Council Advances AWT and Turtle Rules

A lengthy and often heated City Council meeting on Monday night featured major decisions on water quality, beach regulations, and sea turtle protections. There was also considerable debate over a proposed pickleball expansion project at the racquet center, the city manager search process, and possible changes to the noise ordinance.

AWT Moves Forward Amid Cost Concerns

Discussion of adopting advanced wastewater treatment opened with Vice Chair Rene Champagne expressing concern that the council lacked sufficient information to make a responsible decision. While supporting the concept, he cautioned against approval without firm cost estimates and a clear timeline.

Councilor Tamara Goehler and three members of the Waterways Advisory Committee urged the city to move forward, arguing that years of delays have worsened environmental conditions and increased costs.

City Attorney Alan Gabriel explained that, given the successful citizen-led referendum, the measure must proceed either via council vote or ballot for voter consideration. In the end, all council members agreed that advanced wastewater treatment is at least part of the solution to improving water quality, and the council unanimously approved the ordinance on first reading.

Beach Kiosk Regulations Approved

Council members unanimously approved an ordinance regulating beach kiosks and vendor equipment. The measure established new size and color restrictions for kiosks. It also mandates removal of structures during hurricanes, with city staff noting that unregulated structures can become dangerous during storms.

Sea Turtle Protections Prompt Heated Exchange

One of the most contentious items was an amendment to the city’s sea turtle protection ordinance that would prohibit nighttime fishing and large gatherings on the beach between 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM during nesting season, which runs from May 1 through October 31.

Opponents argued the measure unfairly targets shark fishing and could infringe on legal recreational activity. In a heated moment, local shark fisherman David Boggs challenged Councilor Bonita Schwan to resign, saying, “I’ll make a deal with you, the writer of this ban: If you’ll step down today, I’ll give you my word and I’ll promise I’ll never shark fish on South Beach again.”

Supporters of the ordinance framed it as a necessary step to protect a vulnerable species, citing hundreds of public comments in favor and longstanding conservation efforts. Marine biologist Spencer Roberts questioned the legality of current practices: “The question we should be asking is why is it that shark fishing seems to be immune from law enforcement?...Why must the City tolerate fishermen violating its drone laws, its business laws, its turtle protections, and the shark fishing ordinance that went unenforced on the City’s code for over 15 years before it was taken away without public comment in a closed meeting?”

Chair Darrin Palumbo shared that prior to the meeting, he had worked out a compromise with Boggs to move shark fishing from South Beach north to Tigertail, an idea Champagne also supported. Sand Dollar Island near Tigertail Beach is a protected wildlife habitat for nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. The proposal drew criticism from Goehler, who said it made no sense if the goal is protecting turtles.

Councilor Schwan emphasized the need to act before May 1, which is the start of turtle nesting season. In the end, the measure passed 4–2 on first reading, with Gray, Goehler, Schwan, and Henry in favor, and Champagne and Palumbo opposed. It will return for a second reading.

Pickleball Expansion Draws Pushback

A proposal to expand the pickleball facilities at the city’s racquet center drew significant opposition from council members and nearby residents. The project would be partially funded by a group of avid players offering to raise and donate $2.6 million.

The current nine courts would increase to 24, with projected noise reduction and possible revenue gains. Some council members suggested limiting expansion to 16 courts and addressing existing noise concerns first.

Neighbors disputed findings from a study supporting expansion and presented their own analysis. Spokesperson David Cadwell opposed the project and warned of impacts on property values and quality of life, along with concerns about the addition of large tournaments.

Several residents and council members said relocation, possibly to Mackle Park, may be the only viable solution to neighbor concerns. The racquet facility has been described as unusually close to residential homes.

Responding to the idea of relocation, pickleball proponent Tim Annette said, “The issue is, if the Cadwells feel there is light at the end of the tunnel, that you’re willing to move, then they’re never going to get on board with us… And if I’m them, I don’t blame them either… Why would they agree with what we’re saying?”

After extended discussion over relocation versus scaling back the project, the council voted to send a reduced 16-court proposal back to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for further review.

A separate proposal to add sound mitigation panels at the existing facility was deferred pending new cost estimates for an alternative product.

City Manager Interviews Set for May Workshop

During council communications, members agreed to conduct public interviews with the top five city manager candidates at a May 11 workshop. The start time was moved from 1:00 PM to 11:00 AM to accommodate the expected length.

Bond Proposal Remains Unresolved

Discussion of a potential general obligation bond to fund infrastructure repairs was deferred. A $55 million proposal failed at the previous meeting.

Chair Palumbo revived the discussion, suggesting options of $23 million or $16 million, while Vice Chair Champagne presented a $34 million alternative. The council is expected to revisit the issue at a future meeting, beginning with the $34 million proposal and, if that fails, considering the $23 million option.

Noise Debate Ends Without Resolution

At the end of the meeting, Councilor Stephen Gray introduced a white paper proposing revisions to the city’s noise ordinance, citing constituent complaints and his commitment to address them.

“I’m after peaceful, quiet enjoyment,” Gray said. “You have no idea the number of people that have reached out to me. We have people in their 70s and 80s that are scared to call in a noise complaint. They’re afraid of repercussions.”

Councilors Deb Henry and Palumbo questioned whether a noise problem actually exists. “I don’t think there’s that many,” Palumbo said of complaints. “Some are very legitimate, and some are a level of intolerance.”

Henry cited 298 noise complaints in 2025, with only 20 of those complaints deemed valid, data which she used to question the basis for lowering allowable sound levels. “The only place I say ‘shush’ is in church,” she said. “I have no feeling to move this forward in any way, shape or form.”

Palumbo suggested a show of hands to gauge support for advancing Gray’s proposal as an ordinance, but no vote was taken.

During public comment, three residents agreed that excessive noise is a problem on the island. Directly after the last resident finished speaking, Palumbo abruptly called for a motion to adjourn. Henry made the motion, and the meeting ended with no further discussion and without the second public comment period that was listed on the agenda.

The meeting, which lasted approximately five and a half hours, underscored ongoing tensions over noise and other quality of life issues, with several major topics expected to return for further debate in the future.