Mark Schantz

I am a freelance journalist, web reporter, media critic, political watchdog, blogger, columnist, photographer, creative cook, humorist, supporter of Israel & US

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Articles

Treasure Island advances $12M public safety bldg.

1 week ago | tbnweekly.com | Mark Schantz

TREASURE ISLAND — City commissioners decided to consider design and engineering bids for a new Public Safety Building, while taking time to determine if the city can afford the project now estimated at $12 million. The current police and fire buildings were largely destroyed in recent hurricanes. Some residents told commissioners the estimated price was too high and could lead to property tax increases. They proposed build a free-standing fire station while relocating police to City Hall.
New Tarpon Springs Mayor John Koulianos ready to tackle major issues

1 week ago | suncoastnews.com | Mark Schantz

TARPON SPRINGS — Newly seated Mayor John Koulianos plans to advance a healthy lifestyle by championing Tarpon Blue Zone certification for the city while forging ahead with economic development and tackling aging infrastructure issues. Koulianos, who ran on a platform of bringing common sense back to government, is no stranger around City Hall. He was elected to serve a three-year City Commission term beginning in April 2023 and ran unopposed for the mayor’s seat in the March election.
Treasure Island’s purchase of Isle of Palms Park clears final hurdle

1 week ago | tampabay.com | Mark Schantz

TREASURE ISLAND — City commissioners cleared the final legal hurdle allowing the purchase of Isle of Palms Park, with 70% of funding coming from a Florida Communities Trust grant. Parks and recreation director Cathy Hayduke presented the item at the April 1 meeting, requesting approval for the city manager to execute the Dedication to Public Use and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants with the Florida Communities Trust.
Tarpon Springs gives green light to food trucks at Sponge Docks, downtown

1 week ago | tampabay.com | Mark Schantz

TARPON SPRINGS — After much debate, city commissioners unanimously approved allowing food trucks at the Sponge Docks and downtown, with special conditions that will be revisited in six months. City manager Charles Rudd on March 25 told commissioners that many rules were waived following the hurricanes.
Isle of Palms Park purchase clears last remaining hurdle

2 weeks ago | tbnweekly.com | Mark Schantz

TREASURE ISLAND — City commissioners cleared the final legal hurdle allowing the purchase of Isle of Palms Park, with 70% of funding coming from a Florida Communities Trust grant. Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Hayduke presented the item at the April 1 meeting, requesting approval for the city manager to execute the Dedication to Public Use and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants with the Florida Communities Trust.
Tarpon Springs gives green light to food trucks at Sponge Docks, downtown

2 weeks ago | suncoastnews.com | Mark Schantz

TARPON SPRINGS — After much debate, city commissioners unanimously approved allowing food trucks at the Sponge Docks and downtown, with special conditions that will be revisited in six months. City Manager Charles Rudd on March 25 told commissioners that many rules were waived following the hurricanes.
Tarpon Springs gives green light to food trucks at Sponge Docks, downtown

2 weeks ago | tbnweekly.com | Mark Schantz

TARPON SPRINGS — After much debate, city commissioners unanimously approved allowing food trucks at the Sponge Docks and downtown, with special conditions that will be revisited in six months. City Manager Charles Rudd on March 25 told commissioners that many rules were waived following the hurricanes.
Pinellas County to begin enforcing new vacation rental rules

2 weeks ago | tampabay.com | Mark Schantz

CLEARWATER — Pinellas County this month will be ramping up its strengthened vacation rental ordinance, designed to have owners of rental properties register and face stiff code enforcement fines for infractions. Will loud music blaring into the night and raucous pool parties come to an end in residential neighborhoods? County commissioners hope so, now that code enforcement has been given marching orders to strictly regulate those who don’t play by a new set of rules.
Tarpon Springs OKs $4.1M for new clubhouse, parking lot at golf course

2 weeks ago | tampabay.com | Mark Schantz

TARPON SPRINGS — City commissioners unanimously approved plans for a new $4.1 million clubhouse and expanded parking lot March 25 at the Tarpon Springs Municipal Golf Course. Public services director Thomas Kiger told commissioners, “Last year we did around 68,000 rounds of golf. Because of that we had to reinvest in the facility to support that level of play.”“We recently completed a quarter-million-dollar tee box renovation, with expanded tee boxes to accommodate increased play.
Pinellas gives final OK to new vacation rental rules

3 weeks ago | tbnweekly.com | Mark Schantz

CLEARWATER — The county will be ramping up its new strengthened vacation rental ordinance during April, designed to have owners of rental properties register and face stiff code enforcement action fines for infractions. Will loud music blaring into the night and raucous pool parties come to an end in residential neighborhoods? County commissioners hope so now that code enforcement has been given marching orders to strictly regulate those who don’t play by a new set of rules and regulations.