The Sponge Dockets

Latest Episodes:

S1-E13 - To Hell(ene) in a Handbasket Sep 30, 2024

Christy & Georganna weren't going to record this week in the wake of Hurricane Helene and the unfathomable damage caused in our community, but they decided to go for it in the event that there's something to share that might bring some level of comfort in the form of their own vulnerability.

Resources discussed in this episode - ways to give and receive:

For hyperlocal assistance and the ability to give directly to your neighbors in need, visit The Funk at 1208 N. Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs - in the small shopping center just north of the Anclote Rive on the east side of Alt 19. They are in dire need of: personal hygiene items, diapers, ready to eat food with easy open tops, water, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. No more clothing is being accepted at this time! People have clothes now, but need to shower and eat!

Details on location here: https://www.facebook.com/share/nFzPQFqZpKjBa4VE/

The 501c3 that was mentioned who is bringing donations to Tarpon Springs, FL from our East Coast FL neighbors: https://www.guidestar.org/Profile/93-2345390

There is no link to them but I did verify their non-profit status. This is important! Always verify! They are new, but doing good things.

City of Tarpon Springs Hurricane Information/Assistance Updates: https://connecttarponsprings.com/hurricane-helene-tarpon-springs-information-page

FEMA/Federal Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

FEMA Assistance for Business Impacts: https://floridacommerce.my.site.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s/

Agenda Portal for upcoming meetings: https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

#tarponsprings #citygovernment Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this video podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs.

Too Many Hats Sep 22, 2024

Join Christy & Georganna as they dive into the events of the September 17, 2024 BOC Special Session, offering their candid take on the latest developments and their hopes for the upcoming mayoral or commission seat appointment.

Just when we thought things might settle down a little so we could get on with city business carried out with a modicum of calm leadership, we find ourselves back in the crazy saddle.

Application to serve on volunteer boards and committees: https://www.ctsfl.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Advisory-Board-Application-Form.pdf

Agenda Portal for upcoming meetings: https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

#tarponsprings #citygovernment

Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this video podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs.

Let's Hug it Out Sep 16, 2024

This week Christy & Georganna enjoy the peace and quiet of a city moving in the right direction. They share their experiences and insights on several committees and even some items they have coming up.

Application to serve on volunteer boards and committees:

https://www.ctsfl.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Advisory-Board-Application-Form.pdf

Agenda Portal for upcoming meetings:

https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

It's Getting Weird in Here Sep 08, 2024

Christy & Georganna share their perspective on the most recent Board of Commissioners meeting where the biggest topic was how and when we will get back to having a full board.

Have a question or topic you want to hear more about? Email us at spongedockets@gmail.com

Information about the meetings for the US19 Corridor: https://connecttarponsprings.com/us-19-viaduct-corridor-study-information-page

Agenda Portal for upcoming meetings:

https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

#tarponsprings #citygovernment

Duck Duck Goose Sep 01, 2024

This week Christy & Georganna catch up on the takeaways from the Sponge Docks & Greektown Placemaking Plan that was presented at the August 20, 2024 meeting and talk about what's next for the Board of Commissioners and Mayoral seat in light of the abrupt resignation of former Mayor Vatikiotis.

The next meeting on Sept. 4, 2024 should be interesting, and you can catch the agenda here: https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/518/files/agenda/410

and plan to watch it on the City Youtube Channel here:

https://youtube.com/@tarponspringstv?si=s8zT7rA4EI3-8oI3

Questions, comments, requests? Email us! spongedockets@gmail.com

or @spongedockets on YouTube & TikTok

Debby Downer Sep 01, 2024

Today Christy & Georganna discuss the Tarpon Springs BOC Meeting coming up on 8/6/24, the ballot for the upcoming Pinellas County election on 8/20/24, and the just released draft of the Sponge Docks & Hope-Athens Greek Community Placemaking Plan. There will surely be more to come on this plan that is due to be presented to the BOC at the 8/20/24 meeting. August is a HOT month in many ways!

You can see all the details on this initiative including a link to the Draft Plan here:

https://connecttarponsprings.com/sponge-docks-hope-athens-placemaking

Happiness Is an Inside Job Sep 01, 2024

Christy & Georganna are a little fired up over some recent BOC meetings where things are feeling far less transparent than we expected based on the platforms some of the elected officials ran on during their elections. Like they say... If you can't stand the heat - get out of the kitchen!

Questions, comments, requests? Email us! spongedockets@gmail.com

#tarponsprings #citygovernment

Links: Article about the special election and the candidates for Seat 2:

https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2024/07/19/tarpon-springs-special-election-two-candidates-square-off/

Bull(y) in a China Shop Aug 26, 2024

Christy & Georganna share their insights on one of the most eventful Tarpon Springs Board of Commission meetings in recent history and the newsworthy aftermath: the resignation of Mayor Costa Vatikiotis with 7 months left in his term.

