'Issues' Lead Beach Fire Agency to Team Up With Other Independents

Leaders at Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue, which serves Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores, have joined forces with three other independent fire agencies to form "The Council of Special Fire Districts."

The new council was formed in response to the ongoing fire and EMS issues within Pinellas County, according to a news release announcing the new council. 

"Over the years I have witnessed the four fire districts working with local and state officials independently on issues of common interest.  It was my goal with this council to allow us to work on these issues collectively," said Palm Harbor Fire Commissioner Norm Atherton, whose agency is part of the new council.

East Lake Fire Rescue and the Lealman Fire Department are also members.

"The council is the unified voice of the four independent fire districts and there are over 150,000 residents to our elected officials on the federal, state and local level" said East Lake Fire Commissioner Tom McKone.

One representative from each agency will preside at council meetings. The council will serve as the collective voice of these special fire districts in Pinellas County and will sponsor, oppose or support legislation, rules, ordinances or resolutions that could potentially impact the fire districts.

Fire districts in the council serve a combined population of 158,120 residents. Unlike cities who provide fire rescue and EMS services and are governed by a mayor and/or a city manager, special fire districts are governed by a board of fire commissioners elected by the citizens within the boundaries of that district.

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