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections at (727) 464-6788. Mail-in Voter Registration Forms are available at the Town Hall, or you may register to vote when you register your automobile. 13001 Starkey Road.

The Town of Indian Shores has a Town Council from of government, with 5 Council members, each serving 3-year terms of office. Council Meetings are normally held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Committee Meetings are normally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Times will be posted on the electronic sign outside the Town Hall.

Indian Shores Voting Districts and Representatives:
Precinct #419 - Town of Indian Shores James J. Lawrence, Mayor
Pinellas County Commission District #5 Karen Seel
Pinellas County School Board Dr. Michael Grego, Superintendent
Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark
Florida Senate District #22 Jeff Brandes
Florida House of Representative District #66 Larry Ahern
U.S. Senators Mark Rubio and Bill Nelson
U.S. House of Rep. Congressional District #13 Charlie Crist
Governor Rick Scott
Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Secretary of State Ken Detzner

Town of Indian Shores, 19305 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785 (727) 595-4020;
www.myindianshores.com

20. What County is the Town of Indian Shores in?

Pinellas County

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Library

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1. Is the library part of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative?

No. But if you are a resident of Indian Shores and purchase an Cooperative card from one of the participating libraries, you will be reimbursed $75 of the $100 fee. Bring a receipt and proof of residency to the Municipal Center Reception Area.

2. How do I request a book to be added to the library inventory?

Fill out a request form available in the library. Most books by popular authors are automatically ordered but are waiting release or are on back order. Other book requests are submitted to the library board of directors for review. Many are approved but if the book is not of interest to the general membership, is not available in hard cover, or is too expensive, the board will disapprove purchase. The requester will be notified.

3. Does the library have e-books?

No, the library is not enrolled in any e-book programs.

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Personnel Department

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1. Are you hiring?

When there is an available position with the Town of Indian Shores it will be posted on the Home Page under Newsflash and on our Personnel Department page.

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Police Department

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1. Do I need to have a permit in order to park at the Tiki Gardens Parking lot?

Daily parking requires meter payment at a rate of $2.50 per hour. 24-hour passes are available for a purchase price of $25.00 per day at the Indian Shores Town Hall, 2nd Floor Records Section from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm., Monday through Friday. For extended parking beyond what is listed above, contact the Records Section. Each permit must be individually purchased by the user, and you must have a license plate number to correspond with the permit.

2. How do I obtain an emergency reentry pass for my home/business?

Please visit the Records & Information Division between 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.. *You must be a Property Owner* to obtain a reentry pass. You will need to show proof of ownership, and a Government issued ID Card, such as a Driver's License.

Barrier Island Emergency Reentry Pass

3. Is the Indian Shores Police Department open all of the time?

Yes, the Patrol Division Police Officers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, the administrative offices and records, are closed during non-business hours. The Officers actively patrol the communities of Indian Shores and Redington Shores, and respond to calls as necessary. If you have an Emergency, hang up and DIAL 911. If you need to speak with an Officer for a non-emergency situation, please call Dispatch at (727) 595-5414 and an Indian Shores Police Officer will be dispatched to respond.

4. Is the Indian Shores Police Department responsible for my neighborhood?

The ISPD has territorial jurisdiction over the Towns of Indian Shores and Redington Shores. Under a Mutual Aid Agreement, our Officers will provide back-up protection and assistance to Officers/Deputies of surrounding communities. If you live outside of our jurisdiction, or if the event for which you need Police Service occurred outside of our jurisdiction; please contact the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office at (727) 582-6200 for Law Enforcement Service.

5. Are you hiring Police Officers?

We are always reviewing applications. Visit our Career Opportunities page for more information on open positions in the Police Department. We utilize the Police Applicant Screening Service for recruitment. Please visit the Police Applicant Screening Service website for information on becoming a Florida Law Enforcement Officer; and the State and Local requirements.

Police Applicant Sceening Service

6. How can I find out if someone was arrested?

The following link will show you physical arrests within Pinellas County, Florida. Be advised, this list is not complete, and the records will not show a non-arrest release, such as a Notice to Appear or Criminal Traffic Citation. In addition, Local Ordinance Violations will only appear in arrest records, if the offender was physically arrested and turned over to the Pinellas County Jail for the violation. Furthermore, Juvenile Arrest Records are confidential, and will not be revealed on the who's In jail link.
PCSO Who's in jail

7. What type of calls do the Indian Shores Police Officers handle?

ISPD Officers can be exposed to a variety of situations on a daily basis, including Domestic Violence, Burglaries, Disturbances, Fraud/Forgery, Identity Theft, Death Investigations, Traffic Crashes; just to name a few. It is true that Redington Shores and Indian Shores are rated very safe communities, but crime can and does happen everywhere, and ISPD Officers are prepared to handle those events as they happen. Click on the link below to see active calls for area Law Enforcement Officers. Active Law Enforcement Calls

8. Why were the Police in my neighborhood?

In addition to providing proactive Police Patrols, Officers respond to a variety of calls. Click the link below to see the most recent list of Police Calls for ISPD. Be aware, some confidential calls may not be listed on this link. ISPD Call Log

9. How do I submit a drug activity tip?

You can call the Indian Shores Police Department directly at (727) 595-5414, or complete the attached link, which will be directed to the appropriate authority. drug tip

10. What are the laws with regard to animals at large, unlicensed, etc.?

For information regarding Animal Control, please follow the below link. Animal Services

11. I need to get fingerprinted for a permit, license, job, passport, etc. Does ISPD provide this service?

No, this service is completed by AFIS.

Electronic Fingerprinting

12. How do I make or obtain an ISPD Crash Report, How do I obtain an ISPD Incident Report

Records are available Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm. Please contact Indian Shores Police Department's Records and Administration at (727) 595-5414.

Self Reporting a Traffic Crash on-line

13. How do I retrieve my belongings or property from the Police Department?

Evidence is held by the PCSO. Please dial 727-595-5414 to speak with personnel about the property release process.

14. How do I retrieve my vehicle from impound?

Please contact the Police Department at (727) 595-5414. The following items will be necessary: identification (state issued photo ID or passport), proof of ownership (title or registration), proof of active insurance on the *vehicle.

*Vehicles will only be released to the registered owner, or form a valid power of attorney designee.

15. How do I obtain a Restraining Order?

Injunctions are filed through the Clerk of the Court, and assistance with the process may be obtained by contacting the State Attorney's Office - Domestic Violence Unit at (727) 464-6784. If you are in need of Police Assistance, please call 911. For information and referrals for victims of Domestic Violence, please call 1-800-500-1119. Domestic Violence Injunctions

16. How do I get a Fishing License

Visit the following link for details on fishing licenses. Fishing Licenses

17. Who do I call to report an injured bird?

Indian Shores is home to the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. The link below will direct you to their website and contact information.

Seabird Sanctuary

18. Patches, How do I obtain a new ISPD Patch

Contact the Police Records personnel at 727-595-5414.

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Public Services

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1. Where can I drop off Recycling?

Large recycle bins are located at the end of 193rd Ave. E behind the Town Hall in back of the white fencing.

2. Who do I call for garbage pickup?

Waste Connections - 727-572-6800.

Pickups are Mondays and Thursdays, 7:00 am - 6 pm.
Recycle - Wednesdays