The scope of the nearly $11 million in new City Centre projects was bigger than some residents felt was prudent – mostly concerning the traffic and infrastructure impact. However, the investment that Madeira Beach made more than two years ago (Paradise News, March 2014 issue) is already paying back significant dividends.
Included on the east side of the Tom Stuart Causeway bridge are a new Publix store, Marriott Courtyard, Chase Bank, Walgreen’s with one of the chain’s first Clinics, and a soon to open Slyce Pizza.
Mayor Travis Palladeno told Paradise News, “A pair of $100-million-plus multi-use developments is destined to dramatically change the west side of the bridge when a pending lawsuit is dismissed or settled in the City’s favor. We feel that it’s a totally nuisance suit.”
More than $1 million in improvements to Archibald Park, including a complete Snack Shack makeover and takeover by a new concessionaire, has brought in significant visitor dollars and added beach meter parking revenue. City Manager Shane Crawford said, “Beach services now include kayaks, paddleboards, chairs, lounges, cabanas & umbrellas. If you don’t get to that lot before 10 am, you’re out of luck.”
In addition, the new Recreation Center, which opened in February 2015, is attracting major national sports tourism; R.O.C. Park is attracting major concerts and many municipal events that contribute increasing dollars back into the city’s general fund and the Bandshell is attracting more new promoters.
Helping keep the total construction, permitting and architectural costs on budget and attracting this other new construction is why Madeira Beach has one of the best FEMA Flood Insurance discount rates of the beach communities. The City’s Michelle Orton explained, “The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides a 20% premium discount to properties in our Special Flood Hazard Areas.
This gives all our property owners access to these lower rates. There are a few beach communities with the same rating but we are working to have that number reduced for a higher discount.”
Rec Center = Profit Center
“Our Rec Center has become its own new profit center,” Crawford emphasized. “Thanks to Doug Andrews, our Parks, Recreation and Events Director and his staff we’ve seen increased use of all our new facilities.”
The Mayor added, “We’re working with many other civic and business groups who have used these facilities and are now donating thousands of dollars in thanks to the City.” Andrews cited some of the Rec Center and R.O.C. Park highlights: “Our Ballfields have had more than 65 days of sports events and 13 major tournaments from February 2015 through this past June. Our activity was built around all Girls NCAA Division 1 college softball led by Eastern Michigan University.”
They hosted a 12-team tournament last year including Harvard, Columbia, N.D. State and Villanova, among others. “We had a dozen teams again this year, both events sanctioned by the NCAA. With our fields recently approved by the NCAA in 2017 we are running back to back with 24 Division 1 teams over two weeks.”
“Sponsored by the National Softball Association (NSA), our Girls’ youth softball events have been wildly successful. On the Boys’ side, through the International Baseball Conference (IBC), we had a national tournament for Boys 10 and under, with more events to come. None of this would be possible without the amazing help of the St. Petersburg/ Clearwater Sports Commission.”
The Mayor noted, “All these events put more bodies in our hotel and motel beds, and all our stores and restaurants share the benefits.” Andrews continued, “R.O.C. Park and our Bandshell have hosted at least five major and many other smaller concerts and municipal events.”
“The big one was the Boy George & Culture Club show last August that drew over 6,500. We also had the Summerland Tour last year, and again this past July, headed by Everclear & Sugar Ray. We’ve worked with a number of promoters, and overall it’s been a pretty exciting and profitable adventure.”
“On the municipal side, fishing is part of Madeira Beach’s DNA, so we continue to host the King of the Beach Fishing Tournaments, the Gulf Beaches Rotary Spring Carnival, the ‘Phil-fest’ Melanoma Awareness Concert and ‘The Bone’ BBQ Slam.”
“We’ve booked weddings almost weekly, using the City Centre rooms or the Rec Center, as well as Archibald Park. We’ve booked into 2018 at an average of about $2,000 an event. Overall, with the help of a great city staff we’ve certainly been keeping very busy.”
A True Partnership
“Our success and progress is due to a true partnership of our officials, residents and businesses,” the Mayor emphasized. “ As our thanks, August is officially ‘Citizens Appreciation Month’, with kudos to Doug for putting the events together. Highlight is Friday (12) Movie Night at Archibald Park with a showing of the original ‘Jaws’.
Everyone will be seated at the water’s edge facing a giant 20 x 20-foot screen – no looking over your shoulder!”
August EVENTS
1 – Every Monday, BOGO PuttPutt – Smuggler’s Cove
2 – Free Ice Cream Sandwich Day – 1 – 4:30 pm John’s Pass Village
5 – Sunset 5K – 7 pm John’s Pass Park
9 – Book Cover Day – 10 am-6 pm – Gulf Beaches Library;
11 – Rec Center “Open House” – 6 – 8 pm
12 – ‘Jaws” The original movie – 6 – pm – Archibald Park
13 – Wiffle Ball Tournament – Ballfields
16 – Tell A Joke Day – Social Media
19 – Loco Locals Night – 2-4-1 drinks & live music – 4 – 8 pm – Daiquiri Shak
20 – Yoga in the Park – R.O.C. Park
23 – Free Kids Slurpee Day – 3 – 6 pm – Mad beach 711
25 – Meet the Commissioners – City Centre
26 – Slipper When Wet “The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute” free concert – 7 pm – R.O.C. Park
27 – Zumba in the Park – Recreation Stage – with the finale
30 – Family Fun Day – Social Media
Mayor Palladeno was elected to a second term in March 2014, with an overwhelming victory over an opponent totally opposed to the new complex who said, “The project is a waste that I would try to downsize if elected.” Asked if he planned to run for another term next March, he enthused, “Absolutely as I’d like to finish the job!”
[Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Mayor Travis Palladeno, City Manager Shane Crawford and Parks, Recreation and Events Director Doug Andrews, and Michelle Orton for their excellent comments.] Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman in St. Pete Beach, offering freelance business writing services. He can be reached via email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com.
STORY by STEVE TRAIMAN
PHOTOS by Tropical Focus & City of Madeira Beach Recreation