REDINGTON SHORES, FL — Two back-to-back mayoral resignations — paired with deepening dysfunction, unlivable conditions, and continued permitting obstruction — have pushed local Redington communities to their breaking point.
Residents call for immediate resignations, criminal audits, and Pinellas County intervention amid FEMA delays, unsafe conditions, and growing signs of corruption
As of April 13, Redington Shores Mayor Lisa Hendrickson has formally resigned, citing “dysfunction,” “lack of collaboration,” and an inability to push through needed reforms. Her departure follows that of Mayor Bill Queen in North Redington Beach in February, as well as multiple commissioners — all without public elections.
Meanwhile, in Redington Beach, Mayor David Will remains in office, despite the town sitting at 85% vacancy nearly seven months after the storm. Residents allege that under Will’s leadership, rebuilding has come to a standstill, FEMA compliance has been misused to block permits, and basic services have collapsed — all while the mayor resides in a camper trailer, sipping coffee, and issuing orders with no urgency or accountability – also spending all their energy going after home owners who are simply trying to get back in their home with fines and retaliation for voicing their opinions.
“Our town is still in ruins, residents are living in hotels or with relatives, and David Will is managing the recovery from a parking lot,” said a spokesperson for Concerned Citizens of Redington. “We need leadership — not leisure.”
Community Demands Immediate Action
Residents are now formally calling for:
- The immediate resignation of Redington Beach Mayor David Will and any town staff involved in permitting obstruction
- A full audit and criminal review of FEMA damage classifications, permit delays, and contract payments
- Pinellas County to assume all permitting and inspection authority, replacing third-party providers like SafeBuilt with county-level professionals who will operate transparently and without delay
- Public hearings and sworn testimony from officials and inspectors involved in permit enforcement, FEMA compliance, and recovery operations
Pattern of Corruption and Obstruction
Community members have documented cases of:
- Permits delayed or denied with no explanation
- “Substantial damage” determinations made without proper inspections
- Shifting requirements and conflicting orders from building departments
- Retaliatory behavior against residents who challenge town staff
Many allege that SafeBuilt, a contracted third-party permitting and inspection firm, is operating with zero oversight, and is financially incentivized to delay or deny permits in order to justify continued billing to the town.
“This isn’t a mistake — it’s a manufactured crisis,” said the spokesperson. “These resignations didn’t happen in a vacuum. Our residents are being displaced and priced out, while a small group of unaccountable officials controls access to recovery. Enough is enough.”
Residents Will No Longer Wait
Concerned Citizens of Redington will be organizing formal petitions, state-level complaints, and public demonstrations in the coming weeks. The group is urging state and county leaders to step in immediately, ensure fair treatment of displaced families, and restore lawful governance to these beachside towns.
About Concerned Citizens of Redington:
Concerned Citizens of Redington is a grassroots coalition of homeowners, renters, and local business owners demanding transparency, ethics, and competent leadership in Redington Shores, Redington Beach, and North Redington Beach.
sources:
https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2025/03/09/north-redington-beach-mayor-bill-queen-resign