Redington Beach Corruption Exposed: A Town Held Hostage by SAFEbuilt, Peebles, Fitzgerald, and Systemic Extortion

Redington Beach, FL — June 29, 2025 | By: Redington Residents Against Corruption

The residents of Redington Beach, Redington Shores, and North Redington are reeling from a systematic campaign of exploitation led by a for-profit company, SAFEbuilt, its appointed building official, Rob Peebles, and code enforcement officer Marquis Fitzgerald, and corrupt city officials. This is not mere bureaucratic incompetence — it’s a calculated, predatory scheme targeting homeowners at their most vulnerable moment: the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. This detailed report exposes the corruption, conflicts of interest, and outright abuse of power that have left residents displaced, fined, and fighting for their property rights.

The Setup: SAFEbuilt’s Grip on Redington’s Building Department

SAFEbuilt’s Contract: A Profit-Driven Disaster

SAFEbuilt, a for-profit corporation contracted by the Town of Redington Shores (and also contracted by Redington Beach), has turned the permitting process into a revenue-generating machine. Since the hurricanes, they’ve billed the town over $300,000 in hourly fees, paid for by exorbitant permit fees and fines imposed on residents. The contract structure incentivizes delays, as SAFEbuilt earns more the longer it takes to process permits. In just eight months, they facilitated the issuance of over $300,000 in fines to homeowners struggling to rebuild after losing everything.

The proposed new contract for 2025 is even more egregious:

• 100% of permit fees go directly to SAFEbuilt, leaving the town with no revenue to support residents.
• Automatic renewal clauses lock the town into the contract unless a 90-day cancellation notice is issued, creating a trap for perpetual dependency.
• No performance metrics or caps on fees, allowing SAFEbuilt to bill unchecked hours with zero accountability.
• Relocation of staff to a private SAFEbuilt office, isolating them from town oversight and transparency.
• No resident complaint process, leaving homeowners without recourse when faced with delays or unfair fines.

This structure ensures SAFEbuilt profits while residents face delays, fines, and threats of property condemnation.

Rob Peebles: The Enforcer

Rob Peebles, the appointed building official, is a SAFEbuilt employee who wields unchecked authority over permitting and code enforcement. His role creates a glaring conflict of interest: as a SAFEbuilt representative, he benefits financially from delays, rejections, and fines, all of which generate more work (and revenue) for his employer. Peebles has been documented:

• Sending code enforcement officers to homes to issue fines for minor repairs (e.g., replacing a toilet or cabinet without a permit).
• Enforcing non-existent requirements, such as raising appliances to 11 feet above sea level, even for homes not substantially damaged.
• Justifying the $300,000 in fines by claiming they were necessary to cover SAFEbuilt’s contract costs — a circular logic that exposes the predatory nature of the system.

Peebles’ actions are not about safety or compliance; they’re about maximizing SAFEbuilt’s profits at the expense of residents.

Tidal Basin: Inflating Damage to Force Demolitions

Before SAFEbuilt’s dominance, the town contracted Tidal Basin to assess hurricane damage. Tidal Basin’s assessments were riddled with errors, often overestimating damage to classify homes as “substantially damaged” (over 50% of market value). This designation forced homeowners to either:

• Demolish and rebuild to new, costly flood elevation standards.
• Appeal the assessment, a process bogged down by SAFEbuilt’s delays.

These inflated assessments weren’t just mistakes — they were a deliberate tactic to push homeowners into expensive rebuilds, generating more permits and fees for SAFEbuilt. Many residents, especially the elderly and uninformed, lacked the resources to challenge these designations, leaving them vulnerable to losing their homes entirely.