Have a question or topic you want to hear more about? Email us at spongedockets@gmail.com

Here’s a link to the article we referenced by Tracy McManus:

https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2024/08/22/tarpon-springs-mayor-costa-vatikiotis-resigns-amid-constant-infighting/

#tarponsprings #citygovernment

Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this podcast belong solely to the people speaking. They are representing themselves, their views and their opinions as residents of the City of Tarpon Springs and in no way are representing the City of Tarpon Springs.

Rock the Boat, Get Out & Vote! Aug 20, 2024

Christy & Georganna talk about upcoming issues related to Planning & Zoning, Elections & the Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners meeting on August 20, 2024. #tarponsprings #citygovernment

Watch the episode on Youtube https://youtu.be/cOOhCNIDTaw?si=lRxRHWCmTsSLBFy-

The Candidate Aug 08, 2024

In this special election episode, Christy & Georganna get to sit down and chat with Frank DiDonato, candidate for Seat 2 of the Tarpon Springs Board of Commission. Make sure you get out to vote on August 20, 2024!

We have also invited his opponent Chris Hrabvosky to join us, but we haven't yet hard back.

Frank was appointed to fill the vacant seat earlier this year when a previous Commissioner resigned, and he's decided to run for office one more time after having served as a Commissioner and two-term Mayor of Tarpon Springs in the past. We're sure glad he did! He has the solid endorsement of both Christy & Georganna.

Here's an article written about both candidates:

https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2024/07/19/tarpon-springs-special-election-two-candidates-square-off/

Questions, comments, requests? Email us! spongedockets@gmail.com

It's A Vibe Jul 28, 2024

This week Christy & Georganna break down the weekend festivities and voting for the new City Manager hire for the City of Tarpon Springs, FL. They share their thoughts on the candidates, the process, and the voting of each of the members of the Board of Commissioners.

Questions, comments, requests? Email us! spongedockets@gmail.com

Links discussed:

Article about the special election and the candidates for Seat 2: https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2024/07/19/tarpon-springs-special-election-two-candidates-square-off/

Article about the pending litigation with Attorney Trask and the City of Tarpon Springs: https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2024/07/25/tarpon-springs-broke-public-records-law-bad-faith-judge-rules/

Upcoming Agendas for Committee & BOC meetings: https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/

Need someone to make merch for you? #shoplocal Misi can help you out: https://www.facebook.com/Misibellesandwhistles

The One with the Disclaimer Jul 21, 2024

Today Christy & Georganna dove a little deeper into the most recent happenings in the meetings, and shared more of their insights and opinions on a few issues including City Manager candidates, Charter Review Committee, Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustments, upcoming special election, and the long awaited final judgment in the case of the former attorney for the City of Tarpon Springs.

Watch the video of the podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@SpongeDockets

Links:

Article about the special election and the candidates for Seat 2:

https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2024/07/19/tarpon-springs-special-election-two-candidates-square-off/

Article about the final candidates for the City Manager position:

https://www.suncoastnews.com/news/three-candidates-vie-for-tarpon-springs-city-manager-position/article_733ea9c4-4086-11ef-bff0-9702b3da2690.html

Agenda for the next Charter Revision committee:

https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/hgms6u5254a34utx

Agenda for the next Board of Adjustments committee:

https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/pqbrwgantqbpi3f2

Flyer with details about the City Manager Meet & Greet:

https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/25yqgpn2gygczfi7

Details of upcoming Special Election for Seat 2 :

https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/gduc6xbuhkpj7esk

Agenda with details for Special BOC Meeting 7-27-2024 to select city manager:

https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/sivs54w7q8i4snuk

Legal Document - the Final Judgment in Favor of Attorney Trask:

https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/ibucwj9sdptddz59

Put Up or Shut Up Jul 14, 2024

In this first episode, Christy & Georganna share what led them to start a podcast centered around sharing the ins and outs of the local city government of Tarpon Springs, FL from the perspective of these friends who are active (and often vocal!) about the things going on in their city.

Items mentioned in this episode:

Upcoming Charter Review Meeting Agenda - Monday July 15 @ 2pm

https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/375/files/agenda/301

Upcoming Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda - Monday July 15 @ 6:30pm

https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/146/files/agenda/303

Upcoming Board of Commissioners Regular Session Agenda - Tuesday July 16 @ 6:30pm

https://tarponspringsfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/92/files/agenda/298

Watch all the meetings live or on replay on the City YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/@TarponSpringsTV

Volunteer to Serve on a City Committee or Board - Application:

https://www.ctsfl.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Advisory-Board-Application-Form.pdf

List of all boards here: