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 The third smallest community in Pinellas County, Belleair Bluffs is three-quarter of a mile square bordering the Intracoastal Waterway with no frontage on the Gulf. The Belleair Beach Causeway has a free boat launch and pet-friendly beach. Some said "we'd never make it". That quote from one of the city's Founders was made on March 4, 1963, when a New England type town meeting was held and the Town of Belleair Bluffs on the western shore of Pinellas County was born. Meetings of the first Town Council were held in various business offices. In 1963 and in spite of objections, the Town Council approved the purchase of a building at 115 Florence Drive for $30,000 to be used as a Town Hall. The first annual Christmas tree lighting and carol sing took place at Town Hall that same year. The first budget for fiscal year 1964-65 was approved in the amount of $46,955 and the first patrol car was purchased. In 1964 there were 785 registered voters, a fire truck was purchased for $16,995 and a volunteer fire department was established with 13 volunteers. The name of the town was changed to the City of Belleair Bluffs in those early years and the city slowly increased its municipal limits until it reached it current size of just under ¾ of a square mile 
Today Belleair Bluffs is still just under ¾ of a square mile in size and is almost completely built-out with 2200 inhabitants. The city is made up of 200 businesses - commercial and professional - as well as 540 single-family homes, 320 apartments and 650 condominium units. The community provides for its residents a wide range of living choices and a shopping capability which, while small, serves the needs of both the City and its neighboring communities being one of the gateways to the Gulf beaches. The City's current budget is $1,784,000 and a new community center/city hall complex is being constructed on property 1-½ blocks from its current location. This project will also provide park and playground facilities. The annual tree lighting and carol sing continues to be a focal point of the year for the city's residents.The City employs 12 fulltime and 8 part-time employees and provides its own fire protection. Police protection is provided through a contract with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. It shares responsibility with Pinellas County for the provision and maintenance of streets, storm drainage and water and sewer utilities. Waste collection and recycling are provided through a private vendor. Chris Arbutine, Sr. Mayor www.belleairbluffs.org |
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