Indian Rocks Beach commission backs county-funded EMS positions to shorten response times

Indian Rocks Beach commissioners voted to approve a resolution asking Penellis County to place two county-funded advanced life support (paramedic) positions in the city27s service area to address slow emergency response times.

Fire Chief Ken Grimes told the commission that about 75% of the department27s calls are medical and that seasonal demand has increased response-time pressure. He said the city is seeking one EMS position assigned to the proposed Station 75 and another paramedic for a rescue unit so the city can meet county response-time standards. "Seventy-five percent of our calls are EMS," Grimes said in his report, noting that adding positions would improve local coverage while still contributing to the regional system.

A resident who recounted a recent near-fatal airway obstruction urged commissioners to act. "Until something like this happens to you, response times can sound like numbers on a piece of paper. But when you can't breathe, every minute counts," the resident stated during public comment, asking the commission to support the chief's staffing request.

City staff described how EMS funding is distributed by county tax mechanisms and said that adding one position would raise the city27s effective return on EMS tax revenue from roughly 56 cents to about 71 cents per dollar tied to that position, while still contributing to the countywide system. Officials emphasized the city27s role as a contributor to a regional coverage model while seeking a minimum level of service in its own jurisdiction.

The commission approved Resolution 2026-11 (as amended) expressing formal support for the county to fund the advanced life support positions and to set a consistent minimum service level in the city27s service area. Staff and the chief said they will provide supporting material to county officials as the mayor and city manager pursue intercity support.

The resolution was approved on the floor after a motion and second; staff said the mayor would carry the language to neighboring municipalities to secure a coordinated request of the county. The commission did not detail a vote tally in the record.