Dear Neighbor,
I have received numerous calls asking about all of the improvements taking
place on our entry roads (Egret Blvd, Lake point Drive, Heron Blvd, and
Whisperwood Drive). When this property was developed, approximately 30
years ago, it was intended that these roads be dedicated to the community,
however they were not deeded due to an engineering oversight or some other
reason of which I am not certain.
Therefore, because Pinellas County did not own the roads, they would not
assume the responsibility for maintenance. I have made repeated attempts
to deed the streets to the County but was rejected due to the streets not
meeting the current County specifications, although the County gave
permits for the roads to be built as they are today. I was required to
provide all of the maintenance for these roads even though they were being
utilized by the public. This position was adhered to by the County for
many years.
I requested through our Commissioner, John Morroni, for help on filling
the potholes, etc. and did receive help from the County on that request.
During this time the City of St. Petersburg, under the leadership of Mayor
Rick Baker, approached the Feather Sound Community about a potential
annexation. There were several discussions with many of the residents. I
also had discussions on the commercial property which I own. The
reoccurring message from the community was that these roads needed to be
resurfaced and maintained. The City of St. Petersburg indicated that they
would do this. These overtures prompted Pinellas County to reconsider
their previous policy and did discuss with me a proposal which would
provide deeding the streets in order for them to be responsible for all
future maintenance. However, this proposal was to utilize funds of the
special taxing district to pay for roadway improvements before the County
would accept them for maintenance. We all pay annually into the taxing
district for the purpose of landscaping, lighting, and park improvements.
I did not accept this proposal as I did not feel it would be proper to
utilize funds specifically raised for other purposes, especially since I
had been paying taxes to the County for over thirty years. Some of these
County taxes should have been used for maintaining streets, etc., thus my
decision was to annex the specific property to the City of St. Petersburg.
As you can see, the improvements now being constructed will make our
community a better place to live for all of us. Yes, I will pay the
additional taxes on these properties, however considering the vast
improvements the City of St. Petersburg is now doing for the benefit of
all of us, it is well worth the modest tax increase on these properties.
I hope this letter will explain my view and I am sure all of the residents
of Feather Sound will enjoy our new entrance.
Sincerely,
Fred B. Bullard, Jr. |