08/11/2026
Hello Friends of Weedon Island!
The Pinellas Board of County Commissioners met today for their initial budget workshop. Thanks to you, they received more than 150 comments in support of preserving Weedon Island – in person, over Zoom, and by email. You can watch the meeting on Youtube here:
Start of comment: https://youtu.be/ndO-OcaVVqE&t=1510
Beginning of budget workshop: https://youtu.be/ndO-OcaVVqE&t=6311
Beginning of Weedon Island discussion: https://youtu.be/ndO-OcaVVqE&t=8312
The initial news was positive! Weedon Island dominated the conversation about next year's potential cuts, and Commissioners were unanimous in a desire to find a solution that preserves Weedon: Dipping into the County's General Fund, seeking state funding, or making cuts elsewhere.
HOWEVER, no action was taken to remove Weedon from the list of potential cuts. Even if the State is able to cover the cost that money would not be available until the middle of next year, leaving a gap.
We will keep up the pressure. If you have not yet contacted the Commission, please reach out and express your support for Weedon, especially if you're a Pinellas resident. If you aren't yet a member of the Friends, please consider joining us. And please keep alert to our page and share it with friends and family who love our history – both human and natural – and want to see it preserved.
Our elected officials respond to us. They respond to our advocacy. And together we can keep Weedon safe today, tomorrow, and for generations to come."
Peter
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting