Seminole City Council: Three candidates vie for two open seats

Local governance in Seminole is facing a test of fiscal discipline as voters prepare to select two of three candidates for the city council. The election pits incumbent Ray Beliveau and appointed member Kadi Hendricks Tubbs against Mike Lurie, a political newcomer with a background in technology and real estate.

All three candidates identify aging infrastructure and the potential impact of Amendment 3 as the primary challenges for the city. Beliveau, a Navy veteran who has lived in Seminole for over 38 years, cites the city's undersized stormwater system as a persistent problem. He argues that maintaining a debt-free budget while funding necessary repairs requires careful prioritization by the Public Works team and capable consultants.

Lurie, who has resided in Seminole for 47 years, emphasizes the budgetary strain caused by state-level mandates. He notes that the city maintains one of the lowest millage rates in Pinellas County. Lurie warns that if Amendment 3 passes, the city will lack the revenue to maintain current service levels without making difficult cuts or imposing non-ad valorem fees.

Tubbs, a local business owner and former journalist, focuses on balancing public safety needs with resident costs. She has served on the council since March and points to her experience in property management as a tool for evaluating budgets. Her platform includes completing the new fire station in the Bay Pines area and ensuring transparency in how public funds are spent.

The candidates also diverge on long-term priorities over the next three years. Beliveau highlights the need to replace the aging recreation center with a modern, storm-safe complex. He also supports developing the Repetto property into a community amenity rather than using it solely for overflow parking.

Lurie prioritizes disaster preparedness, specifically hardening infrastructure against future hurricanes. He also advocates for protecting local rulemaking authority from state intervention, arguing that Tallahassee is imposing a one-size-fits-all approach on municipalities.

Tubbs lists maintaining reliable public safety services and improving stormwater infrastructure as her top concerns. She stresses the importance of considering future maintenance and staffing costs before committing to new projects, ensuring that affordability remains central to the city’s development plan.