ST. PETE BEACH — Political infighting, a decades-old sport in this often contentious beach community, may be tempered with the birth of a new organization — the St. Pete Beach Civic Association.
The association is the brainchild of former Mayor Ward Friszolowski, who although retired from politics, wants to improve the quality of life and discourse in the city.
"Even though I was an elected official for many years, I still want to stay involved," he said.
The SPBCA will be "partially social and partially to discuss issues facing the city. There are a lot of great things we can do in the city. We can't count on the city to do a lot because of their budgetary pressures," said Friszolowski. "The ideas are endless."
Friszolowski has invited more than 30 neighborhood, homeowner, condominium and business associations, as well as any interested residents, to attend the SPBCA's inaugural meeting at 6:30 p.m. today at the city's Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive.
He said the organization "can really galvanize our community … I want it to be truly inclusive and everybody to be a part of it."
Friszolowski is adamantly opposed to the new group getting involved in contentious development issues that pulled the city into a legal war instigated by rival groups Citizens for Responsible Growth and Save Our Little Village.
"I am not going to tolerate any of that stuff," Friszolowski said.
Instead, he hopes the SPBCA can help finance this year's Fourth of July fireworks display and get involved in efforts to support the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"If something is good for the city of St. Pete Beach and helps us in a positive way to move forward and improve the city, we want to be a part of it," said Lawrence Stamper, who plans to represent the Don CeSar Property Owners Association at today's meeting.
If you g0
First meeting today
The St. Pete Beach Civic Association's inaugural meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. today at the city's Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive.
News