Tidal Basin, tasked with assessing hurricane damage, has come under fire for issuing fraudulent evaluations that misrepresent the condition of properties. Shockingly, assessments have been conducted on homes with only second-story living spaces—properties not required to be FEMA-compliant—yet labeled as substantially damaged. One resident received a report claiming over 60% damage to their home, but upon requesting details, they were provided a data sheet listing items not even present in their property. This blatant use of fake metrics and inaccurate assessments suggests Tidal Basin is deliberately inflating damage reports, potentially to justify excessive fines or force unnecessary repairs. This misconduct exacerbates the financial burden on residents already struggling post-hurricanes, pointing to a coordinated effort with local officials to exploit the crisis.

The Extortion Tactics: Targeting the Vulnerable

Predatory Fines Post-Hurricanes

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated Redington in 2024, residents faced unimaginable loss. Homes were flooded, possessions destroyed, and many were displaced. Instead of aiding recovery, SAFEbuilt and Peebles preyed on these vulnerable residents:

• Over $300,000 in fines were issued in just eight months, often for minor repairs like replacing drywall or fixtures without permits.
• Fines were five times the normal permit fee, a punitive measure designed to maximize revenue rather than ensure compliance.
• Elderly residents and those unfamiliar with building codes were disproportionately targeted, as they were less likely to challenge the fines or navigate the appeal process.

This is not governance — it’s sociopathic exploitation. While residents were picking up the pieces of their lives, SAFEbuilt and Peebles saw an opportunity to profit.

Forced Inspections of Non-Damaged Homes

In a shocking escalation, SAFEbuilt and Peebles are now sending letters to homeowners whose properties were not substantially damaged (under 50% damage) demanding right of entry to inspect interiors. The stated reason? “Safety concerns for the community.” Failure to comply risks:

• Condemnation of the property.
• Disconnection of power and water utilities.

This is a blatant abuse of power. If inspectors find any work — even minor repairs like a replaced cabinet or toilet — without a permit, they issue immediate fines. This tactic targets homes that escaped major hurricane damage, ensuring SAFEbuilt captures every possible dollar of revenue from the town’s residents.

Misinterpreting Florida Building Code (FBC) R322

SAFEbuilt and Peebles are falsely claiming that Florida Building Code R322 requires all exterior appliances (e.g., air conditioners, water heaters) to be elevated to 11 feet above sea level, even for homes undergoing basic repairs. This interpretation is incorrect and has been debunked by:

• A FEMA attorney.
• A state-licensed engineer.
• Two veteran contractors with over 30 years of experience.
• A construction law attorney.
• A respected local inspector, who called the system “corrupt and broken.”

Key FBC R322 Provisions:

• R322.1: Applies only to new construction, substantial improvements, or substantial damage (over 50% of market value).
• R322.1.6: Cannot be enforced unless R322.1 is triggered.
• FBC-EB Section 701.3: Confirms that basic repairs do not require compliance with new flood elevation standards.

By misrepresenting these rules, SAFEbuilt forces homeowners into costly compliance measures (e.g., raising homes or appliances), generating more permits and fees. This is a deliberate misapplication of the law to benefit SAFEbuilt’s bottom line.

Marquis Fitzgerald: The Disgraced Enforcer

Marquis Fitzgerald, a former Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy, was arrested on May 31, 2023, for threatening to kill his wife via text messages, an incident documented by a 911 call and body-worn camera evidence (Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Report SO23-1:5S097). A Final Risk Protection Order issued on June 5, 2023, by the Pinellas County Circuit Court (filed June 15, 2023) confirmed his violent behavior, including threats with weapons, and noted he was subject to a previous risk protection order, mandating immediate surrender of all firearms, ammunition, and any concealed weapon license due to a significant danger of personal injury. This order prohibited him from possessing or acquiring firearms until June 16, 2024, unless extended, rendering him ineligible to continue as a deputy—a role requiring firearm access—leading to his termination. The process was handled administratively, with Fitzgerald internally directed to resign to avoid public scrutiny and protect the Sheriff’s image, despite reports framing it as voluntary. The order required him to complete 6 sessions of counseling with a licensed mental health provider to apply to vacate it without objection, and evidence confirmed his compliance with surrendering firearms, eliminating the need for a compliance hearing. Shockingly, Fitzgerald applied for and was hired by Redington Beach and Redington Shores as a code enforcement officer a few months later, likely while on probation through a Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) process, despite this violent background and loss of gun rights. His actions since hiring include:

