Fire chief reports drowning, urges county to add rescue capable unit; Belleair Beach got $250,000 for EOC generator

Chief Grimes of Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue gave a detailed operational briefing and an appeal on resource allocation for the county EMS system.

"We were the primary unit over by the tire on that call because all the units in the county were so busy," Chief Grimes said describing heavy July 4th weekend demand. He reviewed that Belleair Beach had 15 calls in June (9 EMS, 6 fire) and that districtwide 76% of calls are for EMS. He summarized response times for a recent gas leak at city hall and then confirmed a drowning in the city: "What I think ... it was 3100, Gulf is is the address. And Child, adult 45 year old male."

Grimes also reported a nearly $250,000 state grant for an emergency operations center generator and described capital projects including an Indian Rocks Beach station expected to be operational October 1. He emphasized regional rescue coverage gaps and asked mayors to press county commissioners to overrule a staff recommendation that had declined to add a rescue capable position to serve the area.

"We're the only area in the county that doesn't have a rescue, and we're a major giver to the system," Grimes said, urging council support and outreach to county commissioners in advance of their budget vote.

Councilmembers pressed for details on hydrant flushing and response coverage; Grimes said hydrant testing is performed by the county, and noted that ISO inspections confirmed they meet inspection thresholds. The council thanked Grimes for the report and for the district's outreach and preparedness work.

Sources: Presentation by Chief Grimes (SEG 259–696).