Biography

Commissioner Tom Shelly and his wife Karen live in Belleair. Their son, Nate, lives nearby in St. Petersburg. He has another son, Jason, who lives in Houston with his wife, Christi, and their daughters Camille and Annabelle.

Commissioner Shelly was first appointed to the Commission in 2005 and holds a sense of great pride in the Town of Belleair because of its small-town atmosphere, open and accessible government, green spaces, and community-minded citizens. He cherishes the uniqueness of Belleair and strives to maintain the characteristics that attract people from around the country to the town.

Outside of his duties on the Commission, Commissioner Shelly started his career as a co-owner of a Century 21 Real Estate franchise in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was a partner with his grandmother who was both his mentor and great friend to him. 

Commissioner Shelly then went to work for Eckerd Drugs, where he stayed for over twenty years. While at Eckerd, Commissioner Shelly held the position of Regional Merchandise and Marketing Director for Florida. In 2001, Commissioner Shelly decided to go back to his first love, Real Estate. He is currently a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker and the Sales Manager for Sunshine Home Sales & Commercial Brokerage.

Previous Experience

Before becoming a commissioner, Commissioner Shelly was an active volunteer at the Belleair Recreation Department, a member of the Town’s Historic Preservation Board, and a past president of the Belleair Civic Association.  He has also been a Sponsorship Chair for Relay for Life for Greater Belleair, the SunCoast 5 County League of Cities President (2010-2011), and a member of the Morton Plant Corporate Associates Board (2007-2011).  Commissioner Shelly also served as a member of the Rotary Board of Directors in Indian Rocks Beach, a member of the Morton Plant Corporate Associates Board, as well as a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Clearwater Beach, Largo, and St. Petersburg. In 2008, he attended the Advanced Institute for Elected Municipal Officials.

Commissioner Shelly previously served as Commission Advisor for the Historic Preservation Board and for the Park & Tree Board. 

Other Activities

Commissioner Shelly has served on the Florida League of Cities Board of Directors since 2009 and the SunCoast 5 County League of Cities Board of Directors since 2007.  He was also appointed to the President of the Pinellas Realtor Organization in 2017.  2018 to -current Chairman of Bright Community Land Trust.  2010 to Current instructor and Steering Committee for USF Community Real Estate Development Class.