Advisory member warns historic shuffleboard pavilion 'under the radar'; board to increase oversight

During a post-meeting discussion at the same Parks & Recreation advisory meeting, a member raised concerns about the condition and oversight of St. Pete Beach’s shuffleboard pavilion and courts, saying the facility has been largely maintained by volunteers and that recent hurricane damage and high repair bids have left the building’s future uncertain.

The member described the pavilion as historic and said volunteers had enclosed a wall that was later pushed in by storm surge; bids to repair the structure were reportedly much higher than anticipated. The member said insurance funds are available and warned a demolition is being considered. Staff (Mandy) acknowledged the facility has long operated "under the radar" and said the advisory committee will be involved going forward on maintenance, upkeep and any decisions about repairs or replacement.

The committee also discussed the informal dog beach at the end of 1st Avenue, which staff said will be designated 'off leash' once new signage is installed and will carry a "use at your own risk" notice; staff stressed the sandbar feature moves with dredging and storms and is not a formal park parcel.

No formal decisions or bids were recorded during the meeting; the concerns were raised as topics for future staff follow-up and collaboration with the advisory committee.