• Illegally entering private property despite clear “No Trespassing” signs, prompting an active lawsuit against him.
• Prowling backyards on the weekends after normal town hall business hours with a camera, harassing families and renters.
• Engaging in targeted retaliation, creating false “incident records” to punish residents who challenge the town’s policies.

Fitzgerald’s history of violent threats and his current role as a “rent-a-cop” raise serious questions about the town’s hiring decisions. Why is a man with a documented history of aggression, fired from law enforcement due to loss of firearm rights and potentially on probation, allowed to enforce codes in a small beach community of thousands of homes? His presence is not about safety—it’s about intimidation and control, funded by taxpayer dollars. This man should not be working as a public servant in the midst of this community.

The Mayor and Deputy: Enablers of Corruption

Mayor David Will: The “RHINO” Republican

Mayor David Will, who presents himself as a conservative champion of small government, has been a key enabler of this system. His actions contradict his rhetoric, and he, along with the entire town, is fighting to retain SAFEbuilt despite their incompetence, necessitating a recall for their actions. Instead of helping residents, they have weaponized the town, turning it into a tool of oppression. His key missteps include:

• Opposition to Senate Bill 280: Will celebrated Governor Ron DeSantis’s veto of SB 280, a bill that would have limited municipal overreach on short-term rentals, protecting property owners’ rights. He claimed it “takes residents out of the decision-making process,” yet his policies do exactly that.
• Public Records Revelation: A public records request uncovered Will’s strategy to “make life a living hell” for short-term rental owners through excessive regulations, audits, and fines. His plan included:
  • Limiting households to 2–3 cars.
  • Requiring background checks for renters.
  • Demanding short-term rental permits with anytime audits.
• Retaliatory Enforcement: Will has allegedly used Deputy Tony DeAngelo, a Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy contracted by the town, to intimidate homeowners and renters. DeAngelo conducts unannounced visits, interrogates guests, and applies pressure to silence opposition.

Will’s actions are not those of a conservative—they’re authoritarian, undermining property rights and weaponizing municipal power. The only way to stop this seems to be suing them, but who wants to waste tens of thousands of dollars doing this? We must act together to demand accountability and push for their recall, restoring fairness to Redington Beach.

Deputy Tony DeAngelo and ALL local contracted sheriffs have become the personal patsy for the town: The Muscle the hired help

Deputy DeAngelo, paid by local taxpayers, has become a tool for Mayor Will’s retaliatory agenda. Residents report:

• Unannounced visits to properties with renters, creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
• Targeting homeowners who speak out against the town’s policies, with one resident stating, “If you speak up, you’ll get a visit from DeAngelo.”
• Enforcing vague or non-existent regulations to pressure tenants and owners into compliance.

This is not law enforcement — it’s political intimidation dressed in a badge.

Comparison to Other Municipalities: Redington’s Failure

Unlike Redington, other municipalities in Pinellas County — such as St. Petersburg, Indian Rocks, and Madeira Beach — processed permits IMMEDEIETLY and did not charge permitting fees. Redington’s (North, Shores and Beach) were the only municipalities to charge for permits on the entire coast line:

• St. Petersburg and Pinellas County handle hundreds of permits daily with same-day approvals, using only 1–3 technicians compared to Redington’s four full-time staff plus SAFEbuilt.
• These municipalities operate under the same FEMA regulations but do not impose excessive delays or fines.
• Redington’s unique practice of outsourcing to SAFEbuilt creates a profit-driven bottleneck, unlike county-run systems with no financial incentive to delay.

