News to Know

Dear TBFB Members and Friends:

I am thrilled to report the ongoing success of our education campaign (advocacy) toward the goal of establishing a set aside nude beach in Pinellas County. 

We have concluded a week of scheduled meeting with several people. The goals for this week of meetings were aggressive. 

We scheduled to meet key Pinellas County figures in the following offices: County Attorney's Office, Sheriff, two individual County Commissioners, and the Chair of the County Commission. 

Every interaction was positive and informative. 

There was an last-minute cancellation by Commissioner Peters. A follow up meeting with Chair Peters will take place the week of May 8th to discuss our plan in detail and to solicit her assistance and support of the project and the ability for us to work with her professional county staff. 

Our visit with County Sheriff Gualtieri was welcoming, efficient, and interactive. Sheriff Gualtieri understands it is the job of the county commission to decide the issue of a set aside, but personally has no issue with a set aside or designation concept as presented, a palpable affirmation. The Sheriff also proffered “If there ever was such a beach, the East Beach at Fort DeSoto would be ideal." The Sheriff was versed on the topic and understands the recreational and economic benefit derived by niche tourism markets and the benefit they could derive to improve services for Pinellas County and its residents.

Opportunities for YOU to participate: 

A majority of the Pinellas County Commission are running for election and re-election, giving US, "TBFB”, the ideal and perfect opportunity to help our friends get elected to ensure our project becomes a reality.

Four county commission seats have open races in November 2024. Seats 1,3, 5, 7 are open. 

We, (EACH AND EVERY TBFB MEMBER) will need to help each of these candidates starting now thru November to build a friendship and develop trust. 

Maryanne and Jack will share with you in detail an opportunity we have with Commissioner Charlie Justice. 

Tampa Bay Free Beaches appreciates everyone’s support and you can contribute to assist us in this endeavor at www.tampabayfreebeaches.org.

Thank You.

Ramon Maury
CEO, Maury Management Group
Healthcare & Government Solutions
Phone: (850)-222-1568
rm@ramonmaury.com
Maurymanagementgroup.com

BUT HURRY! YOU'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME... 

All you have to do is send us a photo of yourself holding up a TBFB beach towel farther away from Tampa Bay than any other submission.

There ARE a few rules though. (We’re not complete Yahoos!)

So get yourself a TBFB towel, go find a remote place (the top of the Eiffel Tower comes to mind), say “cheese”, snap your best pic (plus a proof photo), and send them to editor@tampabayfreebeaches.com.

The winner will be announced in the March 2024 newsletter.

TBFB is looking for people with these skills:

FUNDRAISER: Do you have experience and expertise in raising serious cash for nonprofits? We’re not talkin’  bake sales, car washes, or bank robbery here. We’re looking for an individual who can work with our Board of Directors to raise $10,000 by the end of this year. This is a volunteer position. For more information, email jack@tampabayfreebeaches.com.

LEGAL EXPERT: Are you a Legal Eagle with a keen understanding of Federal and State laws pertaining to nonprofits? We need your volunteer expertise to keep us on the straight and narrow. (Billing rate: $0 per hour)  For more information, email jack@tampabayfreebeaches.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA GURU: We are looking for a  volunteer who really knows how to leverage social media to maximum advantage. We’re currently on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok (although we haven’t figured out TikTok yet). Work with our creative team to make sure people are kept up-to-date with everything TBFB and take us to heights heretofore unknown! For more information, email dave@tampabayfreebeaches.com.