Another Bank for Belleair Bluffs

Belleair Bluffs is about to get it's 10th bank. The closed Texaco station at the intersection of Indian Rocks Road and West Bay Drive in Belleair Bluffs has been partially torn down and will be replaced by a Southern Republic Bank.

Belleair Bridge Construction Update

The new Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge is on schedule. Construction of the $72 million project, is scheduled for completion between fall of 2009 and spring of 2010. The new bridge will replace the current 57-year-old drawbridge.

The new bridge will be tall enough not to have to be opened for vessels passing underneath. It will be the tallest bridge in Pinellas County on the Intracoastal Waterway.

As a safety precaution, traffic is interrupted each time one of the 200-foot-long beams is hoisted into place from a barge. Traffic has been interrupted throughout construction when cement was delivered for the 32 piers raised to support the road surface. So far, 9 of those piers are in the water.

Biltmore Needs Variance

There are 2 upcoming town meetings regarding variance approvals:

- Planning and Zoning – May 12, 5:30 p.m.

- Town Commission – May 20, 7:30 p.m.

Both will be held at the Belleair Town Hall at 901 Ponce de Leon.

Issues to be discussed:

- Roadway easements
- Parking
- Property additions