Residents have corresponded with other municipalities, confirming that Redington’s delays are not due to FEMA requirements but rather SAFEbuilt’s profit-driven model.

The Legal Risks: A Ticking Time Bomb

The town’s actions expose it to significant legal liability:

• Negligence: Delaying permits for months, causing financial and emotional harm.
• Gross Misconduct: Deliberately creating delays and hardship despite capacity to process permits faster.
• Breach of Duty: Failing to uphold the town’s responsibility to support recovery efforts.
• Violation of Property Rights: Preventing owners from making lawful repairs.
• Emotional Distress: Causing prolonged displacement and suffering.
• Class Action Liability: A potential multi-million-dollar lawsuit from affected residents.
• Federal Non-Compliance: Misrepresenting FEMA guidelines could lead to loss of NFIP credits or federal penalties.
• Loss of Use for Residents – substantial financial harm
• Property value decline – Cities intentional damaging behavior has caused residents to flee or sell properties as is which has caused the market to plumet!

Under Florida Statute 553.80, permit fees must be cost-based. SAFEbuilt’s retention of 100% of fees, coupled with excessive fines, may violate this law. Additionally, delegating public authority to a private company without transparency or accountability opens the door to claims of fraud, unjust enrichment, and misrepresentation.

The Human Cost: Preying on the Vulnerable

The elderly, the uninformed, and those still recovering from the hurricanes are the primary victims of this scheme. Many residents:

• Lost their homes to flooding and cannot afford costly rebuilds or fines.
• Face displacement due to delays, with some waiting over six months for permits.
• Are threatened with condemnation or utility shutoffs for refusing inspections.
• Lack the resources to appeal or hire attorneys to fight back.

This is not just mismanagement — it’s evil. Instead of helping residents rebuild, SAFEbuilt, Peebles, and Fitzgerald exploit their desperation for profit.

The Broader Context: Town Hall Dysfunction

The May 14, 2025, Board of Commissioners meeting minutes reveal a broader pattern of mismanagement:

• FEMA Reimbursement Delays: Documentation for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton was overdue since January 2025, delaying critical recovery funds.
• CRS Recertification Failure: The town nearly missed its Community Rating System deadline, risking loss of flood insurance discounts.
• HMGP Grant Mismanagement: Missed deadlines for Debby projects and failure to identify projects for Helene and Milton funding.
• Sewer System Neglect: No progress on a capital improvement plan, delaying critical infrastructure repairs.

Interim Town Administrator Margaret Carey has attempted to address some issues, but the reliance on SAFEbuilt, Peebles, and Fitzgerald undermines these efforts.

Indian Shores Police Department: A Silver Lining Amid Chaos

While the building department flounders, the Indian Shores Police Department (ISPD), led by Chief Richard Swann, has shown professionalism:

• Post-hurricane, ISPD officers worked 12-hour emergency shifts, clearing debris, checking on residents, and maintaining safety.
• They earned state accreditation in 2024 and were recognized for DUI enforcement by Florida Highway Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
• Their proposed FY25/26 budget increase of 5% ($649,019 total) is modest, reflecting a commitment to fiscal responsibility despite storm-related demands.

However, ISPD’s good work is overshadowed by the building department’s corruption, and even their efforts cannot mitigate the harm caused by SAFEbuilt, Peebles, and Fitzgerald.

Call to Action: July 9th, 2025, Town Hall Meeting

On July 9th, 2025, the Redington Town Hall will vote on renewing SAFEbuilt’s contract. This is the community’s last chance to stop this predatory system. Residents must:

• Attend the meeting and demand the contract be rejected.
• Call for Rob Peebles’ and Marquis Fitzgerald’s removal as building and code enforcement officials due to their conflicts of interest and documented misconduct.
• Advocate for an in-house building official who answers to the town, not a private company.
• Push for transferring permitting to Pinellas County, which processes permits faster and without profit motives.
• Demand an independent investigation into SAFEbuilt’s practices, Peebles’ enforcement, Fitzgerald’s intimidation, and the town’s complicity.
• File public records requests to uncover the full SAFEbuilt contract and internal communications.
• Organize a class-action lawsuit to hold the town accountable for negligence, misconduct, and property rights violations.

