St. Pete Beach votes on $1.5 million sewer upgrades after hurricane damage

St. Pete Beach residents faced a wastewater crisis two years ago when Hurricane Milton flooded electrical equipment at the city's sewage pumping stations. The surge brought the entire system to a standstill, forcing residents to stop flushing toilets, taking showers, and washing dishes to prevent sewage backups. City leaders are now moving to fix the vulnerabilities exposed during that event.

On Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved plans to rehabilitate three sewage lift stations damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The construction work, totaling approximately $1.5 million, targets stations in Belle Vista, near Corey Avenue, and Pass-a-Grille. The goal is to keep wastewater moving during future storms by elevating electrical equipment and installing backup generators.

The project timeline extends through July 2027. Public Services Director Camden Mills explained that the new design raises electrical controls above the base flood elevation. The structures will also feature elevated platforms supporting permanent backup generators, with total heights ranging from 13 to 14 feet.

Specific costs for the three sites are distinct. Lift Station 7 at Belle Vista Triangle Park will cost about $514,000. Lift Station 10 at Fisherman’s Park near Corey Avenue is budgeted at $541,000. Lift Station 4 near Pass-a-Grille Marina will cost roughly $500,000. The city’s wastewater utility funds these improvements, with a large portion of the expense dedicated to flood mitigation.

The Belle Vista project sparked local debate regarding the visual impact of the new equipment. Greg Premer, a resident, told commissioners that the neighborhood was unhappy about the size of the structure, describing it as large as a garage. He acknowledged the work was necessary for the wider community, stating they were taking one for the team for residents to the south.

City staff selected the current location after reviewing several options, a decision that avoided an estimated $160,000 in underground utility relocation costs. Residents requested additional amenities, including wood-look fencing and a monument sign. Mayor Scott Tate suggested that a $30,000 cost for these improvements was reasonable, while Commissioner Jon Maldonado questioned whether public funds should pay for non-essential beautification. Commissioners agreed to revisit these requests in June 2027.

At Fisherman’s Park, officials discussed ways to make the large generator less imposing in the small waterfront space. Ideas included decorative wraps or local artwork, which the city plans to explore next year without delaying construction. Further south, the planned Lift Station 4 has raised concerns for neighboring businesses. The station sits in the right of way at the end of 20th Avenue, between The Wharf restaurant and Pass-a-Grille Marina.

The marina uses a large mechanical lift to move boats, leaving limited room for maneuvering around the proposed equipment. City staff recommend removing fencing, adjusting a curb, and modifying a landscaped median to reduce collision risks. Maldonado, who met with marina representatives, supported these changes while emphasizing that the sewer system's integrity must remain the top priority.