Through September 30, St. Pete Beach continues to see a year-over-year 26% increase in crime that is highly correlated with the abuse of the “free” SunRunner bus service. Stories from law enforcement, residents, and local businesses highlight the following statistics:
- Shoplifting up 263%
- All Theft up 83%
- Trespassing up 158%
- Vandalism & Criminal Mischief up 100%
Our community came together around this issue, and with the support of Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the PSTA agreed to implement the full SunRunner fare as of October1.
This progress has been complicated by the St. Petersburg City Council, however, which last week voted to fund fare-free access to all PSTA services through the PSTA Transportation Disadvantaged Program. Now, our State Representative Linda Chaney is proposing to open a conversation around the PSTA and its role in our community, and we need your help!
Thursday, October 26 from 1-4pm there is a Delegation Meeting for our Pinellas County delegation to the Florida State Legislature. We need residents to show up and support Rep. Chaney asking basic questions about how public transportation can efficiently serve our community while minimizing negative side effects:
Pinellas Delegation meeting
Oct 26 from 1-4pm at SPC Seminole campus
9200 113th St N, Seminole
Your voice needs to be heard — if you have a story to tell about how the PSTA or SunRunner has affected you or your business, please register to speak for 2 minutes at this link:
https://form.jotform.com/232566106711148
If you are unable to attend this meeting, or if all speaker spots are taken, please email Rep. Chaney’s legislative assistant, Tristan Sommer at trisan.sommer@myfloridahouse.gov. You are also encouraged to call Rep. Chaney’s office and leave a message with Tara Ross at 727-471-4672.
Finally, we must consider that the PSTA is a well-funded and sophisticated bureaucracy with lobbyists and a communications firm who are being paid to influence this conversation. If you are a concerned resident and/or business owner… well, we only have each other.
Please take the time to ensure that your voice is heard, and attend this meeting if at all possible.
One Beach, One Community.
Your Neighbors at
Protect St. Pete Beach PAC
https://www.protectstpetebeach.com