Emailing local mayors and officials can also be extremely beneficial here is their contact info: Make your voice heard! This is the only way this will work!

Redington Shores Contacts:

Mayor

Tom Kapper
(727) 492-6495 | [email protected]

District 1 Commissioner

Doug Harr
(727) 397-5538 | [email protected]

District 2 Commissioner

District 3 Commissioner

District 4 Commissioner

Building Official

Interim Town Administrator / Town Clerk

Deputy Clerk

Administrative Support Specialist

Public Works Supervisor

Redington Beach Contacts:

MAYOR

DAVID WILL

CURRENT TERM BEGAN MARCH 2025

Email address: [email protected]

Cell phone #: 323-744-9455

COMMISSIONER

TIM KORNIJTSCHUK

FINANCE COMMISSIONER

CURRENT TERM BEGAN MARCH 2024

Email address: [email protected]

Cell #: 630-675-6111

COMMISSIONER

RICHARD CARIELLO

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER

PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSIONER

CURRENT TERM BEGAN MARCH 2025

Email address: [email protected]

Cell #: 727-410-4643

VICE-MAYOR

TIM THOMPSON

BUILDING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSIONER

CURRENT TERM BEGAN MARCH 2025

Email: [email protected]

 Cell #:  727-418-0577

COMMISSIONER

JIM MURRAY

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER

CURRENT TERM BEGAN MARCH 2024

Email address: [email protected]

Cell #: 727-482-4196

North Redington Contacts:

1. Jay Super Mayor – 1st TermElected Mayor: 2025 | Term Expires: 2027Supervisory Area: Administrative OfficerOrganizations: Barrier Islands Governmental Council – Member
   Mayor’s Council of Pinellas County – Member[email protected]
2. Steve Bradley Commissioner, Seat 1 – 1st TermElected: 2025  | Term Expires: 2027Supervisory Area:  Commissioner of Building[email protected]
3. Rick Nagrabski Commissioner, Seat 2 – 1st TermElected: 2025 | Term Expires: 2027Supervisory Area: Commissioner of Public Works
   Gulf Beaches Library Board Member[email protected]
4. Corey Thornton Commissioner, Seat 3 – 4th TermAppointment: 2019  |  Term Expires: 2026Supervisory Area: Commissioner of Safety[email protected]
5. Kevin Kennedy Commissioner, Seat 4 – 6th TermElected: 2014 | Term Expires: 2026Supervisory Area: Vice Mayor[email protected]

Conclusion: A Town Betrayed

The residents of Redington Beach, Redington Shores, and North Redington deserve better. SAFEbuilt, Rob Peebles, and Marquis Fitzgerald have turned a time of crisis into a profit-driven nightmare, fining residents over $300,000, delaying permits, and threatening homes with condemnation. Mayor David Will and Deputy Tony DeAngelo and other deputies have enabled this system, undermining property rights and intimidating dissenters. The proposed SAFEbuilt contract would cement this abuse, handing over 100% of permit fees and unchecked authority to a private company.

This is not just corruption — it’s a betrayal of the community’s trust. The July 9th meeting is the moment to take back control. Show up, speak out, and demand justice. Redington deserves a government that serves its people, not one that preys on them.

You want to see how the new SB180 bill can help us fight these crooks? Read what this new bill that Desantis passed can do for you:

https://wethepeopleofredingtonbeach.com/%f0%9f%93%b0-residents-of-redington-beach-north-redington-beach-and-redington-shores-demand-action-local-governments-violating-sb-180-blocking-hurricane-recovery-with-weaponized-permits/