In a recent Special City Commission Meeting held on December 23, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida, city officials discussed the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Idalia on local transportation services and the financial implications of the Freebee service, a free ride-sharing program funded by taxpayers.

The meeting highlighted that from September 24 to October 20, 2024, Freebee services were suspended due to hurricane damage. Services resumed on October 21 but with reduced operating hours, now running from 7 AM to 9 PM, a significant cut from the previous hours of 6 AM to midnight. This reduction translates to approximately 24% fewer operating hours, which has contributed to a 34% drop in ridership compared to the same period last year. However, officials noted that when adjusted for the reduced hours, the actual year-over-year ridership decline is closer to 10%.

Despite the decrease in ridership, the financial burden of the Freebee service remains substantial, costing taxpayers around $770,000 annually, or about $66,000 per month. Concerns were raised about whether the city is meeting its contractual obligations regarding the minimum service hours per vehicle, especially during the reduced operational period. City officials acknowledged the need to clarify these contractual details and assess the financial implications of the service's current state.

Commissioners expressed a growing concern about prioritizing essential city services, such as sewer maintenance and storm drain upkeep, over what some described as a nonessential amenity. The discussion underscored the need for the city to evaluate its spending priorities in light of the hurricane's impact on infrastructure.

The meeting also set the stage for further discussions on the implementation of a resident priority system for Freebee services, scheduled for the next meeting on January 14, 2025. As the city navigates the aftermath of the hurricane, officials are tasked with balancing community needs and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that essential services are adequately funded and maintained.