Posted on September 24, 2025
Tarpon Springs seeks up to 10 members for year-round waterways oversight after successful federal channel project
TARPON SPRINGS — City commissioners unanimously voted to reactivate the former Marine Commerce Committee with an expanded scope, launching a search for members with expertise in waterways, boating, dredging, beaches and marine commerce.
The original committee was created in January 2016 to secure federal funding for maintenance dredging of the Anclote River Federal Channel, Economic Development Manager Karen Lemmons told commissioners Sept. 9. After meeting through 2017 until funding was secured, the committee disbanded once the project was included in the federal budget.
The Anclote Federal Channel and the city’s eastern turn basin were dredged in 2023. Hurricane delays pushed back dredging of the Outer Cuts near Anclote Key, now scheduled to begin in late 2026.
Because the original resolution was specific to the dredge project, Lemmons recommended formally disbanding the old committee and creating a new one through ordinance with broader purpose and defined roles.
She also recommended notifying prospective members that the committee operates under Florida’s Sunshine Law, which prohibits communication between members outside publicly advertised meetings — a provision that deterred some potential members previously.
Commissioner Dave Banther called the committee “very important” and suggested quarterly meetings with up to 10 members who have expertise in rivers and waterways.
“We learned this last time with the dredge project, and it’s only going to get harder for us,” Banther said. “It was a fight to get the Army Corps to come here. We need a committee focused on that year-round, and many other things affecting our waterways and preserving what we have — the most coastline in Pinellas County.”
Banther proposed each commissioner appoint two qualified members.
Mayor John Koulianos supported the idea, suggesting each commissioner submit three names to account for potential duplicates, similar to the Charter Revision Committee process.
Commissioner Panagiotis Koulias emphasized taking a “macro-level” approach encompassing beaches, recreational and commercial fishing, boating and Sponge Docks commerce.
“There’s so many different aspects,” Koulias said. “We must consider night-time commerce, entertainment, everything above and beyond, and preserving and protecting our waterways.”
Vice Mayor Michael Eisner noted the suggestion originated from Charter Revision Committee member Carrie Root. He called it “well needed” and supported the macro-level approach for “the rebranding of Tarpon Springs.”
City Manager Charles Rudd said the commission must first dissolve the old committee before adopting the new board by ordinance.
An ordinance establishing the Marine Commerce Committee will come before commissioners for a vote soon. Those interested in serving should complete forms at the City Clerk’s office.
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