The Sponge Dockets

After a brief hiatus as the City of Tarpon Springs and its resident's recover from the impacts of back to back hurricanes Helene & Milton, Christy & Georganna sit down to discuss the recovery efforts as well as agenda items for the next Board of Commissioner's Meeting.

Portal to City Meeting Agendas:

https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

#tarponsprings #citygovernment

Christy & Georganna weren't going to record this week in the wake of Hurricane Helene and the unfathomable damage caused in our community, but they decided to go for it in the event that there's something to share that might bring some level of comfort in the form of their own vulnerability.

Resources discussed in this episode - ways to give and receive:

For hyperlocal assistance and the ability to give directly to your neighbors in need, visit The Funk at 1208 N. Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs - in the small shopping center just north of the Anclote Rive on the east side of Alt 19. They are in dire need of: personal hygiene items, diapers, ready to eat food with easy open tops, water, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. No more clothing is being accepted at this time! People have clothes now, but need to shower and eat!

Details on location here: https://www.facebook.com/share/nFzPQFqZpKjBa4VE/

The 501c3 that was mentioned who is bringing donations to Tarpon Springs, FL from our East Coast FL neighbors: https://www.guidestar.org/Profile/93-2345390

There is no link to them but I did verify their non-profit status. This is important! Always verify! They are new, but doing good things.

City of Tarpon Springs Hurricane Information/Assistance Updates: https://connecttarponsprings.com/hurricane-helene-tarpon-springs-information-page

FEMA/Federal Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). 

FEMA Assistance for Business Impacts: https://floridacommerce.my.site.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s/

Agenda Portal for upcoming meetings:  https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

#tarponsprings #citygovernment Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this video podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs.

Join Christy & Georganna as they dive into the events of the September 17, 2024 BOC Special Session, offering their candid take on the latest developments and their hopes for the upcoming mayoral or commission seat appointment. 

Just when we thought things might settle down a little so we could get on with city business carried out with a modicum of calm leadership, we find ourselves back in the crazy saddle.

Application to serve on volunteer boards and committees: https://www.ctsfl.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Advisory-Board-Application-Form.pdf

Agenda Portal for upcoming meetings: https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

 #tarponsprings #citygovernment

Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this video podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs.

This week Christy & Georganna enjoy the peace and quiet of a city moving in the right direction. They share their experiences and insights on several committees and even some items they have coming up.

Application to serve on volunteer boards and committees:

https://www.ctsfl.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Advisory-Board-Application-Form.pdf

Agenda Portal for upcoming meetings:

https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

#tarponsprings #citygovernment Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this video podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs.

Christy & Georganna share their perspective on the most recent Board of Commissioners meeting where the biggest topic was how and when we will get back to having a full board.

Have a question or topic you want to hear more about? Email us at [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/spongedockets

Information about the meetings for the US19 Corridor: https://connecttarponsprings.com/us-19-viaduct-corridor-study-information-page

Agenda Portal for upcoming meetings:

https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

 #tarponsprings #citygovernment

Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this video podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs. Music

This week Christy & Georganna catch up on the takeaways from the Sponge Docks & Greektown Placemaking Plan that was presented at the August 20, 2024 meeting and talk about what's next for the Board of Commissioners and Mayoral seat in light of the abrupt resignation of former Mayor Vatikiotis.

The next meeting on Sept. 4, 2024 should be interesting, and you can catch the agenda here: https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/518/files/agenda/410

and plan to watch it on the City Youtube Channel here:

https://youtube.com/@tarponspringstv?si=s8zT7rA4EI3-8oI3

Questions, comments, requests? Email us! [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/spongedockets

 or @spongedockets on YouTube & TikTok

 

Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this video podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs.

Today Christy & Georganna discuss the Tarpon Springs BOC Meeting coming up on 8/6/24, the ballot for the upcoming Pinellas County election on 8/20/24, and the just released draft of the Sponge Docks & Hope-Athens Greek Community Placemaking Plan. There will surely be more to come on this plan that is due to be presented to the BOC at the 8/20/24 meeting. August is a HOT month in many ways!

You can see all the details on this initiative including a link to the Draft Plan here:

https://connecttarponsprings.com/sponge-docks-hope-athens-placemaking

Christy & Georganna are a little fired up over some recent BOC meetings where things are feeling far less transparent than we expected based on the platforms some of the elected officials ran on during their elections. Like they say... If you can't stand the heat - get out of the kitchen!

 Questions, comments, requests? Email us! [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/spongedockets or @spongedockets on YouTube & TikTok

 #tarponsprings #citygovernment

Links: Article about the special election and the candidates for Seat 2:

 https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2024/07/19/tarpon-springs-special-election-two-candidates-square-off/

 

Christy & Georganna share their insights on one of the most eventful Tarpon Springs Board of Commission meetings in recent history and the newsworthy aftermath: the resignation of Mayor Costa Vatikiotis with 7 months left in his term.

Have a question or topic you want to hear more about? Email us at [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/spongedockets

Here’s a link to the article we referenced by Tracy McManus:

https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2024/08/22/tarpon-springs-mayor-costa-vatikiotis-resigns-amid-constant-infighting/

#tarponsprings #citygovernment

Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs.

Christy & Georganna talk about upcoming issues related to Planning & Zoning, Elections & the Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners meeting on August 20, 2024. #tarponsprings #citygovernment

Watch the episode on Youtube https://youtu.be/cOOhCNIDTaw?si=lRxRHWCmTsSLBFy-