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Shell Key. Photo: Kara Durda/Audubon Florida
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Tell Pinellas Commissioners Defunding Shell Key and Weedon Island Preserves is Not an Option
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Shell Key Preserve off the southwest tip of Pinellas County is some of the last, best remaining undeveloped barrier island habitat in the region. Leased from the state and managed by Pinellas County for decades, it is home to nesting imperiled birds like American Oystercatchers and Wilson's Plovers, federally threatened Piping Plovers, Red Knots on migration, nesting sea turtles, gopher tortoises in the dunes, and more. To survive and thrive in the state’s most densely populated county, this preserve requires careful management and constant stewardship.
Unfortunately, as reported late Friday in the Tampa Bay Times, Pinellas County is proposing to eliminate all funding for Shell Key and Weedon Island preserves starting January 1 in an attempt to close a shortfall in the county’s budget. Leaving the crown jewels of Pinellas County preserves unprotected would have tragic effects on the vulnerable natural resources, and could result in the county’s lease from the state defaulting. It is unclear if the state would take on management and if they did, what might be in store for these vulnerable preserves.
The Pinellas County Commission will hear a presentation and public comment on this proposal at their meeting Tuesday morning. If it advances, a vote would follow in September.
Shell Key and its shorebirds need you to speak up on their behalf: Urge your commissioners to fulfill Pinellas’ commitment to managing these preserves and fully fund their budgets.
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