For the last four years, Gary Becker has been serving Treasure Island citizens a slice of political satire with his website TIBeachBums.com. What began as a snarky website skewering family and friends has turned into a small-town government version of The Onion, lambasting the city commissioners' gaffes and blunders. A St. Petersburg police officer by day, Becker turns into a sand sleuth by night, attending public meetings, following up on tips and occasionally scooping the dailies. He shares some of his secrets at his favorite watering hole (and news tip spot), Ricky T's Bar and Grill.
Becker turned his website political after the land development regulations debacle that gripped the beach community in 2003. But instead of ranting and raving, he decided to take the funny road: "You can write a serious article about something, and [people will] read the first part and turn the page. … You write something funny and they'll read it right through."
Becker says city commissioners spend too much time debating "ridiculous" agenda items. "What drives me nuts is that we're going to have some major changes in property tax laws and these guys don't have a plan," he says. "They're debating how tall your grass is, and there's these [bigger] issues."
Becker estimates up to 4,000 readers visit the site a month. He puts out a new issue every two weeks.
Becker says he refrains from personal attacks on commissioners but admits that running into commissioners around town can get "a bit uncomfortable." "I sincerely think these guys are doing the best job they can," he says. "I don't think they're doing a good job, but that's my opinion."
"I don't think I've done anything that has changed elections," Becker says. "But I have kept the commission honest, and they know now people are listening. That's what it's all about."
This article appears in Apr 25 – May 1, 2007.